Diet & Nutrition

Ancient Egyptians first used grapes for medicinal purposes more than 6,000 years ago. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, its juices have been used as an elixir, its leaves used to remedy wounds and the sap from its…
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If you’ve ever been so thirsty that no amount of water seems to slake that thirst, chances are there is something going on inside your body that needs to be evaluated by a health-care provider. The headache might be caused…
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Overview Eating is a necessary part of everyday life. Food satisfies hunger and also provides energy to the body. Without food, the body would be unable to complete essential activities such as breathing, walking and talking. The main food for…
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Overview All foods can fit into a healthful diet that focuses on variety, moderation and physical activity. Chinese food can be a healthful option for smart consumers who are strategic when ordering. Follow federal guidelines when dining at a Chinese…
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Saw palmetto is perhaps most widely known as an herbal treatment for men with an enlarged prostate, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia. In fact, clinical studies in humans have demonstrated that it is effective in reducing some of the…
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Rooibos gained literary renown in Alexander McCall Smith’s 1999 novel “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.” But this tea–pronounced royboss–has long been a favorite in southern Africa, and it’s now popular in many other parts of the world as well….
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There are several options when selecting a water filtering or purification device for backpacking. Some important things to keep in mind are weight, volume of water you can filter in a given time, size of the unit and ease of…
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The “mother” of apple cider vinegar is a layer produced by bacteria during the fermentation process of the apples, and is rich in minerals and nutrients. Filtered apple cider vinegar does not contain the “mother” and will not have the…
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Thousands of Americans suffer from digestive problems and discomfort on a daily basis. The issues stem from a variety of health conditions, including overeating, acid reflux and food poisoning, and it’s difficult to prevent all of them all the time….
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Overview Colorful salads and fruit baskets are always packed with nutrients and are strongly recommended by health experts. Carbohydrates are nutrients found in produce, especially in fruits, and play an important role in providing the main source of glucose and…
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Milk thistle, or Silybum marianum, is an herb that is used as a culinary ingredient, a medicine and a garden plant. Cultivation of milk thistle dates back 2,000 years to the Greco Roman period, and its popularity continues to this…
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Overview An astounding 120,000 tons of caffeine are consumed annually worldwide. Caffeine is found in coffee and tea, as well as in chocolates and other candies, soft drinks, desserts and energy drinks. The caffeine content of some of these products…
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Overview Probiotics are strains of good bacteria sold in pill form and used as additives to foods such as milk and yogurt. These bacteria, which occur naturally in the digestive tract, support healthy immune function and fight bad bacteria. You…
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Overview With so many brands and options out there, it can be difficult to distinguish between a good vitamin to take and an unnecessary mix. As a first step, always ensure that you buy vitamins that haven’t expired. Vitamins lose…
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Linoleic acid belongs to the omega family of fatty acids, which perform vital functions in the body and are necessary for optimal health and physical condition. The conjugated form of linoleic acid, also known as CLA, is a combination of…
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For many people looking for an alternative to taking prescribed medication, natural vitamins and herbal supplements are available over the counter that feature numerous health benefits for users. Whether a patient is looking to boost overall general health or seeking…
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Overview Whether it’s soft-shelled, in the form of crab cakes, or served fresh from the shell, crab is a delicacy. It should be enjoyed in moderation because it’s high in cholesterol and sodium, but it’s also an excellent way to…
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Castor oil, also referred to as castor bean and palma christo, is extracted from the seeds of a herb native to India and Africa called ricinus communis. Castor oil packs can be made by soaking a piece of flannel in…
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Overview A crabcake is a dish that contains crab meat and some kind of stuffing. They’re most common in the Chesapeake Bay area of the United States, especially the state of Maryland. Crabcakes are a prepared dish, so their nutritional…
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Many gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) supplements contain oil pressed from seeds of the plant Ribes nigrum, commonly known as black currant. For the best benefits, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) recommends buying refrigerated black currant oil supplements certified as…
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Although vinegar may not be the miracle product it’s often purported to be, has many practical applications. Scientists are studying vinegar for its effects on diabetes, skin infections, candidas and other ailments. It can replace household cleaners, improving your home’s…
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Overview Tortillas make dinners and snacks easy to prepare because they can be used in so many different ways. Tortillas can be used for snack wraps with ham, cheese and veggies, or as an integral part of a Spanish-themed dinner….
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Overview Live microorganisms surround us daily. They live inside our digestive system, or even on the outside of our body. Many of these microorganisms include bacteria and yeasts that help to fight off bad bacteria, strengthen our immune system or…
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Most breads are made with wheat, barley or rye. These ingredients contain gluten, which most people don’t have a problem digesting. People with celiac disease, however, experience a rare reaction to these foods. In celiac patients, the body’s immune system…
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Sometimes the difference between a healthy meal and a “bad” one is just a matter of a few ingredients. Replacing high-fat, high-sugar or high-salt ingredients can help make your favorite recipe healthier, and you probably won’t even notice a difference…
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The queen bee is bigger than all the other bees in the hive, and she lives longer. Royal jelly, produced by the glands of nurse bees, is the only factor that makes the queen develop differently from other bees. All…
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Overview While wrinkles on skin are a natural part of the aging process, certain areas tend to be more prone to these changes. Skin around the eyes, lips and on the neck seems to be more sensitive to the ravages…
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Millions of people in the United States and around the world are overweight or obese, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Each time you consume a calorie that your body doesn’t need for energy, it is stored…
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Overview Palm oil is a vegetable oil derived from a palm tree that grows in tropical regions of the world, including Africa, India and Malaysia. Its usefulness in both personal and commercial applications as a cooking oil and ingredient in…
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Overview Red clover is a plant found primarily in meadow and prairie regions where water drainage is poor. It is widely used for livestock grazing in parts of Europe, Asia and North America. It’s also used to treat people for…
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