Variety comparisons and diverse culinary forms, such as juices or dried extracts, determine the nutritional value and physiological impact of plant-based diets on systemic health.
The pancreas is a glandular organ located behind the stomach near the first part of your small intestines. Its role is to secrete enzymes to help you digest food and hormones to help regulate blood sugar.
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The calimyrna fig originated in California and is a special breed of fig derived from the smyrna fig of Turkey. Known for its golden skin and nut-like flavor, the calimyrna fig is most commonly found dried but is also eaten fresh out of hand.
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Salad greens are a low-calorie, nutrient-rich and tasty way to meet your daily vegetable needs. But you may wonder if one type of lettuce makes a better choice over another.
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They may cause you to shed a few tears, but Americans certainly do like their onions, eating 20 pounds per person in 2009, according to the National Onion Association. That's up 8 pounds since 1982. Both red and white onions are sweet and mild and make flavorful additions to a variety of dishes, both raw and cooked.
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If you have blood vessel or heart disease, or if your blood flow is poor, your doctor may recommend you take blood thinners. When prescribed new medication, it is important to talk to your doctor about possible food interactions with the medication.
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Although native to Central and South America, the Chinese made the dragon fruit legendary with the story of its creation thousands of years ago by fire-breathing dragons. With its distinct skin and sweet flavor, it's hard to pass up this exotic fruit.
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The fuyu persimmon, also known as the Japanese persimmon, is the national fruit of Japan, although it originated in China. The fuyu persimmon has a bright orange skin and is eaten like an apple.
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Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the United States, with more than 6.4 billion pounds consumed each year, according to Pacific Lutheran University. If you enjoy eating bananas, but are looking for some variety, consider trying red bananas.
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Sorghum, also known as "guinea corn," is a cereal grain that originated in Africa and is eaten throughout the world. It is especially valuable in arid terrain because of its resistance to drought. Guinea corn is a nutrient-rich grain that is often ground into flour to make bread, porridge and pancakes.
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When it comes to healthy cuisine, Chinese food, with its emphasis on lean meats, vegetables and healthy oils tops the list. Including entrees like Chinese shrimp and broccoli can be a delicious way for you to increase both your seafood and vegetable intake.
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Both bananas and apples are popular fruit choices among U.S. shoppers. They are also both readily available year round. Bananas and apples make healthy additions to any diet, as they each offer a variety of nutrients you need to keep your body healthy and lower your risk of disease.
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If you're struggling to meet your daily fruit needs, consider including more dried fruit in your diet. A 1/2-cup serving of dried fruit equals 1 cup of fresh fruit. Dried fruit also provides the same nutritional qualities as its fresh fruit counterpart, including similarities in its glycemic index.
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Plums originated in Asia and were brought to the United States in the 1870s. Plums are a member of the plant genus Prunus, which also includes cherries, apricots and almonds. You can't go wrong adding plums to your diet. Plums are low in calories and can help you meet your daily fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C needs.
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Like many foods, it seems potatoes have fallen into the diet trend trap. While you may be shunning white potatoes in favor of sweet potatoes, both provide essential nutrients your body needs for good health. Comparing the nutrient composition of the two can help you determine how they fit into your meal plan.
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Crunchy, sweet and juicy, green seedless grapes satisfy a multitude of cravings, which may be why Americans like them so much. On average, Americans eat 8 pounds of grapes a year, according to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Arizona.
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Including more fruits in your diet can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Most healthy adults need 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit a day.
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