Fresh fruits are essential to any healthy diet because they contain an array of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that help maintain the proper functioning of the body and protect against disease. Whole fresh fruits retain their nutrients...
Ginger, a common cooking spice and medicinal herb has been in use for more than 2,000 years in Asia, India and the Middle East. Commonly referred to as ginger root, it is actually the rhizome, or underground stem, of the plant that supplies health...
Garlic is a pungent herb that is often used in cooking. It is part of the onion family and contains a strong enzyme called allium, which gives it a slightly sulphuric smell. Garlic not only adds life to dull dishes, but it also includes many...
While canned tuna is enjoyed by more Americans than any other fish, there is really no comparison between canned and fresh tuna. Fresh tuna is firm but tender, with a meaty texture and flavor. While fresh tuna is typically available year-round,...
Burdock is an herb that was first used in the 14th century by European herbalists to treat leprosy, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." In the following centuries, herbalists recommended burdock for a variety of ailments...
Basil, or Ocimum basilicum, is an aromatic herb with varied culinary uses. Native to Asia and Africa, basil plants bear purple or white flowers and edible, green leaves. Herbalists have long valued basil for its antispasmodic, stimulant and...
Bay leaves, which grow on the sweet bay or laurel tree, were used in ancient Rome to make laurel wreaths. Today, the bay leaf is more often found as a seasoning agent in stews or soups than on someone's head. Contrary to a popular belief, fresh or...
A member of the ginger family, turmeric, known scientifically as Curcuma longa, is a perennial plant that originated in the tropical regions of southern Asia. Turmeric's bulbous underground stem, or rhizome, is the most prized part of the plant....
It may sound strange, but eating fresh fruit can cause your mouth to itch if you have seasonal allergies. Shortly after you eat fresh fruit, you may develop symptoms, such as an itchy sensation in your mouth, throat or nasal passages. This is...
With its lightly sweet aroma and tart flavor, pineapple is a nutritious snack packed with vitamin C. The aromatic fruit can be skewered onto a fruit kabob, blended into a smoothie or grilled and used to top a decadent dessert. But if you are...
Red seedless grapes come in a number of varieties, including Flame, Crimson and Blush. When choosing fresh grapes, be sure they are firm and plump, fairly tightly bunched and securely attached to their stems. They should not be mushy, wrinkled or...
Although it might seem that fresh fish would a healthier choice than frozen, the truth is that both fresh and frozen fish can be healthy choices, as long as you store and prepare them properly. The freshness of the fish, along with how it was...
Eating a well-rounded diet can be a challenge, especially if you are busy or you like to eat processed foods. However, a balance of healthy foods provides the essential nutrients that you need. Fresh fruit salad can expand the variety that you get...
Cranberries grow on vines in wetlands and ripen in September through November. These nutritious berries are native to North America. Cranberries supply potent antioxidants -- nutrients that protect your health. Although cranberries are well-known...
A healthy diet includes a balance of fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy. This holds true for persons with and without diabetes. Although sugar contains fruit, your body doesn't process it as quickly as it does simple sugars and refined...
By the time your baby is 8 months old, he's more than ready to make solid foods--including fresh fruit--a regular part of his diet. Most babies are ready to start sampling solids in the form of single-grain cereal around the 6-month mark and can...
The Fresh Diet is a commercial Internet diet, composed of three meals and two snacks, which are delivered daily to subscribers' homes. According to the Fresh Diet site, this saves on the overnight delivery costs typical of their competitors and...
Oregano is a member of the mint family. Though most commonly associated with Italian food, primarily because oregano is a perfect complement to tomato-based sauces, the Greeks are believed to have first used oregano for culinary purposes, notes...
As part of a balanced diet, fruit helps you maintain a healthy weight. The fiber and nutrients in fresh, whole fruit help lower blood pressure, promote digestive functions and prevent certain cancers and heart disease. A diet of 2,000 daily...
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that impacts your body's use of blood glucose. It is a serious condition that has to be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. However, contrary to popular myth, people with diabetes can eat healthy foods...
While we often think of cranberries as an ingredient in cranberry sauce or fall and winter baked goods, you can eat fresh, raw cranberries. Cranberries have numerous health benefits, including a high concentration of antioxidants. Use raw...
Some oncologists recommend avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables for patients undergoing chemotherapy. This recommendation is controversial and lacks substantial evidence according to a 2000 Centers for Disease Control report. If you have questions...
Nature provides numerous fresh foods for quick bites while in the great outdoors: raw fruits and vegetables are the healthiest options for camp-friendly snacks and side dishes. For larger meals with perishable meat or dairy products, the key is...
Dietary supplements made from whole foods are increasing in popularity as the benefits of plant foods continue to show positive results. Consumers purchase these supplements in hopes of receiving the benefits of the plants without consuming the...
Although you might not peel and eat a lemon like you would an orange, the small yellow fruit provides various health benefits when consumed. Lemons are high in vitamin C, help decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease and promote kidney health....
Spinach is often referred to as a "superfood" because of its high vitamin and mineral content and low calorie count. Including this "superfood" in your daily diet has never been easier as a result of the increased availability of convenient bags...
Any form of tuna, whether it is yellow fin, bonito, big eye, blue fin or albacore is a good source of vitamins and minerals in a healthy diet. Fish that is fresh from the sea has been the staple of the Japanese diet in the form of sushi for...
Colorful vegetables typically indicate a high degree of nutritional value. Sweet potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, squash and other deeply colored vegetables contain vital nutrients such as vitamin A, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and anthocyanins....
Coconut meat is richly nutritious and lightly sweet, making it a popular addition to trail mixes, desserts and tropical-inspired rice dishes. Coconut is seldom eaten fresh, though -- it is generally dried, either in an oven or a food dehydrator....