When trying to improve the quality of your diet, you can't go wrong eating fruits. They are rich in essential nutrients, and making them a regular part of your diet may help lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. Figs and dates are no exception.

The manner in which lipids are transported in your body is essential for your health and well being, possibly meaning the difference between life and death. Although the term fat is often used interchangeably with lipids, fats are only a subgroup of lipids, namely triglycerides.

Salt cravings before a period is a symptom of premenstrual syndrome. Just prior to menstruation, women tend to experience a wide range of physical, emotional and behavioral changes, especially in their 20s and 30s. In fact, roughly three out of four women experience some level of PMS with regularity.

Mildly spicy with a strong vegetal taste, red cabbage is associated more with soup and coleslaw than with juice. However, this nutrient-packed vegetable can be juiced and added to other vegetable or fruit juices to increase the nutritional content. The U.S.

Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices in the United States, according to Michael T. Murray and Joseph E. Pizzorno, authors of "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods."

You're likely familiar with industrial sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup, which is found in a wide variety of foods. Another food additive you may find as you peruse food labels is high-maltose corn syrup.

It can become a habit to reach for a soft drink during a trip to the movie theater or to sip from a bottle of Gatorade during your gym workout. Regardless of which one you prefer, these two types of drinks share a common trait: a high sugar content.

A liquid diet is prescribed to help you prepare for or recover from digestive procedures. Depending on your situation your doctor may advise you to follow either a clear liquid diet or a full liquid diet. This type of diet is temporary and usually lasts only a few days.

Wheat protein isolate is a dietary supplement that is rich in protein and low in carbohydrates and fat. Wheat protein isolate is a popular sports nutrition supplement, particularly among bodybuilders and strength-training athletes, because the high protein content may be helpful in producing muscle growth.

A fancy name for rich, thick cream, creme fraiche has a bold flavor that's somewhat nutty, and it's often used to enhance the flavor of desserts. Creme fraiche is added to certain soup recipes, as well, to infuse them with flavor and to help thicken them.

Malnutrition or undernutrition, according to the Merck Manual Online Library, is the result of an inadequate supply of nutrients due to impaired metabolism, malabsorption or an inadequate supply of food. Overnutrition, or obesity, according to Merck, is also a form of malnutrition.

Diet and fitness products are a multibillion-dollar industry and, while much of the focus is on weight loss, there are hundreds of products designed to help you gain weight. Putting on a few pounds can benefit your health if you're underweight, or it can help fill out your frame if you feel you're too skinny.