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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Saccharin and aspartame are two artificial sweeteners that have been rigorously studied for their safety in the past few decades. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has deemed that both saccharin and aspartame are safe, various consumer safety groups and health professionals disagree with this assessment.
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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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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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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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Many foods contain their own defenses against viruses, fungi and bacteria. By consuming these foods, humans can also benefit from the plants' natural defenses. Foods that have been studied for their potency against a wide variety of pathogens include garlic, tea leaves, coconut and ginger.
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Fish oil and vitamin E are each substances that can be obtained through dietary sources or by taking supplements. Fish oil is most known for its high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats that can help reduce the risk for heart disease.
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Edema, also known as fluid retention or water retention, is caused by the accumulation of excess fluids in the circulatory system and areas between the body's cells. It can cause different body parts to swell, with the face, hands, feet, ankles and legs being most common.
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Many cultures have used both garlic and cayenne pepper in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Each of these medicinal foods possesses antioxidant properties that can help protect against cancer.
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Coffee creamers are commonly packed with unhealthy ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, known as trans fats, sugar and artificial additives. Typically, these are thought to be healthier than other natural coffee creamers that may contain more calories and fat.
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Fish is a high quality protein rich in essential nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fat. While fish is an important part of a healthy diet, nearly all fish and shellfish contain trace amounts of elemental mercury, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
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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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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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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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