Vegetable oils come from oil-bearing seeds such as olive, soybeans, corn, peanuts, cotton seed and palm nuts. Vegetable oils contain 100 percent fat, and they usually remain liquid even at fairly low temperatures. Most vegetable oils come in a light yellow color and produce a mild, tolerable odor.

Hot and spicy food gets a bad rap. For years, experts believed it caused stomach problems and worsened ulcers. The truth is that spicy food might actually protect the stomach lining if eaten in moderation. Hot foods such as red peppers can actually help your stomach produce less gastric acid.

When suffering from a sore throat caused by tonsillitis, eating and drinking may not sound appealing. Tonsillitis often causes throat pain when swallowing, fever and chills, ear or jaw ache and a fever.

In addition to sleep and physical activity, a balanced diet is one of the key elements of health and well-being. Healthy eating not only makes you feel good but also has a variety of physical health benefits. Since food fuels bodily processes, it makes sense that good food encourages optimal overall function.

Eating fish and other seafood as part of a balanced diet has health benefits. It's common to have concerns regarding potential pollutants found in fish and wonder which varieties provide the most benefits. With a little know how, you can easily identify and choose the best fish varieties for you and your family.

Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts all contain a host of healthful nutrients. Just a handful packs a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals and fats, all of which work together to affect your heart, your brain and your waistline.

A balanced diet can control weight and ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to function properly and stay healthy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends a diet that includes lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and fruits and vegetables.

Many popular diets advise against eating anything white. Foods like pasta, rice, white bread, sugar and other white foods are off limits. However, cauliflower is a white food you can feel good about eating. This nonstarchy vegetable is a cruciferous vegetable like cabbage and broccoli.

Cranberry sauce is higher in calories than fresh cranberries, but still contains several nutrients that support overall health and protect you from health problems.

While iceberg lettuce is still the favorite salad green in the U.S., the rise of ready-to-eat packaged salad greens has contributed to increased romaine and spinach consumption. Both are more nutrient dense than than iceberg lettuce, which is mostly water. But what about spinach versus romaine?

Jalapeno peppers provide more than a kick of flavor to your nachos and tacos. These small, fiery green peppers provide multiple vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support a healthy body. Jalapenos may also help you manage your weight.

Edamame are immature, green soybeans still in the pod. Available fresh or frozen, edamame can be boiled whole, then shelled and eaten as a snack or added to stir fries, soups or salads. Edamame have much of the same nutritional benefits as other soy products such as tofu or soy milk.