Food for Health: Anti-Inflammatory Diets & Nutrients

How does the food we eat give us energy? From the anti-inflammatory benefits of a garlic-rich diet to the digestive impact of oatmeal and berries, understanding nutrient synergy is the foundation of an effective detox diet.

Lemons and citrus squeezer on a wooden background

Health Benefits of Lemon Juice and Danger of Too Much

Lemon juice is such a good source of both vitamin C and citric acid that you don’t need to consume a huge amount to get the antioxidant benefits. Citrus fruits are the only sources of flavanones, which add to the antioxidant impact of lemon juice.

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Winter Salad with Quinoa, Avocado, Blood Orange, Pomegranate, Bulgur, Hazelnuts

What Is the Function of Amino Acids in the Human Body?

Amino acids build proteins, and proteins are life-sustaining macronutrients. Yet simply calling amino acids the building blocks of protein doesn’t do justice to their value. While some amino acids only make proteins, others fill a variety of roles, from supporting metabolism to protecting your heart.

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girl eating burger and fries solo

How Long After Eating Does Blood Sugar Peak?

What makes your blood sugar peak, and how long after eating does blood sugar peak? After consuming carbs, your blood sugar levels temporarily go up until insulin steps in to remove the extra sugar.

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Cinnamon sticks tied next a spoon with powdered cinnamon

What Are the Benefits of Real Cinnamon vs. Fake Cinnamon?

All types of cinnamon belong to the genus Cinnamomum, so there really isn’t a “fake” cinnamon. But true cinnamon comes from one specific species -- Cinnamomum verum -- which is native to Ceylon. Other types of cinnamon come from several different cinnamomum trees. They're collectively referred to as cassia cinnamon.

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banana smoothie

Bananas and Inflammation

The health benefits of fruits are usually not questioned -- unless the fruit is a banana. With a reputation for being too starchy or sugary, bananas have sometimes appeared on lists of foods to avoid. When they rose above that hurdle, they were suddenly labeled as promoting inflammation.

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Stuffed French Bread

Water Retention: Carbohydrates vs. Salt

Salt and carbohydrates can both lead to water retention, but their methods -- and their impact on your health -- are different. Salt exerts its influence throughout your body and can lead to serious health consequences. Carbs have a more limited effect that may cause slight weight gain, yet can help boost performance.

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vinegar bottle

Health Risks of Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is associated with only two potential health problems. It could erode dental enamel due to its acidity, and it may contain some lead. While the amount of lead is considered to be too small to affect adults, there’s a chance it might raise lead levels in children.

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Sources of omega 3 fatty acids: flaxseeds, avocado and walnuts

Does the Body Store Fat Like Carbohydrates?

When you consume more calories than your body needs, both carbs and fats end up stored in muscles and in other areas throughout the body. The body stores dietary fats in the form of triglycerides, whether in muscles or fat cells. Carbs are first turned into glycogen, which is stored in the liver and muscles.

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Mature man lying on couch and reading newspaper

Does Orange Juice Lower Blood Pressure?

Along with an entire day’s supply of vitamin C, a cup of orange juice delivers potassium, folate and natural citrus bioflavonoids. These nutrients fill essential roles that support your metabolism and keep you healthy. They may also help lower your blood pressure.

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young woman at home eating yogurt

The Best Types of Yogurt to Prevent Diarrhea

It sounds contradictory, yet it’s true: You may need to avoid milk when you have diarrhea, but a milk product -- yogurt -- can help prevent it. Some differences among types of yogurt, such as whether it contains fruit, won't impact diarrhea. But a few factors are important.

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Pears

Pears and Digestive System

You can satisfy a craving for something sweet and do something good for your digestive tract all at the same time by snacking on a pear. Pears are packed with fiber, which is an essential nutrient for normal digestion.

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Ramen noodle soup

Can Ramen Noodles Cause Diarrhea?

Ramen noodles don't have a reputation for causing diarrhea, but they do contain ingredients that could trigger digestive distress in people with allergies and sensitivities. The noodles contain gluten, wheat and soybeans, while the flavor packet may have milk and monosodium glutamate in its ingredients.

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Crystallised Ginger

The Benefits of Ginger Chews

Ginger chews are made from pieces of real ginger root, which means they contain its natural active ingredients. At least 14 bioactive substances have been identified in ginger root. The most abundant essential oils in fresh ginger -- called gingerols -- have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.

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Smiling woman jogging along road

Does Protein Give You Energy?

You can get energy from protein, but it’s not your best choice. Protein has other jobs to fill that take priority over using it as an energy source, such as building muscles and producing the protein-based substances that make muscles contract.

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Grilled fish served with rice and vegetables

Best Time to Take Amino Acids

Everyone needs a regular supply of essential amino acids to support health and metabolism. You can reach that goal by including protein at every meal.

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Kiwi and strawberries

Oxalic Acid in Fruits

If you have a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones or kidney disease, you may need to limit oxalate consumption. Plants naturally contain oxalic acid, so if you eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts, you also consume oxalic acid, or oxalate.

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Steak chicken breast on granit board.

Vitamins for Brain Fog

Everyone has forgetful moments, but when brain glitches begin to occur more frequently, you may experience brain fog. Brain fog can be symptomatic of an underlying health condition requiring a doctor’s attention.

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avocado

Natural Sources of Beta-Sitosterol

Changes in your diet can help reduce your levels of cholesterol. For example, replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats and getting your daily fiber will lower cholesterol. A third dietary action that helps is boosting your intake of substances from plants called phytosterols.

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