Diet & Nutrition

Selenium is essential for human health as a trace mineral. It occurs in many plant foods, with the amount depending on how much selenium is in the soil where the plants grow. For instance, soil in the high plains region…
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Overview Royal jelly is a thick, milky mix of nutrients, which is produced from a combination of honey and pollen. All of the bees in a hive consume this substance, but larvae that consume it exclusively and in high doses…
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Overview Two molecules of orotic acid combine to form a single molecule of calcium orotate, in which a calcium atom takes the place of two hydrogen atoms (one H atom from each of the orotic acids). Calcium orotate is found…
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Overview An ubiquitous herbal remedy, ginseng has been used for centuries. It has been touted as an energy enhancer, a sleep aid, and just about everything in between. Several different varieties of plants have been called “ginseng,” making it sometimes…
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Overview Several herbal drinks contain acai berries and pomegranate, and are being touted as the greatest breakthrough in antioxidant history. Besides the marketing hype, the acai berry actually is very high in antioxidants, reports the Herb Research Foundation, although the…
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Wolfberries or goji berries are native to China and grow on a shrublike plant. These berries have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are sometimes combined with other herbal treatments to enhance immunity and treat various medical…
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Overview A common ingredient in Indian curry recipes is quickly becoming known for its protective effects on the liver. Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric spice. Turmeric is a rhizome, and is a member of the ginger family….
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Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid involved in cell regulation. Although omega-6 fatty acids are essential for health, people tend to consume too much of these substances, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), and arachidonic acid…
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Cocoa butter is the non-dairy, edible vegetable fat extracted from cocoa beans. Cocoa beans are typically used to make baked goods, as a flavoring, but most popularly as an ingredient for dairy-free and vegan pastries and foods. Cocoa butter has…
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The health food store can be a daunting place. Lack of familiarity with herbal and homeopathic remedies often discourage an uninitiated shopper from exploring the world of alternative medicine. Stocked amongst shelves packed with unfamiliar substances with unpronounceable names, royal…
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Overview Elderberries are small, dark blue or purple berries that grow in clusters on bushes. They have a tiny edible seed that tends to remain crunchy even when cooked. Unsweetened berries are bitter in taste, and it is generally recommended…
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Sports nutritionists like Dan Benardot, PhD, recommend that serious strength-training athletes utilize the post-workout period to maximize strength and muscle gains. The most important way to do this is to consume nutrients that will ensure maximum muscle growth. Athletes who…
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Alpha-lipoic acid, also known as lipoic acid, is an antioxidant that is manufactured by the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). It’s sometimes called a universal antioxidant because it is both water and fat-soluble. This feature…
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 14,000 reported cases of shigella infection each year. But the CDC estimates that the number of infections could actually be as high as 280,000, because many mild…
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Overview Energy bars come in different nutritional configurations, emphasizing different amounts of protein, carbohydrates, calories, vitamins and minerals. Some claim to offer more benefits for athletes of specific sports, while others advertise themselves as meal replacements. To determine which energy…
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Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy for treating acne. Research is lacking, but if you’d like to try a natural product before resorting to medication, apple cider vinegar is an inexpensive option with much anecdotal support for its benefits….
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According to the Harvard School of Public Health, adults need about 8 grams of protein per 20 pounds of body weight. A healthy adult generally can meet his protein needs by consuming a balanced diet that includes dairy, eggs, beans…
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Shea butter is a cream-colored fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea-karite trees. Africans have used the substance for centuries for its skin and hair benefits, as explained by Treasured Locks. More recently, people in other parts of…
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Overview Consumers who purchase vitamins want to be able to verify the quality, safety and potency of these products. In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration set June 2010 as the date by which all manufacturers of dietary supplements must…
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Overview If you want to achieve a healthy glow, radiant skin starts from within. For beautiful skin, you can make healthy lifestyle choices and eat nutritious foods that are packed with skin-boosting vitamins and nutrients. Following a healthy diet for…
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Overview Elderberry enjoys a long tradition-some 2,500 years-as a folk remedy for colds and the flu. Herbalists as well as publications like “Prescription Alternatives,” by Earl Mindell and Virginia Hopkins recommend taking elderberry to ward off these ailments when the…
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Overview Originating in Africa, rooibos has recently gained recognition in the U.S. market as a new type of herbal tea. Made from a plant of the same name, Rooibos is not an actually tea but an herb. Also known as…
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Overview Shea butter soap and olive oil soap both offer all-natural forms of moisturizing the body. In addition, both products are derived from plants and are rich in nutrients with beneficial qualities. However, olive oil and shea butter are not…
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Overview Copper in a diet is necessary for many different body functions, such as the production of normal red blood cells and the maintenance of healthy bones and nerves. Copper occurs naturally in a diet that includes an assortment of…
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The FDA indicates that medroxyprogesterone acetate is a form of contraception. This medication is most often injected subcutaneously. It is a derivative of the female hormone progesterone. This drug will regulate ovulation and the timing of the menstrual cycle. This…
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A nutritious diet is an essential component of preventing acne. While foods do not cause acne, the fats, sugars and refined flours found in certain foods can contribute to the skin cell damage, hormone imbalances and inflammation that lead to…
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An estimated 50 to 70 million Americans chronically deal with a sleep or wakefulness disorder, according to the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Sleep Medicine and Research. For some people, these problems in sleeping and waking severely hinder daily functioning…
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Castor oil is derived from Ricinus communis, more widely known as the castor bean plant. The “beans” are actually seeds that look like beans, and they are highly poisonous due to a component called ricin. The process to extract oil…
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Guarana is an herbal stimulant that contains caffeine. It is often added to energy drinks, weight loss products, colas and food items for its energy-enhancing effects. While it is generally safe in moderation, guarana may cause serious health problems when…
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Overview Beta glucan is an immune booster. It is developed from the cellular walls of algae, yeast, fungi, bacteria and some edible mushrooms. The primary use of beta glucan is to improve the immune system of our body and to…
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