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.
Iodine and iron are both minerals needed for good health. If you live in the United States or other developed countries, iodine deficiencies are rare because table salt contains the mineral, as does most of the farmland in which food is grown. Iron deficiencies, on the other hand, exist around the world.
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In the culinary world, parsley’s status hovers between herb and vegetable. While appreciated for its ability to add color and texture to foods, parsley is under-utilized as a vegetable rich in vitamins A, C and K. As with most foods, eating extremely high amounts of parsley might pose some risks.
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Chamomile tea is gentle enough to calm colic-plagued babies, and yet strong enough to induce sleep in adults when used at greater strength. Some people turn to chamomile to address a number of ills, from anxiety to stomach ulcers.
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As skin-healing products, carrot oils add moisture and may even provide antioxidant protection through topical application. Look for either carrot seed essential oil or carrot root carrier oil. Both possess similar skin-soothing, cell-regenerative qualities for complaints ranging from stretch marks to wrinkles.
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B vitamins are known as the mechanisms that turn food into fuel. Even a mild deficiency of one or more B vitamins can decrease your body’s ability to repair itself after exercising, according to a 2006 study produced by Oregon State University.
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Horsetail, an ancient herb that goes back to the time of the dinosaurs, often haunts gardeners plagued with boggy or shady areas. But this “weed,” Equisetum arvense, contains potential health benefits.
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While drinking dandelion root infusion as a coffee substitute may sound unsatisfying, the beverage does possess health benefits. Add dandelion root tincture or powdered extract to hot water, or infuse pieces of dried root in boiled water.
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Safflower oil’s usefulness as a cooking oil and a skin care product stems from its healthy fat content. Safflower oil is rich in omega-6 fats, also known as linoleic acids. It acts as heart-healthy cooking oil as well as a nourishing, clear carrier oil for sensitive skin.
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A numb feeling in your fingers is not only irritating, but it could signal an unknown condition, injury or nutrient deficiency. Check with your practitioner about tests to determine where the problem lies. Your doctor may find that boosting your intake of vitamin B12 through food or supplements may solve the problem.
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Pumpkin seeds are good sources of protein and other nutrients. Combine them with granola, raisins and nuts in snacks and cereals, or use them instead of nuts in baked goods.
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Chances are, when you have mucus build-up in your chest, you know what foods will help. Chicken soups and other liquids may break up some of that phlegm, while honey and cold, soft foods like applesauce and sorbet may be soothing. What’s less clear is what foods actually aggravate your condition.
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Rich in minerals and deeply cleansing, sea salt may seem the logical choice for scrubbing your face. But talk to your dermatologist before attempting any daily exfoliation, especially with sea salt. Most dermatologists advise against daily face scrubs, and sea salt is too harsh for most complexions.
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The technique of nasal irrigation may be used to treat specific complaints related to your sinuses, including congestion from the common cold, allergies and sinusitis. Doctors also recommend nasal irrigation following surgery to correct chronic sinus problems.
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With the popularity of almond milk on the rise, you may wonder about the beverage’s pros and cons. Some consumers find almond milk’s creamy texture and nutty taste more palatable than other plant-based milks for both drinking and as a cooking ingredient.
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Cooking roasts has become something of a lost art. Intimidated by the sheer size and price of beef and pork roasts, modern cooks more often opt for smaller cuts.
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While slow cookers such as Crock-Pots represent a modern convenience for busy cooks, not every dish follows the "throw in and forget it" ideal. Some ingredients need preparation before they are added to the Crock-Pot. Others, such as noodles, turn mushy if left to cook all day, even at low settings.
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Chamomile tea, a traditional drink mild enough for small children in small quantities, is nonetheless powerful enough to treat a number of maladies, from insomnia to stomach pain. Chamomile can also have potentially serious side effects and medicine interactions.
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Also known as the navy bean, fagioli or pea bean, the white pea is a classic choice for baked beans or soups.
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Spinach is high in vitamins A and C, and also packs a Popeye-sized punch of iron, fiber and protein. Because fresh spinach cooks down to just a fraction of its original volume, many recipes call for one or two boxes of thawed or cooked frozen spinach to make it easier to calculate proportions.
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Of the dry bean varieties, both kidney beans and the type known simply as small red or red beans sport a deep, burgundy color, while pinto beans are a lighter red color. All adapt to a range of cooked dishes, including baked beans and refried beans.
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