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.
Green tea is touted for its health benefits, and for good reason. The brewed beverage contains micronutrients called catechins, which may help stave off colds and flues while protecting your cardiovascular health.
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Although food doesn't really clean your colon -- your body generally does a fine job of that on its own -- choosing the right foods can help keep digestion running smoothly, possibly preventing constipation. High-fiber foods may be particularly helpful in this department, as can those with live bacteria cultures.
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Filling up on protein to build muscle or slim your waistline may cause adverse effects, including increased body fat. As with all calories -- whether they come from carbohydrates, protein or fats -- your body converts what you don't need for energy into stored fat, which will remain until you burn it off.
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Olive oil may be high in calories, but that doesn't mean eating it will lead to weight gain. What's more, olive oil is rich in cholesterol-lowering monounsaturated fats, making it a healthy addition to your diet. The key is to eat this and other calorie-rich foods in moderation as part of a balanced meal plan.
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You may have seen advertisements claiming that eating a specific cereal will make the pounds melt away, but the reality isn't quite so simple. Neither cereal nor any other food will magically burn fat, and sticking to a cereal-only diet will not guarantee weight loss.
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If you can handle the heat, drinking water with added cayenne pepper may provide a healthy boost. While this beverage won't perform any cleansing or weight-loss miracles, cayenne is high in nutrients yet low in calories and may even perk up your metabolism slightly.
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At 55 milligrams of sodium per large egg, egg whites have a healthy place in a well-planned low-sodium diet. They're also low in calories and contain almost no fat while providing high-quality protein.
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Green tea is rich in healthy compounds, and Lipton's versions are no exception. For the greatest health benefits, however, stick to brewed teabags instead of iced tea from a bottle.
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When you're watching your weight, whole-wheat bread is a smart choice. It helps you stay satisfied as you reduce calories and supplies a greater assortment of nutrients than its refined counterpart, white bread.
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In early civilizations, skipping the bison meat at dinner may have led to poor nutrition. These days, however, humans have access to an array of healthful food options and don't need to eat animal flesh to thrive.
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Dates are a type of fruit and, like all plant products, are cholesterol-free. You'll only find cholesterol in animal foods such as meat, butter and cheese, so replacing animal-based snacks with dates in your diet may help keep your arteries clear.
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Coffee is not a proven cause of cellulite, and it may actually help reduce the dimply appearance. That's why coffee and caffeine are active ingredients in many topical cellulite treatments. More research is needed to confirm the benefits, but one study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology"
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If you tend to carry more weight around the midsection than in the hips and thighs, you're considered an apple shape rather than a pear. Having an apple shape could make you more prone to metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
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Mandarin oranges, also called tangerines, are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing more than half of the recommended daily allowance for adults. Fresh fruits typically contain more of this healthy antioxidant than canned versions.
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Although frozen meals can be convenient, many offer poor nutrition and are best reserved for rare occasions. Frozen foods are not all evil, however; freezing fruits and vegetables can help prevent nutrient loss, and because frozen foods are portion-controlled, they sometimes help with weight management.
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Garlic is generally considered a healthy herb, but high doses may result in diarrhea, according to NYU Langone Medical Center. Too much garlic can also cause other digestive woes such as gas, heartburn and upset stomach.
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Spirulina is a nutrient-rich blue-green algae found in supplements and some health foods. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a typical daily dose of spirulina is 2,000 to 3,000 milligrams, usually consumed in four to six portions of 500 milligrams each.
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Although bloating is not a typical reaction to tea, the caffeine may cause this side-effect in rare cases, according to Drugs.com. Teas with artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol or mannitol, may also cause gas that leads to bloating, as can very hot or cold drinks, according to Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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If you're struggling with a bout of mild-to-moderate diarrhea, adding fiber to your diet might help. Look for foods high in soluble fiber, which absorbs water in the digestive tract. Mixed with water, soluble fiber turns into a gel, resulting in firmer, bulkier stool that moves more slowly through your system.
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When you're restricted to bed, your body needs less energy than it does when you're up and about. Calories are simply units of energy; therefore, you need fewer calories in bed than with an active lifestyle. Even on a reduced-calorie diet, however, you still need vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
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