Zinc keeps your immune system healthy, regulates the synthesis of protein, ensures normal growth and supports the senses of smell and taste. If you don’t get enough zinc through your diet, you can boost your intake with supplements such as zinc gluconate and chelated zinc.
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Black tea is better known for its benefits than for any type of side effects. But it contains two natural substances -- caffeine and tannins -- that have the potential to cause digestive problems, such as an upset stomach or nausea. The key is to enjoy black tea but don't go overboard.
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Plants produce starch and use it to store carbohydrates for energy. When you consume foods that contain starch, it becomes an important source of energy for your body. Starches, or complex carbs, consist of two molecules -- amylose and amylopectin -- that connect together to form starch granules.
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In its native tropical environment, the coconut, or Cocos nucifera, is a source of food and is used in traditional medicine to treat skin infections, upset stomach, wounds, bronchitis and coughs. Coconut oil may have anti-inflammatory and fever-reducing abilities.
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Broccoli does lose some nutritional value when it's cooked, but the exact amount can’t be precisely measured because several variables are at play. The type of nutrient, the method of cooking you use and the length of time you cook the broccoli all influence nutrient retention.
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If your stomach rebels at the acids in coffee, there are several ways to make your favorite brew more tolerable. Calcium-containing products like milk help neutralize acids, but the best way to enjoy coffee doesn’t rely on neutralizing existing acids.
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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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L-arginine and L-ornithine, or simply arginine and ornithine, are two amino acids that share a lot in common in spite of one significant difference. Like most amino acids, arginine helps build proteins. Ornithine, on the other hand, doesn’t participate in protein synthesis.
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Of all the detox products available, green tea may be one of the most beneficial, but that doesn’t mean it literally detoxes your body. Instead, the active ingredients in green tea support your body’s natural ability to detox.
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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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Stevia, erythritol and xylitol are all naturally found in plants and used as low-calorie or calorie-free sweeteners. But beyond these similarities, each one has unique characteristics, from differing levels of sweetness to a few unexpected benefits.
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Corn tea is a classic Korean beverage. When made from corn kernels, the tea’s primary benefit is hydration due to its water content, but you’ll also get small amounts of nutrients, such as carbs, vitamin C and folate. Corn tea is also brewed using corn silk.
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Tracking carbohydrates helps people with diabetes keep their blood sugar balanced. It’s also a good way for anyone who wants to watch his carb intake, whether to lose weight, consume the right amount or even to carbohydrate load before an endurance activity.
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Amino acids obtained through your diet are usually safe, but following a very high-protein diet for a long time might cause a problem. Side effects aren’t common when taking amino acid supplements, but several individual amino acids carry a higher risk.
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Hummus makes a healthy addition to a low-carb diet because it’s packed with fiber and vitamins that contribute to your overall well-being. It's a moderate source of carbohydrates, so you may struggle to fit hummus into a very low-carb diet. But, if you follow a more relaxed low-carb diet, you can likely make it work.
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They sound similar and they share some of the same uses, but carnosine and carnitine have different compositions and functions. Carnosine and carnitine are available as supplements and carnitine is sometimes prescribed by physicians for some medical conditions.
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Fucoidan -- an extract from brown seaweed -- is currently available in supplemental tablets. It causes few side effects, but it can interact with anticoagulant medications. If you take this type of prescription medication to prevent blood clots, don't take fucoidan unless it's under the supervision of your doctor.
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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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Perk up the flavor and boost the antioxidants and nutrients in your next cup of tea by adding pomegranate juice. Use your favorite brand of black, green or even herbal tea, but when you buy pomegranate juice, check the label because the ingredients, vitamins and minerals can vary between brands.
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Skin acts like a sentinel, protecting you from invading bacteria and environmental stressors such as sunlight and cigarette smoke. Your skin is such a complex organ that it demands many nutrients to stay healthy, from proteins and fats to a range of minerals and vitamins.
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