Diet and Nutrition

Overview Diabetes is a serious condition in which a person does not produce the hormone insulin or his body produces insulin but does not recognize it and cannot use it to move sugar from the bloodstream into the cells and…
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Turmeric is an herb commonly found in Indian and Asian foods. Turmeric is used in Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurvedic medicine to improve liver function, relieve arthritis pain, help regulate menstruation, relieve heartburn and treat ulcers, among other uses. However,…
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When working to lose weight and build muscle, it is important to understand that these goals do not have to be independent of each other. Accomplishing both doesn’t have to be hard. It takes a little bit of nutritional understanding…
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1. Glycemic Index 101 Diabetics have used the glycemic index diet as a means for controlling their blood sugar, but now non-diabetics are using it as a means of maintain energy levels while controlling weight. The diet revolves around the…
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Dietary fiber, also known as roughage, is made up of the parts of foods like skin, rind, seeds and stalks that your intestines can’t digest or absorb. However, fiber plays a significant role in health by absorbing bad nutrients, like…
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Probiotics are organisms which live in the intestinal tract and assist the body in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Food manufacturers, namely yogurt brands, have introduced probiotics as ingredients, touting their ability to regulate the digestive system….
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Persistent itching can be a stubbornly distressing symptom. Many skin and systemic disorders can precipitate itching, which is caused by stimulation of specialized nerve fibers found only in the skin. Although the precise mechanisms by which certain disorders cause persistent…
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Overview Red yeast rice has been used for medicinal purposes since 900 A.D. China, says the National Institutes of Health. A thorough description of how it’s made and used is documented in a Chinese text, Ben Cao Gang Mu-Dan Shi…
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Overview High fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener found in a wide variety of foods and beverages. It is derived from corn and is made of 42 to 50 percent fructose. Chemically speaking, high fructose corn syrup is almost…
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Overview Flax oil, also known as flaxseed oil or linseed oil, is derived from the seeds of the flax plant (scientific name Linum usitatissimum). This oil has been used for centuries as a food and medicinal product, as well as…
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TV ads constantly push pills and gadgets that promise you a flat, firm stomach with no effort. But if any of them worked consistently, there wouldn’t be a new product every week. If you are truly dedicated to getting fit…
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Belly fat is not only unsightly but it is also the most dangerous form of fat. Too much belly fat increases your risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and a host of other health problems, says the Mayo Clinic. The…
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While certain vitamins can help to promote better circulation and prevent heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders, vitamins alone cannot protect the heart and the blood, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. The majority of vitamins and minerals necessary for…
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Overview A steam distillation method is used to extract tea tree oil from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. This pungent smelling oil contains anti-bacterial properties that defeat antibiotic resistant bacterium. Originally used in Australia, tea tree oil is…
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The best laid plans of losing weight are often followed by frustration when your goals aren’t met as quickly as you’d like. If this happens, your goals may be unrealistic, so you need to reevaluate your plan. View healthy food…
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Believe it or not, cholesterol isn’t bad. Some of it is necessary for your body to function. When cholesterol levels are too high (or too low in the case of good cholesterol) problems occur. These aren’t small problems either–they’re bodily…
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If the mojo is just so-so, there are many supplements that can help. Vitamin supplements or dietary changes can make a big difference in libido, especially when there is a deficiency. While a good multivitamin can provide a back-up, fresh…
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You don’t need to drive to a gym to lose weight. You can burn fat and help the environment in the process by walking more, driving less, growing your own food and eating a plant-based diet. For even more of…
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Red yeast rice is produced by a yeast that grows on rice and contains several compounds called monacolins. Monacolins inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol. Red yeast rice has been utilized in the Chinese culture for centuries as a dietary staple…
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Grape seed extracts are natural plant products that contain a concentrated source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells from harmful oxidation reactions brought on by free radicals in the body. Free radicals have been linked to aging and cancer. Research into…
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Curcuma longa is a spice that has been used for centuries as a means to flavor food and to treat numerous disorders. It is often referred to as turmeric, which is derived from the roots of the curcuma longa plant….
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Learning to cook healthful recipes is an investment in your life and well-being. Simple cooking techniques for making nutritious food give you control over the fat and calories you consume, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you’re used to preparing…
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Overview The goji plant is found most often in Himalayan areas, and the Himalayan goji berry is a popular fruit noted for its incredible health benefits. Goji juice is a lot more than just a refreshing drink. The nutritional properties…
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Used by practitioners of alternative medicine for centuries as a versatile cure for everything from minor cuts and burns to dandruff and jock itch, tea tree oil has long been touted as a powerful anti-fungal and antimicrobial agent. Some have…
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1. Get Your Vitamins The macrobiotic diet eliminates foods from the diet that contribute to many illnesses and ailments. By reducing the processed foods and animal byproducts, which include dairy, meat and eggs, the body can provide good health and…
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The dried leaves of green tea (Camellia sinensis) originates in ancient China and has a long recorded history of therapeutic use. Today, green tea is widely consumed throughout the world for a variety of health benefits. Green tea may be…
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Herbs and spices have many uses. They are a common cooking ingredient. They provide scents that are used in perfumes, cleaning products and potpourri. They are valued for their medicinal properties by naturopathic doctors and other proponents of alternative medicine….
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Overview Calories, or energy derived from food, are vital to a child’s health. Consuming excessive calories, relative to the amount of physical activity a child partakes in, often results in unhealthy weight gain. Eating too few calories can lead to…
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Kombucha, often referred to as a mushroom, actually consists of a symbiotic community of bacteria and yeast. This culture is can be steeped in tea and fermented, producing a flavorful, fizzy drink that has been gaining popularity in the U.S….
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Obese people may be able to obtain a short-term prescription from their physician for phendimetrazine, a diet pill sold in generic form and in brands including Bontril. Bontril is similar to an amphetamine and is approved for short-term use as…
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