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.
When Carrie Underwood was on “American Idol,” she put on 20 pounds. During a 2008 interview with "Shape" magazine, she made it clear that this is a common occurrence for many of the contestants on the show.
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Ramadan is the "fasting month" in the Islamic calendar. It is technically the ninth month in the calendar, although the exact date moves from one year to the next. Ramadan is a blessed month, when people concentrate on their commitments to God and their faiths. During Ramadan, people fast only during daytime hours.
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Gluten is a form of protein present in wheat, barley, rye and other grains. Gluten is what makes dough rise and stay elastic. Gluten is often used to make seitan, a meat alternative used by vegetarians to make faux chicken, faux beef and other vegetarian foods.
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Periodontal disease is a severe form of gingivitis or gum inflammation, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. With periodontal disease, gums separate from the teeth, leaving an open space that can lead to infection.
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Proteins play essential functions that include everything from the creation of antibodies to muscle contraction, chemical reactions and the health of hair, nails and skin. The amino acids present in protein regulate chemical reactions and improve healing time, control blood pressure and help with blood clotting.
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Bananas turn brown because of a simple oxidation process. Oxygen oxidizes enzymes, according to food science professor Lynne McLandsborough in a July 2007 article for "Scientific American." This means that as soon as you cut a banana open, the pulp starts reacting to the air and turning brown.
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The best-known effects of caffeine include tremors, nervousness and fast heartbeat. However, other symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, are also possible. The recommended amount of caffeine is no more than 300 milligrams per day, according to MedlinePlus.
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Raw foodism is an eating system that concentrates on eating only foods that are unprocessed and uncooked. Most raw foodists are vegetarians but some also consume animal products. Some raw foodists also eat meat. This is a controversial choice, as raw meat is a potential carrier of E. coli and other harmful bacteria.
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Tapioca starch is made from the root of the cassava plant. Although it can be used as a flour for baking, its mainly used as a thickener. Tapioca is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Thai recipes. In India, tapioca starch is sometimes boiled and flavored with spices to eat as a side dish.
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The issue of whether vegetarians are healthier than people who eat meat is a complicated one. Many people who turn vegetarian do so for health reasons or to follow their doctors’ recommendations. Others do so for ethical reasons, with health benefits being an afterthought.
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Honey has been part of both diet and medicine for centuries. Although honey is a natural product, it’s not as healthy as many people make it out to be. Before you make honey part of your regular diet, take into consideration its good and bad sides.
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If you suspect you have low iron, ask your doctor for a blood test. Don't take iron supplements without the approval of your healthcare provider, since excess iron can be toxic. Also, don't discount the possibility of the sleepiness being connected to something else.
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V8 juices come in a variety of flavors and combinations. The original vegetable V8 is a combination of eight vegetables, but the company also produces high-fiber mixes, as well as fruit juices.
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Vitamin C is essential for a number of basic body functions, including the health of the skin, bones and teeth. Severe deficiency of vitamin C can result in scurvy, a disease that can lead to severe anemia, skin hemorrhages and even death.
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When it comes to fat consumption, unsaturated is always better. Saturated fats -- which come from animals and certain oils, like coconut oil -- can be bad for your heart. Vegetable oils are rich in healthier fats that might help protect against high blood pressure and decrease your risk of heart disease.
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It’s not true that eating late at night will make you gain weight, according to research performed at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University. In 2006, scientists at Oregon University compared the effect of calories eaten during the day and at night.
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If you take vitamins or supplements on a regular basis, chances are you will want to take them along with you when you travel. While vitamins don’t qualify as drugs, there are still things you should keep in mind when packing your pills to go.
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Healing through the use of sugar is an old-time tradition that has been used by both Native Americans and different tribes in Africa. In 2009, a series of tests were conducted in British hospitals to determine whether there’s any truth behind the idea that sugar can be used to treat wounds and ease pain.
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Sesame oil is widely used in China and India to treat a number of health problems, both internally and externally. How sesame oil is applied depends on your problem and where it needs to be used.
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It’s not rare to find bugs or rice weevil inside your rice packet. The bugs can get there in either of two ways. Sometimes they are already inside the packet when you buy it. This is common, as the bugs lay eggs in the crops, and when these are harvested, the eggs end up in the package.
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