Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden attacks of pain in the joints, often attacking the big toe. Although it is more common in men than in women, gout can also affect women, especially after they enter menopause.
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The term "fructans" refers to two types of soluble fiber -- inulin and oligofructose. Fructans are found naturally in a few foods and added to many others to increase their fiber content without greatly changing their taste and texture.
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The spice cinnamon can add a delicious flavor to both sweet and savory dishes, and it may also have some health benefits. Speak with your doctor before consuming more cinnamon than is typically found in food, however, as this could have some adverse effects.
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Yogurt can be a healthy food, since it is a source of protein and calcium, as long you avoid the types that are loaded with sugar. Most types of yogurt contain probiotics, which may help keep your digestive system and your immune system healthy. In some cases, it can also help if you are suffering from nausea.
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Night sweats can interfere with your sleep and cause you to wake up feeling cold and wet in the middle of the night. In some cases, eating something sweetened with sugar could either increase or decrease your risk for night sweats, but in most cases it isn't likely to have any effect.
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Tannins may be helpful for their antiviral, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, according to an article published in "Molecular Nutrition & Food Research" in September 2009. However, these plant compounds may also trigger migraines in some people for whom a tannin-free diet may be beneficial.
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You need magnesium for strong bones and teeth, a healthy immune system, blood sugar regulation, heart function, energy metabolism, nerve and muscle function, and protein synthesis. Magnesium also helps regulate the levels of various other vitamins and minerals in your blood.
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Calcium is important for secreting hormones, cell signaling, muscle and nerve function, as well as for keeping your teeth and bones strong. However, not everyone gets enough calcium from foods.
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Energy drinks like Monster are popular, and some people are under the impression that they are healthier than soda. Both Monster and soda contain mainly sweeteners and water. However, Monster contains ingredients not found in soda. These ingredients may provide health benefits, but they may not be safe for some people.
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People who suffer from frequent yeast infections sometimes try a yeast-control diet as an alternative remedy. Although the evidence supporting these diets is limited, some people find that they feel better after following one.
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Following a healthy diet and making other healthy lifestyle changes can help you lower your cholesterol levels and thus your risk of heart disease as well. Certain foods are better for lowering cholesterol than others.
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Some of the same foods that can help you lower your cholesterol levels may also help you keep your blood sugar under control. Including these foods as part of a heart-healthy diet may potentially decrease your need for medications for diabetes and high cholesterol.
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Monosodium glutamate may have a toxic effect on certain brain cells that may be responsible for the adverse effects some people experience after consuming MSG, reports a preliminary study published in the "International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine" in 2009.
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Lentils fall into the beans and peas group, which means they can be counted toward either your recommended vegetable consumption or your recommended protein consumption for the day. The U.S.
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Any food can cause weight gain if you eat enough of it, causing you to consume more calories than you need for your daily activities. If you've recently gained weight, cheese, with its high fat and calorie content, may seem as if it would be the likely culprit.
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You need the B-complex vitamins, which include naicin, thiamine, riboflavin, biotin, pantothenic acid, folate and vitamins B-6 and B-12, for turning the food you eat into energy. These vitamins also play a role in normal growth and development and proper nerve, muscle and heart function.
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Pineapple is a nutritious food, providing 131 percent of the daily value for vitamin C and 77 percent of the DV for manganese in each cup of fresh cubed pineapple. The juice isn't quite as nutritious, as it doesn't provide fiber and only has 42 percent of the DV for vitamin C per cup.
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Your body uses magnesium to help turn food into energy, synthesize protein, regulate blood sugar levels, keep your immune system healthy, maintain a steady heart rate, keep your bones strong and your nerves and muscles functioning properly. Supplements can help you meet your recommended intake for magnesium.
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People who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to lose more weight than those who consume less of these nutritious foods, according to a study published in "Nutrition Research" in April 2008. Dates, however, many not be a very good fruit choice if you are trying to lose weight.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends at least half of your grain servings consist of whole grains. There's a good reason for this -- whole grains are more nutritious and provide more health benefits. The healthiest type of pita bread is one made with whole grains, such as whole-wheat.
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