Pears are safe to eat during pregnancy; they are low in calories and contain several nutrients that are especially important for expecting moms. Add variety to your daily diet with the many pear varieties available, including Bosc, Bartlett, Anjou, Starkrimson and Comice.

When phytic acid reaches your digestive tract, it interacts with bacteria and releases a substance called inositol. Inositol helps your liver process fats and has a role in muscle function. In spite of these benefits, phytic acid is called an antinutrient because it interferes with the absorption of minerals.

Dealing with the symptoms of strep throat, which include a sore throat, fever and even nausea, can put your plans on hold as you recuperate. Part of that recuperation process often includes taking an antibiotic such as penicillin or amoxicillin. If you're thirsty, beer isn't the answer.

Now that sushi's as easy to find in supermarket refrigerator cases as it is in high-end restaurants, you may find nigiri or California rolls making more frequent appearances on your menu.

While you may know which grains, fruits, vegetables and protein foods are safe on your soy- and gluten-free diet, you may not have given any thought to the oil you use in cooking. Luckily, there are a number of healthy cooking oils safe for you to include in your diet.

Proper nutrition helps to keep you in good health and prevents many types of chronic disease. Poor nutrition may increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain forms of cancer, according to the World Health Organization.

As a bodybuilder, you know the importance of vitamins and minerals to help build muscle and provide energy. You might not know that your risk for kidney disease increases if you're a bodybuilder. If you've been recently diagnosed with kidney disease, you're probably wondering if your bodybuilding days are over.

Cheese is hardly considered to be the epitome of healthy food, but like other indulgent dishes, it can have a place in your diet if you consume it in moderation and make smart choices. The healthiest cheese choice depends on if you're looking for an option low in fat, sodium or calories; however, "Real Simple"

Oil and water don’t normally mix, but the addition of an emulsifying agent binds the two together in most sauces, giving them a smooth texture. The emulsifier is usually a protein – egg, cream or the milk solids in butter -- but in some sauces, flour plays a similar role.

Sticking to a healthy diet all the time can be difficult. Temptation is everywhere, in the form of high-fat entrees and comfort food that might make you feel better for a while but pack on the calories. If you've given in to the lures of a heavy meal, don't be too hard on yourself.

During workouts, your muscles use and produce energy through a serious of aerobic and anaerobic processes. When oxygen flows constantly through the working muscles, waste byproducts formed as part of muscle metabolism are removed efficiently. However, when oxygen is limited, the byproducts accumulate.

The sugar molecule is the simplest form of carbohydrate, according to MayoClinic.com. Sugar gets absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes blood sugar, or glucose, where it acts as fuel for your entire body for functions ranging from breathing to jogging. Your body can also store some sugar for later use.