Nutritional health is achieved through the therapeutic use of whole foods, safe culinary preparation, and understanding the metabolic impacts of specific dietary frameworks and ingredients.
Aspartame and sucralose, sold under the brand name Splenda, are two varieties of commonly used artificial sweeteners. These sweeteners do not contain any calories, but they have a sweetening power far greater than that of sugar. The Food and Drug Administration has approved these sweeteners for consumers.
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The glycemic index is a scale that rates how quickly a given carbohydrate causes blood sugar to rise. The faster that blood sugar rises, the faster that insulin is released. Insulin is a hormone that removes sugars from the blood.
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Doctors often prescribe blood thinners for those who have an increased risk for heart or blood vessel disease. Thinner blood can result in a lower risk of blood clots in arteries and veins, which can reduce the chances of a heart attack. Drugs such as aspirin or anticoagulants are often used to prevent blood clots.
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Artificial food coloring makes your foods more appealing and desirable. While the safety of these dyes has been called into question, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains that the artificial food coloring currently permitted for use meet strict safety requirements.
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Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, as well as lots of water, can help relieve constipation during pregnancy. One type of fiber supplement, psyllium, is also safe and effective for use during pregnancy.
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After being studied for more than 20 years, the artificial sweetener sucralose was deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration. This noncaloric sweetener is used in a wide variety of foods, including baked goods, frozen desserts and beverages.
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Concerns over the potential cancer-causing effects of artificial sweeteners have prompted ongoing research regarding their safety for human consumption.
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Regular coffee contains high levels of caffeine, a stimulant known to increase blood pressure immediately. Decaffeinated coffee, on the other hand, usually contains little if any caffeine, making it much less likely to raise your blood pressure.
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Phytoestrogens are a class of chemicals that possess hormonelike properties. Specifically, they can behave like the female hormone estrogen once inside the body.
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Fish oil, a dietary supplement, is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These unsaturated fats play a vital role in brain development and can help reduce the risk for heart disease and other chronic diseases. This is due in part to the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fats.
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Athletes and bodybuilders frequently use creatine, a natural chemical compound found mostly in the muscles, to increase muscle strength and size. This sports supplement is mainly recognized for its efficacy in high-intensity training, such as sprinting and weightlifting.
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Syntha-6 is a protein supplement often used by athletes or individuals looking for a boost in their daily protein intake. Diets with a moderately high protein intake, along with modestly restricted carbohydrates and fats, can have beneficial effects on weight and body composition, notes a 2008 review published in "
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Acesulfame potassium is one of five artificial sweeteners approved for use in the United States, as of 2014. The benefits of artificial sweeteners include a lack of calories and a greater sweetening power than real sugar. Public concern regarding the safety of artificial sweeteners, however, does exist.
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For bodybuilders, it is especially important to consume a diet with adequate amounts of protein to allow for the rebuilding and repair of muscle tissues. Milk is unique in that it contains two types of high-quality protein, which each possess different characteristics.
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Sugar, a form of carbohydrates, is quickly available to be converted to energy. If sugar calories are not used as energy shortly after they are consumed, however, they are converted into stored body fat by a process known as lipogenesis.
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Sodium, along with potassium and chloride, make up the major electrolytes in the body. Each of these important nutrients is required for normal bodily function. Sodium, in the form of salt, is abundant in the human diet and excessive intake often leads to high blood pressure.
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Hemp protein, made from the hemp seed, is a high-fiber protein supplement that can be used to enhance total protein intake for vegans and non-vegans alike. Hemp can be considered a superior protein source due to its above-average digestibility, which also makes it ideal for athletes.
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The Atkins program is based on the premise that low-carb diets can help burn body fat and promote weight loss. Because there are four phases in the Atkins diet, acceptable Atkins breakfast foods will vary based upon the current stage you're in.
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When many people need an energy boost at the office, at home or before a workout, they turn to the energy supplement 5 Hour Energy. The 2-ounce energy shot contains a combination of caffeine, B vitamins and amino acids, along with some flavorings and preservatives.
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There are eight B vitamins, often referred to as B-complex vitamins. These important nutrients help the body convert food into energy, in addition to performing other important functions such as aiding in the formation of red blood cells.
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