When you're young, you may not give nutrition much thought. But what you eat as a young adult can affect your energy, your appearance and your health. It's important that you eat a variety of foods from all the food groups so that you get all the essential nutrients your body needs to function at its best.

High blood pressure puts you at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. The Harvard Medical School reports that high blood pressure can also cause damage to your ears, arteries and kidneys.

Creatine helps provide the energy your muscles need for everyday activities. It also supplies the extra spurt of energy that sustains and boosts muscle power during high-intensity exercise. Meat is a good choice for adding to your stores of creatine.

Some adults simply don’t like certain foods, while others are so averse to eating new things that they are considered to have a condition called selective eating disorder. Most picky eaters will simple refuse to eat new foods, so you must be flexible when cooking for these people.

Working late nights frequently interferes with the body's natural rhythms, causing gastrointestinal problems, appetite changes and significant weight loss or gain. The key to healthy eating in a late-night job is to establish a meal schedule that fits your "day," whatever the hours.

Fresh vegetables wilt because of falling moisture content. As water evaporates from the produce, cell walls lose rigidity. The vegetables become soft and flexible and vitamin content drops. Wilting does not make fresh vegetables inedible.

When you’re looking for an excellent source of quality protein and vitamin B-12, meat is one of your top choices. Some cuts of meat contain so much saturated fat and cholesterol, however, that their high fat outweighs the nutritional benefits.

Sardines, with their reputation of having a fishy taste, may be off-putting to some people. However, these small, oily fish are packed with nutrients, including healthy fats. When properly prepared, sardines are cost-effective and flavorful.

Grabbing a banana as a midmorning snack won't likely have you nodding off at your desk, but munching on one at bedtime can improve the quality of your sleep. The minerals and amino acids in a banana help relax your body. Pairing your evening banana with another sleep-inducing food provides even greater benefits.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil promote healthy cholesterol, which helps protect your heart. The best way to get fish oil in your diet is to consume at least two servings of fatty fish each week. Fish oil supplements can become rancid and must be stored properly.

Hyperparathyroidism is a treatable condition, but something as simple as diet can also help control symptoms and promote and maintain overall health.

DHA, which stands for docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 fatty acid that plays a key role in normal brain development in children, according to a 2013 review in “Nutrients.” DHA is found in select foods; however, some of these foods may be contaminated with toxins, such as mercury.