If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, your doctor may require you to follow a low-potassium diet to prevent side effects such as an irregular heartbeat or a heart attack. Some potassium is essential for maintaining your heartbeat, muscle contractions and blood pressure.
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The exact number of calories in your peanut butter and jam sandwich probably varies from day to day. Unless you're measuring the exact amount of peanut butter and jam before spreading them onto the bread, there is no way to know exactly how many calories you're eating.
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With unlimited options on the market, choosing the right sweetener can be overwhelming. Some of the more popular options include sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave or a variety of artificial sweeteners.
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Drinking water from a fresh coconut does more than just quench your thirst; it replaces electrolytes essential to maintaining your overall health. You'll often see fresh coconuts for sale on the beach in tropical vacation destinations, but coconut water is also available in cans or tetra packs in most grocery stores.
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Genetically modified foods -- also known as GMOs or genetically engineered organisms -- appear on grocery store shelves and restaurant plates throughout the United States.
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Eating a lutein-rich diet may reduce your risk of developing the chronic eye diseases macular degeneration and cataracts, according the American Optometric Association. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of antioxidants called carotenoids, are typically found in the same food sources.
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The number of supplements available in vitamin and health food stores can make selecting the right supplement overwhelming. Iron comes as an individual supplement, or it may be combined with other vitamins and minerals. Your doctor may recommend an iron supplement if you have certain health conditions, such as anemia.
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A body that lacks an adequate number of healthy red blood cells experiences a condition called anemia. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to your cells. Without enough, you may feel tired, weak, dizzy or short of breath and may experience headaches.
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Oatmeal is a whole-grain food, meaning it is minimally processed and contains more vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients than most refined, or processed, grains. Eating oatmeal also supplies you with energy, protein and healthy fats.
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Even a mild case of iron toxicity may increase your risk for heart attack, diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver, according to the Iron Disorders Institute. If left untreated, an iron overload can even be fatal.
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Pork butt, also known as Boston butt, actually comes from the shoulder of a pig, not its rear end. You can roast, barbecue, or shred this cut of meat to make pulled pork. Although it contains beneficial vitamins, minerals and protein, pork butt is also high in calories and fat.
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Prune juice, made from a type of plum fruit, has many benefits to your health including improving digestion. Drinking the dark purple juice may also help to prevent chronic diseases because of antioxidants it contains.
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Your bones consist of a complex network of proteins, such as collagen, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Certain key nutrients such as vitamin D play a part in bone health. But a variety of vitamins and minerals in your diet help encourage bone growth, density and development.
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Eating granola may help lower your cholesterol and prevent certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. It's a type of breakfast cereal consisting of whole grain oats, nuts and dried fruits. The oats are commonly toasted with a small amount of oil and sweetener, giving the cereal a crunchy texture.
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If you've recently broken a bone, improving your nutrition may aid in the healing process. It's best to obtain nutrients from a well-balanced, whole-food-based diet whenever possible.
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Tilapia and halibut are both flaky white fish with a mild flavor. Tilapia is the fourth most commonly consumed fish in the United States, according to 2010 information provided by SeafoodHealthFacts.org. Halibut is popular as well, but tends to have a slightly higher price.
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Eating couscous provides you with essential nutrients to help maintain your overall health. This whole-grain food is native to northern Africa and is commonly found in Middle Eastern cuisine. Couscous is small pasta made of semolina, a form of wheat.
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Dietary fiber, although mostly indigestible within your body, plays a crucial role in maintaining different aspects of your overall health. It's a type of carbohydrate found in plant foods that helps maintain proper digestion, cholesterol levels and body weight.
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