The effect of specific fruit-based compounds on certain prescription drugs is a serious issue for anyone taking medication. While eating a diet rich in a variety of fruits is nutritious and healthful, the chemical compounds inside certain fruits can expedite, delay or inhibit your body’s rate of drug absorption. Identifying potential fruit-drug interactions allows you to make smarter dietary choices without altering the effects of your medication.
Although hunger is a signal from your brain that you require nutrition -- not food -- flavor, texture, cooking methods and knowledge about the food you eat can not only influence your appetite but your willingness to eat certai...
Strictly speaking, oral allergy syndrome is not an allergy to the fruit. You could, however, potentially have an allergy to the proteins in fruit, since proteins, not acids, cause food allergies. Although you may think of fruit...
A variety of substances can cause allergic reactions, including food, pollen, dust, latex and animal dander. Symptoms vary, but among the most common are swollen and inflamed mucus membranes, including membranes in the throat. ...
You are probably familiar with beetroot as a canned or pickled vegetable and may never have thought of eating raw beetroot. Not only can you eat raw beetroot, it actually has more health-giving benefits in its raw form. And it ...
Schizandra is a member of the plant family Schisandraceae; however, depending on the authority, it is sometimes classified in the family Magnoliaceae. Schizandra’s scientific name is Schizandra chinensis or Schisandra c...
It is used to treat certain types of bacterial infections, including a specific kind of pneumonia, complicated skin infections and infections resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid interacts with tyramine, so you'll need to ...
Any plant, animal or bacterium that has been genetically altered from its normal makeup is considered a genetically modified organism. Genes are added to one organism from another to confer some added benefit, such as increased...
And if you had just one doughnut, you could skip the rest of your breakfast and still make your calorie count for the day, right? It's that kind of thinking that will get you in trouble in the long run. Doughnuts are examples o...
Several types of peppers are green, including bell, jalapeno and chile peppers. The bell pepper is the most popular type of pepper in the United States, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health, and is native to Mexico...
While swelling may be a sign of certain underlying medical conditions, a doctor should be consulted if swelling continues over a long period of time. Some anti-oxidant rich fruits can help with mild swelling caused by things su...
Flounder are large, flat fish found on the bottom of saltwater locations around the United States. A type of white fish, they contain very little fat and no carbohydrates. Instead, flounder is relatively protein-rich and contai...
People have incorporated soy products in their diets for about 5,000 years, making the legume one of the most enduring and widespread health foods in the world. While consuming soy usually causes no ill effects, complications a...
Tuna contains a wealth of omega-3 fatty acids, protein and vitamins. Unfortunately, it also contains the unhealthy contaminant mercury. Mercury is a naturally occurring chemical element that is released into the air through ind...
It is still popular today due to its many therapeutic uses and for the lively flavor it brings to beverages, cookies, cakes and savory foods. This tropical flowering plant is related to marjoram and turmeric, and can alleviate ...
Generally, melon is low in calories and provides the body with virtually no fat, saturated fat or cholesterol. Packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and phytochemicals, melons offer an ...
Americans embraced bagels in the 1950s as they became sympathetic to Jews after World War II, says Jewish foods expert Joan Nathan. Bagels have since become one of America's favorite breakfast breads. The flavors of bagels are...
Fulvic acid is a soil conditioner that helps to increase the fertility of your garden or lawn. Some supplement manufacturers sell fulvic acid as a human dietary supplement, but there's no evidence that it's effective. Fulvic ac...
The soft, chewy tapioca balls in popular Asian drinks, Boba Tea or Tapioca Tea, sold at tapioca tea houses in most major Asian communities in the United States, are formations of starch produced in the roots of the cassava plan...
It's actually older than America and has been adapted in a variety of ways. In Austria, it's wrapped in ham before it's baked. In Germany, it often contains boiled eggs, and in the Czech Republic, it may contain gherkins or wi...
Before you turn on your car, it must have fuel in its tank or it won't go anywhere. Your body runs on this same principle. In order for your body's organs and systems to work, it needs food. High-performance cars need high-qual...
Diacetyl, or butanedione, is a compound that occurs naturally from fermentation. Manufacturers also synthesize it for use as a food flavoring that imparts a buttery taste and aroma to a wide variety of food products. Diacetyl m...
The Japanese diet has been hailed as one of the healthiest because of its emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, with meat and dairy represented in small amounts. The Japanese have a lower incidence of several h...
Like tomatoes, tomatillos are fruits of plants in the nightshade family. They were first cultivated by the Aztec as early as 800 B.C. Although they are sometimes called tomato verde or husk cherries, they are not to be confused...
Along with seeing your doctor regularly and following medical advice, some ways to maintain your health are to refrain from smoking, exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet, because the food you eat affects your short-term a...
Cafeteria food does not have to have a negative effect on a student's health. While a school cafeteria food line may contain a number of unhealthy choices, most school cafeterias do include nutritious foods as well. If you're a...
Generally, a balanced diet for children consists of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and healthy proteins, such as poultry, nuts, seeds and legumes. Besides being nutritional, cafeteria items also sho...
Dehydrated foods are convenient because they have a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration, so you can buy them ahead of time and use them in almost any situation. Many dehydrated foods are healthy, and you can use th...
Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin are the two most common capsaicinoids in peppers -- the chemical compounds responsible for their distinctive spice. The more capsaicin or dihydrocapsaicin present in a pepper, the spicier that pep...
You can follow extreme regimens or use expensive diet products to lose weight, but the best way is to eat healthy foods. Blueberries do not specifically lead to fat loss, but you can use them as part of a diet to lose weight at...
Sulfites are substances that occur naturally in food as well as in your body. For hundreds of years, sulfites have been used to preserve food, and for centuries they have been used in the wine making process. Sulfites are found...
Along with ground round and ground sirloin, ground chuck is a type of ground beef. Each cut has varying degrees of fat versus lean content. Ground chuck must come from only the chuck cuts of beef, which are located in the shoul...
Edamame is a particular variety of soybean that the Japanese began to selectively cultivate in the 13th century for large, smooth and sweet green beans. Soybeans originated in Asia, but they also grow prevalently in the United ...
Traditional Thai food is full of flavorful spices, herbs, sauces and vegetables. The Thai menu includes soups, salads and entrees, and noodles and rice are a fixture at nearly every meal. Many aspects of Thai food are quite hea...
Fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum, is a common flavoring agent and food product. Its dried seeds also have medicinal value and have been used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions. The seeds contain alkaloids, fl...
Betaine is a nutrient that plays a role in helping your body function properly. You can get betaine from your diet in foods such as spinach, grains, shellfish and broccoli. You can also get betaine as a dietary supplement, avai...
Your body relies on salt for many essential biological functions, but eating too much of it can be detrimental to your health. Many packaged foods and restaurant meals contain large amounts of sodium to enhance their flavor. Mo...
Spices and spicy food have been around for years, making appearances in both the medicine and cuisine of North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and other regions. Components of hot peppers are used in modern medicine, pre...
We share our world with thousands of varieties of insects, but we don't necessarily want to share our food with them. Thus farmers use pesticides to both keep crops from being devoured and bugs from showing up in the fruits and...
Laughing Cow Babybel cheese has shown to be a healthy snack when eaten in moderation. It is manufactured by Bel Brands USA, a subsidiary of Fromageries Bel, a cheese company in Paris. Babybel cheese has a smooth, mild taste sim...
Although not designed to replace healthy foods, appropriate use of dietary supplements may add benefits to your overall diet and wellness. Not all supplements are created equal however, many pose potentially serious risks. For ...
Your routine food choices play an important role in your body's ability to resist and heal from health problems. An optimum diet for healing, according to the University of Michigan Department of Integrative Medicine, contains ...
Genetically modified, or GM foods, are derived from DNA modification, or genetic engineering. It is a technology that alters the makeup of organisms, which changes the characteristics. For instance, you can insert a foreign gen...
Athletes often need more carbohydrates, proteins and fluids, and should pay close attention to nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, B-vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D and vitamin E, according to the American College ...
Health foods, generally thought to be organic in nature, are grown without using conventional pesticides and fertilizers. These foods do not originate from genetically modified organisms or bioengineering and are not processed ...
The foods you eat play an important role in how healthy you are. Your busy lifestyle might make it challenging to keep track of how many servings you eat from each food group on a daily basis. Learning how to record and monitor...
Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable that has become increasingly recognized and used for its touted health benefits. One of the main benefits of this root is its ability to create hormonal balance that may increase fertility and ...
Consisting of slightly more than 90 percent water, a watermelon is nature's gift to a summer picnic, which might explain why watermelons are eaten more than any other melon. This healthy, fat-free fruit is grown in 96 countries...
You may think health food wins a slam dunk over fast food by every conceivable measure. Although it's true that health foods provide nutritional benefits and protect you from disease, for many people, they are also an expensive...
The switch from soft drinks such as cola to water has numerous positive health benefits since soda, unlike water, is not a healthy drink, according to registered dietitian Kimberly Tessmer. Although a large part of cola is wate...
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration regulates food additives. It has approved nine synthetic dyes for use in food under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Michael F. Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in th...
It's the question many ask themselves after diagnosis with an obesity-related disease like diabetes or heart disease. Few people ask themselves whether their living environment has influenced the eating habits that led to the...
The perimeter of the grocery store is full of nutritious health foods for kids. Pass up packaged products making health claims and instead, reach for whole, natural foods. Steer your kids away from the blue yogurt and sugary ce...
Maca is available at some health food stores. It's generally available in powder, capsule, liquid or tablet form, although you may find it in root form as well. Native to South America, this relative of the mustard plant is als...
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide key recommendations about nutrition, weight management, physical activity and food groups. The overriding message is always to "eat healthy" by choosing whole foods rich in essent
Walking through your local grocery store can be confusing as you try to recognize and understand the difference between whole foods, processed foods and organic foods. Reading the nutrition facts label can be helpful, because t...
Add up the percentages on the foods that you eat in a day to reach your full intake of essential nutrients. Food package labels list the nutrient contents of food products relative to the FDA recommended daily values, or DVs. A...
The foods you eat can have a great impact on your health. When you maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods, lean meats, fish, grains and healthy fats, you stand a better...
The average American consumes an estimated 8 pounds of grapes yearly, an increase from 2.5 pounds 40 years ago. California growers developed the first seedless grapes in 1873, when Scottish immigrant William Thompson planted th...
Beef has been the topic of many health conversations throughout the decades, portrayed by some as a downfall to a healthy lifestyle and regarded by others as a nutritious addition to a well-balanced diet. Despite being a red me...
Wild game are animals that live in forests and protected lands in the United States. Each year, millions of American hunters kill wild game. Wild game species include deer, caribou, rabbit, duck, quail, pheasant, turkey, elk an...
Food is needed to sustain growth, repair tissue and cells, fuel vital processes and energy. Without adequate amounts of nutritious food you may develop malnutrition. Nutritious food also helps you fight off diseases such as hig...
Apples and almonds are among the most popular and versatile foods in the United States. An average American eats an estimated 18 pounds of apples each year. About 7,000 varieties of the fruit exist. Apples can be added to pies,...
There's a common misconception that microwaved food is bad for you, either because microwaving destroys nutrients or because the microwaves themselves somehow render the food unhealthy. While microwaving -- like all cooking met...
As the popularity of health food is rising, certain foods stand out as particularly concentrated sources of nutrients. These healthy ingredients provide protein, complex carbohydrates, high-quality fats, vitamins, minerals, fib...
A balanced, nutrient-dense diet provides the body with the macro-nutrients and vitamins and minerals needed for proper physiological functioning. Health is further enhanced by consuming foods and spices that offer more than bas...
With so many health problems related to poor diet, it's crucial for everyone to understand the basics of nutrition and good health. But when attempting to teach others about food and health, it's easy to become overwhelmed by t...
Busy schedules, combined with the prevalence of fast food restaurants and widespread availability of packaged convenience foods, have contributed to diets high in saturated fats, refined flours and sugars, sodium and calories. ...
Several reasons account for why we choose the foods we do, and we often do it without even thinking about it. Aspects of food choice include cost, convenience, nutrition, demographics, culture, health, social and emotional infl...
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are those in which DNA has been changed or modified. Genetically modified foods are produced to meet a particular need, whether that means making the grain cheaper or more resistant to i...
Each type has unique biological activities and effects in the body. There are hundreds of different types of flavonoid molecules and many appear to promote overall health.
You can avoid becoming one of these statistics by making healthy lifestyle choices, which includes following a healthy diet. Let your eyes lead the way by filling your meals with a rainbow of colors, because the color of your f...
What you may not know, though, is exactly how eating too much of the stuff can affect your health. While junk food may taste good, it often has little nutritional value, along with heaping amounts of calories, sugar, sodium and...
They also happen to be good for your waistline. Whether you're enjoying a plate of fragrant, spicy jerked meat, a sizzling fish steak, a vegetarian bean and rice stew, or one of Jamaica's alluring tropical fruits and vegetable...
Lignans are polyphenols mainly found in plant-based foods and appear to offer many health benefits. Flax seeds constitute one of the best food sources of lignans and studies have indicated that it is safe to use 5 to 38 g a day...
A healthy intestinal tract can process food efficiently and keep the rest of your body healthy by efficiently absorbing the nutrients it needs. Consuming the right foods can help keep your entire digestive tract, including the ...
Selenium belongs to a group of inorganic nutrients called trace minerals. Selenium is considered a trace mineral because you only need to consume small amounts of it in your diet. It is important to note, however, that even tho...
Working toward positive goals is part of living life well, as it generates motivation on many levels. For instance, if you want to look your best, you need to be fit. If you want to be fit, you need the food and rest that fuel ...
Healthy eating is an essential component of excellent physical condition. Without consuming a diet full of essential nutrients, your body will not function optimally, increasing your risk for developing chronic conditions or di...
Food nourishes your body, gives you energy, helps you maintain mental balance and repairs your muscles. Poor food choices can pave the way to cancer, heart disease and obesity. Following a few healthy food tips may reduce your ...
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are any food that has had its DNA altered. This is done for many reasons, one being to make crops resistant to pests and disease. Identifying foods that contain GMOs isn't always an easy...
Eating fast foods is hazardous to your health, especially for over 25 percent of Americans who consume these foods frequently, according to research by Shanthy Bowman, Ph.D. published in the "Journal of the American College of ...
Folk medicine is replete with uses for vinegar, including as a poison ivy treatment, digestive aid for stomachache and cough remedy. Modern science has revealed some valuable health benefits, along with some potential risks ass...
Olive oil is the cornerstone of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, providing a rich source of monounsaturated fat. Black olives, or those left to ripen on the tree, are native to the Mediterranean and exported worldwide. You...
High in essential vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat and cholesterol, cabbage soup is a very healthy food, when incorporated into a varied and well-balanced diet.
A classic American food perfect for tailgating, camping and barbecues, the hamburger first appeared on the gastronomic scene in 1904 at the St. Louis Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and the cheeseburger presumably followed soon ...
Prior to their invention, these foods were not an integral part of the human diet and therefore their health consequences for those who consume them over long time periods are currently unknown. Furthermore, there is concern...
There's no mandatory labeling of foods containing GMO ingredients in the U.S. This means you can be eating genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, without even knowing it. The only way to guarantee that your food is free of GM...
Macadamia nuts are native to Australia. They are also grown in Hawaii, which is the place that most people in the United States associate with macadamia nuts. This type of nut can be prepared in several different ways, includin...
Incorporating healthy foods into your daily diet can benefit your health, but actually doing this can be challenging. According to the Harvard School of Public Health it is important to focus more on the nutritional quality of ...
Smoked salmon is often considered a delicacy that has many health benefits. Salmon is a fish that is low in saturated fat and high in protein. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Although a good source of vitamins and mineral...
Food coloring, widely available in most supermarkets, is used to color Easter eggs, add visual interest to cake frosting and to tint candies such as candy apples. However, there are also some controversies about its safety.
Whole Foods Market strives to educate consumers about natural and organic foods, health, nutrition and the environment, according to the company's website, WholeFoodsMarket.com.
Genetically modified organisms, called GMOs, include medicines, fibers, and many foods. Benefits of GMOs include enhanced taste and resistance to pesticides, but they may pose health risks such as allergies and
Subway is a chain of fast food restaurants offering sandwiches and salads. The company markets itself as a healthier alternative to traditional fast-food establishments that feature burgers and fries. Understanding the nutritio...
It is mined from dried or underwater lake and sea beds. Different grades of diatomaceous earth are used for different purposes; some are altered, such as the diatomaceous earth for pool filters. Only food-grade diatomaceous ear...
Knowing how to read the nutritional facts label can help you make healthier food choices.
A pomegranate is a red fruit that is similar in size to a large orange. The fruit contains hundreds of seeds surrounded by a red pulp that is tart and sweet. The fruit is grown throughout Asia, the Mediterranean and in Californ...
Based in Omaha, Nebraska, ConAgra Foods is one of the largest packaged food companies. According to the ConAgra website, its products are found in 97 percent of U.S. households. The company offers a variety of food choices.
You might be surprised to learn that Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher for whom Epicureanism is named, in fact recommended a bland, simple diet that supported optimal health and well-being. Since avoiding pain and agitati...
This may involve producing crops that are insect or herbicide resistant or altering fish to make them mature more quickly. Although the Food and Drug Administration considers GMO's safe, modified organisms have associated risks...
Age, birth defects or genetics are factors you can't control, but you can control what foods you eat. Foods that are essential for your body to function normally also happen to be foods that will help you to maintain normal blo...
Greek families are child-centric, and so much of Greek life--including food and meals--pivots around children. Even the smaller children stay up late and enjoy the last meal of the day, usually salads and sweets, that tradition...
Not only does it help to make food taste delicious, it is a good source of several vitamins and minerals and it may have health benefits as well.
If you choose to splurge at Arby's occasionally, it may still fit into your healthy diet and lifestyle if you make wise choices, according to the American Heart Association in the article "Make Fast Food Friendlier." Eating fas...
Although almonds are high in fat, they may help people to lose weight, according to the George Mateljan Foundation's website, The World's Healthiest Foods. They contain mainly healthy monounsaturated fat. These delicious nuts a...
A healthy diet provides your body with a good balance of nutritious food to keep your body strong, energized and well nourished, according to the Center for Young Women's Health. Unfortunately many teenagers fall short in this ...
Although the government says that genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are safe for human consumption, some people still have concerns about their safety. Dr. Judy Carmen, a scientist who is the director of the Institute of...
The American Heart Association recommends that people get most of their fats from sources that contain the healthier polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, such as avocados, rather than the unhealthier saturated fats ...
You won't know whether foods in your grocery store are genetically modified organisms, or GMO. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require foods to be labeled as GMO. Corn and soybeans are major GMO crops, and the GM...
Many foods come from crops classified as genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. The World Health Organization states that GMO crops are designed to resist pest infestation better and require fewer pesticides than other crops....
The sad fact is that the food pyramid is not intended to help us eat more healthful food. The charter of the US Department of Agriculture, the agency responsible for the American food pyramid, is to foster and encourage the gro...
Gene modification is designed to improve the quality and nutrition of the organism, and increase the maturation and yield, according to the Human Genome Project Information. Not everyone is convinced GMO foods are safe, claimin...
According to the Human Genome Project, GMOs are designed to confer certain advantages to the plants and animals in question, and are currently used agriculturally throughout the United States. GMO foods are those derived from p...
Food enzymes are also known as digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes help with digestion, the process of breaking down food into energy to be used by the body. There are different digestive enzymes for carbohydrates, protein and...
Genetically modified, or GMO foods, are crops grown from seeds engineered to increase yield and lower production costs. Proponents of GM foods say that the higher yields and improved nutritional content are necessary to ensure ...
The International Chewing Gum Association reports that cavemen chewed on tree resin in the same way that people chew bubble gum today. Gum is great for freshening your breath, and some varieties even clean your teeth, but gum i...
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not determined that GMO foods are damaging to health, many consumers prefer to seek out foods which are GMO free.
Department of Agriculture by Jorge Fernandez-Cornejo and William D. McBride in April, 2000. There are very few genetically-modified fruits and vegetables for sale, but highly processed foods, such as vegetable oils or breakfast...
You already have eaten a genetically modified food. It is also quite likely that the chicken you ate last week ate genetically modified (GM) feed before he got to your dinner table. According to an article in Today's Dietitia...
These diseases can transmit via the air, from person to person, from droplets spread though sneezing or coughing, or through contaminated clothing or food and water. Many communicable diseases are of a highly contagious
Although there are some health benefits touted by chocolate lovers, the nutritional value of the chocolates you eat is important. When evaluating the nutrition of Hershey's chocolates, you should consider calories, sugar, fat, ...
Only two types of intrauterine devices have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Both types are shaped the same and function in much the same manner, but one type contains hormones while the other does not. The ho...
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), they are caused by germs, which are small living things found everywhere in the soil, air and water. Communicable diseases are spread by different means. According to the M...
Fifty-four percent of adults in the U.S. drink at least one cup of coffee a day. While scientists don't have all the answers yet about whether coffee is good or bad for health, there does seem to be evidence for both the risks ...
Concept To maintain their health conscious clientele, many fast food restaurants have altered their notoriously unhealthy menus to provide some fresher and more wholesome options. However, some fast food items that are promote...
Concept In the old days, differentiating healthy foods from unhealthy foods was simple; fruits and vegetables were healthy, sweets and fried foods were not. However, in today’s heavily marketing-driven consumer environment, ...
Children with past heart problems and those with healthy hearts all have an interest in good lifelong care for their cardiovascular systems. Adults who model heart healthy behavior help kids form the right habits. That includes...
The health triangle is a teaching tool that examines mental, physical and social health. It teaches that the three triangle elements are interconnected. Thus all three sides of the triangle need to be balanced to achieve true ...
The Nutrition Facts panel of a food label may be the most important section of the entire label for helping consumers make healthful eating choices. It tells them how much of the food is customarily eaten, what nutrients it pro...
Lemons are consumed on a daily basis. People use them to flavor food, water or iced tea. Lemons provide more benefits beyond just flavor enhancement. They are also known for their positive healing and therapeutic properties.
Hello everyone! Here is how you participate in the contest, and a few FAQs to help you along. There are three things you have to do to be eligible: 1. You must join the "Dare to Track Your Food Daily" Dare. 2. You must l...
You'll find calcium in the strangest places now days. You'll find the touted prevention of bone loss in orange juice of all things. Actually, the reason for this is the fact that the vitamin C naturally found in OJ increases ca...
With this, they should meet their basic needs for survival. But, when we deny them proper and adequate food, clothing, health care and education, we have reason to judge ourselves as neglectful.
You affect your body every time you take a bite of food. If it's healthy, you've bettered your own health. If it's unhealthy, you have to work it off. However, it can be confusing to know if certain foods are healthy or not. T...
Natural plant estrogens, known as Phytoestrogens, are helpful to menopausal women. These Phytoestrogens bind to estrogen receptors in the body and act much the same as estrogen does. They lessen some of the symptoms of menopau...
You can classify a convenience food product into several categories. Raw food products include those that require full preparation, such as a fresh eggplant. Before eating an eggplant, you must slice and cook it. You may even ...
Antioxidants help you stay young by combating free radicals in your body, which are believed to be the precursors to cancer and diseases associated with aging. Many fresh, ripe fruits are excellent sources of these important a...
More than 900 phytochemicals have been discovered in fruits, vegetables and plant derivatives, such as teas. Increasingly, scientists are seeing both correlative and causative relationships between fruit consumption and positiv...
You're enjoying a business dinner with the boss. When you ordered the seafood tempura, you specifically ask the waiter if there is any lobster in the dish, and he answered "no." About a half hour after dinner, your face blows...
