Nutrients are essential for your survival. Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are called macronutrients. Your body needs larger amounts of macronutrients for energy, growth and development. Fats provide 9 calories per gram while protein and carbohydrates each provide 4 calories per gram.

If you have diabetes, you are twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke than someone who does not, according to the American Diabetes Association. Eating right not only helps you manage your blood sugar but also helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Ice doesn't contain any magical weight-loss properties, although your body does burn a small number of calories when you eat it. The only way to lose weight is by consuming fewer calories than you burn. The boost from ice is far too small to make a significant difference in your weight.

When you get braces, you most likely will have to modify some parts of your diet to protect them. Some foods can break the wires and dislodge the brackets.

Detox diets are common and, while evidence for their effectiveness is lacking, proponents believe the diets remove toxins from the body.

Fasting two days each week induces your body to burn fat and promotes weight loss, say writer Mimi Spencer and Dr. Michael Mosley, the people behind the 5:2 diet, also known as the Fast diet.

The theory behind the Atkins diet is that by strictly limiting your intake of carbohydrates, you can force your body into burning stored fat for energy, resulting in weight loss. Followers of the plan move through four phases. The first phase, known as the Induction phase, is the most restrictive.

The Mediterranean diet, inspired by the traditional eating habits of people living around the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It also includes sources of healthful fats, such as nuts and olive oil, seafood, and smaller amounts of dairy, meat and sweets.

If you have frequent colds and flu, allergies, food sensitivities, recurring urinary tract and yeast infections, a persistent cough, skin problems, constipation, irritability, brain fog or fatigue, you may have candida, according to the Candida diet website.

Weight Watchers uses a PointsPlus system that assigns points to the foods and drinks you consume. Your goal is to stay within your daily PointsPlus range. Points are calculated based on how filling foods are and how many calories are left after digestion.

Weight Watchers encourages balanced eating through a point system that assigns lower points to nutritious foods and higher points to less healthy foods. Instead of denying yourself treats, you simply deduct the points from your daily allotment, and aim to remain within your target range.

Ultimately, a healthy diet helps maintain or improve your health. Many fad diets can help you lose weight in the short-term, but a truly healthy diet is a long-term strategy that involves consuming appropriate amounts of all nutrients, including clean water.