Carbohydrates are broken down into simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates have one of two sugars such as fructose or galactose. Complex carbohydrates contain three or more sugars. However, this breakdown does not do enough to ...
The foods you eat trigger the metabolic process and require an expenditure of energy to digest, absorb and transport the food's nutrients to your body's cells. This overall process of stimulation is known as the thermic effect ...
Some of the best sources of magnesium are nuts, whole grains and meats, but if you are having trouble chewing your food, you can meet your magnesium requirements from liquid sources. A nutritionist can help you develop a nutrit...
Otherwise, you may experience weight gain and poor health if acid builds in your body, notes Dr. Susan Brown in "The Acid-Alkaline Food Guide." Although acid imbalances can be caused by disease, smoking and stress, it is most a...
Pre-workout meals can make or break your cardiovascular or resistance training workout. Choosing the wrong high carbohydrate food will not only prematurely raise your blood sugar, but your blood sugar will plummet even lower th...
Moreover, nitric oxide helps smooth muscle in arterioles dilate and relax, thereby increasing blood flow. Although nitric oxide isn't present in foods, certain compounds found in foods stimulate nitric oxide production in the b...
Deciding which produce items to buy organic is important, both for managing food expenses and health. American think tank Environmental Working Group compiles a list each year called the Dirty Dozen that reports the conventiona...
Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and have been linked to heart disease and cancer. They can get into your body from exposure to tobacco smoke and are produced whenever your body breaks down food. Antioxidants, ...
Oxalic acid, also referred to as oxalate, is a substance in a variety of plant foods. Foods high in oxalate may cause excessive amount of the compound in the urine. Because of this, oxalate-rich foods may increase the risk of d...
High alkaline vegetables are included in each of the US Department of Agriculture Food Pyramid's vegetable subgroups. Eating alkaline-rich foods, such as vegetables and fruits, helps neutralize the excess acid that builds up in...
Phenols are groups of natural and synthetic compounds found in foods and some cosmetics. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," if you experience an allergic reaction to certain foods and cannot trace the allergy ...
It is also likely that you've figured out that you cannot eat meat for every single meal and snack. Luckily, other foods are out there that are convenient, delicious and high in protein. Simply knowing what foods work with your...
Histamine is the natural substance produced by the body during an allergic reaction. A number of foods that contain histamine or trigger the release of histamine when ingested. Histamine is typically metabolized by enzymes in ...
Dietary carbohydrate comes from foods made up of simple carbohydrates such as sugar, or from starch and fiber, which are complex carbohydrates. The body needs carbohydrate for fuel. You have to consume enough carbohydrate each ...
Your diet also plays an important role. While eating too much or too little on a consistent basis can sap your energy supply, eating healthy, balanced meals and snacks throughout each day keeps you moving. Aim for a balanced di...
Some people believe that carbs should be the foundation of any diet, while others steer clear of them altogether. Many also find it difficult to work out which foods are low carb and which are high, as there is no official defi...
Many vegetables are excellent sources of pectin. Water-soluble fiber helps decrease blood cholesterol levels, which reduces the likelihood of heart disease and strokes. Pectin slows the rate of food passing through the intestin...
Nitrates are created in vegetables when micro-organisms break down fertilizers and other nutrients in the soil. Nitrates occur naturally in vegetables in small amounts. Adding fertilizer to vegetables increases their nitrate le...
The glycemic index is a system that classifies carbohydrate-containing foods according to their impact on blood sugar levels. High GI foods tend to be more processed and refined and are characterized by a GI value of 70 and abo...
Cholesterol is a natural substance produced by your body that circulates in your blood. You also get cholesterol from the foods you eat. Too much cholesterol increases your risk for stroke, heart attack and vascular diseases. O...
Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body, with about 85 percent of the body's phosphorus located in the crystals of the bones and teeth. Phosphorus is essential for bone mineralization, maintenance of the bod...
Although carbs generally have a bad reputation for causing weight gain, they provide several nutritional benefits in a healthy, balanced diet. Foods rich in carbohydrates provide a source of energy for the body, aiding in muscl...
The body regulates its pH by constantly adjusting physiological processes, such as kidney and lung function. However, the foods you eat can play a role in increasing or decreasing body pH, and some foods can be more alkalizing ...
When certain food allergens are consumed, histamine substances are released and subsequently cause allergy problems such as watery or itchy eyes, mucus production, stomach cramping, breathing problems and itchy skin. The Michig...
You should always consume sugar sparingly, as it is the leading cause of childhood obesity in the U.S., according to KidsHealth. Although many foods naturally break down into sugar, also called glucose, high sugar items quickly...
Moldy food may cause allergic reactions and in rare cases molds may produce poisonous mycotoxins, which will make you very ill. Most molds start off invisible to the naked eye -- by the time you see green fuzz or white dots, th...
Optimally, your blood cholesterol LDL level should remain below 100mg/dL. Levels rising above 130mg/dL are attributed to heart disease and may be the direct result of a fatty diet. If you're trying to reduce or eliminate the hi...
Carbohydrates provide you with energy for intense, short bouts of exercise while fats supply you with energy for less intense, long-duration exercise. High-carb foods have plenty of sugar or starch. Such foods with little fiber...
It is primarily produced in response to increases in your blood sugar. High-glycemic carbohydrates like starches and sugary foods can cause your body to produce elevated levels of insulin. High levels of insulin can lead to con...
Mercury is a metal found in the environment, including in the water, air and soil. You can be exposed to mercury by breathing the vapors, through skin contact or by eating foods contaminated with mercury. Because the nervous sy...
They potentially have several health benefits, including oxidative stress inhibitors that can prevent life-threatening diseases like cancer or heart disease, according to the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University. ...
Most people don't contemplate the acid-producing levels of their food when sitting down for a meal. However, a 2008 study by the Agriculture Research Society found that an overly acidic diet needs to be balanced with alkaline f...
A study in the journal "Nutrition and Metabolism" indicates that, by eating foods high in resistant starch, you may lose weight by reducing fat accumulation. This can be accomplished by replacing about 5 to 6 percent of your ...
Your body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones, which are vital to normal growth, development and metabolism. If you are iodine deficient, you may develop hypothyroidism and become sluggish, tired and gain weight, among other ...
Tyramine is an amino acid natural to the body and in certain foods that helps to regulate blood pressure, according to MayoClinic.com. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are drugs that treat depression by blocking monoamine oxidase, ...
The presence of oxalate in your body can bind with calcium that puts your body at risk of forming stones, primarily in the kidneys. There is a direct relationship between the amount of oxalate that is consumed and the risk of...
Phytonutrients are organic components of plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, grains and teas that promote health, though are not essential for life like protein, fat, vitamins or minerals, according to the U...
Around 50 to 60 percent of your total daily calories should come from carbohydrates, notes the Diet Channel. Consuming your intake of daily carbohydrates in the form of good carbohydrates will not only provide you with energy-...
Oxalate is a chemical that combines with the calcium found in urine to form a kidney stone. The liver produces oxalic acid and levels rise in the body by eating foods high in oxalate. Extra amounts of vitamin C may change into ...
Running is a popular form of exercise and burns approximately 100 calories for every mile, according to "Nutrition Concepts and Controversies." Runners need carbohydrates so that their liver can convert the carbohydrates into g...
Salt can be harmful because it contributes to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. Avoiding certain high salt foods can help control your sodium intake.
Known for the unpleasant odor of its gaseous form, sulfur is less offensive in foods, adding only a trace of that "rotten-egg" smell. One of the most abundant minerals in your body, sulfur is found in your connective tissues, n...
Pectin is a type of soluble fiber found in the cell walls and intracellular tissue of plants. Because of its ability to jell with large amounts of sugar, pectin is used to make jams and jellies. According to the U.S. Department...
Simple carbohydrates, in the form of soda, juice and sugar, are digested almost instantly and do little to help athletes perform better. On the other hand, healthy high-carb foods can give you the energy you need to perform at ...
Extremely small quantities of this element are required in the human body for optimal health. According to the MELISA Foundation, nickel consumption or exposure triggers more allergic reactions than any other element, and appr...
Energy density is an important concept to understand if you're trying to lose weight. It's the measurement of the number of calories per gram of weight for each kind of food. For weight loss, you should increase your intake of ...
Estrogen is an important regulator of cholesterol, supports strong bones and healthy joints and is linked to memory and cognitive processes, according to the University of Florida. Whether you are deficient in estrogen or want ...
High-protein meals are essential for low-carbohydrate diets and are more effective at lowering body fat compared to a low-fat, low-protein diet, according to a 2010 article in Strength and Conditioning Journal. Choose from lean...
Eighty percent of kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones, caused by either excess oxalate or calcium in the urine. People who suffer from recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones may benefit from avoiding high oxalate foods; h...
They include oils, fatty acids, waxes, steroids and cholesterol. Lipids are stored in the fatty tissue, organs and cells of the body. There are certain foods that contain a high amount of lipids.
Omega-6 fatty acids, a type of unsaturated fat, are essential fatty acids, meaning that they aren't synthesized by the human body and must be consumed in foods. Omega-6 fatty acids help lower cholesterol, promote brain and hear...
To separate the unhealthy carbs from the healthy ones, nutritionists devised a way to measure the amount of sugar contained in various foods. Named the "glycemic index," this classification system identifies the foods con
Nitrites can convert to nitrates and vice versa, and they are found in foods in either of these states. There has been much controversy regarding health dangers of nitrites, but most people are exposed to them in the foods they...
Lysine is an amino acid found in foods high in protein. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most people get the necessary amount of lysine from their diet without the need for special diet modifications or s...
Each cell in the human body contains protein. Protein is an essential nutrient needed for the growth and maintenance of these cells. Ten to 35 percent of total calories should come from protein, according to the Centers for Dis...
Carbohydrates are components of foods that supply energy for the body. These components are categorized as fibers, starches and sugars, according to The World's Healthiest Foods website. Carbohydrates are also necessary for pro...
If the body takes in more sodium than the kidneys can efficiently process, blood levels rise and can cause high blood pressure. According to MedlinePlus, adults should consume no more than 2.4g of sodium per day; this is equiva...
Some foods present higher risks when consumed because they are more likely to carry unhealthy bacteria and viruses. These bacteria and virus can cause people to get sick with food-borne illness. Certain people such as pregnant ...
Some meals can keep a dieter full for hours, while others inspire cravings and grumbling stomachs in just an hour. Choosing highly satiating foods can control overall daily calorie intake by preventing snacking and overeating. ...
Antioxidants are vitamins and vitamin-like substances, such as phytochemicals, found mainly in plant foods, that can prevent or slow the oxidative damage to your cells. Free radical or oxidative damage may contribute to or wors...
D-chiro-inositol is available in many foods.
When the body is under stress, it may not produce enough tyrosine. Getting extra tyrosine by taking supplements or by adding more tyrosine-rich foods to your diet may improve performance and memory when you're under stress. Cer...
This means your body cannot make these amino acids, so you must get them through your diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these amino acids compete for absorption, so the ratio of lysine to arginine i...
According to the University of Virginia Health System website, fructose is a simple sugar that is found naturally in plant-based foods. It is also found in many packaged foods, even those that most consumers do not consider "sw...
Imbalances in these important nutrients can lead to dysfunction in the body. In a healthy diet, electrolytes are generally available in sufficient amount from the foods we eat.
L-tryptophan, one of nine essential amino acids, helps your body produce serotonin, a chemical responsible for maintaining a proper sleep cycle. While L-tryptophan plays an important role in both healthy sleep and mood, as well...
The simple sugar dextrose is another name for glucose, according to information published by health maintenance organization Kaiser Permanente. Many food labels list "dextrose" because of negative public association with glucos...
In order to put on muscle and maintain optimal health, try to add high-calorie foods rich in protein and carbohydrates, and low in saturated fats to your diet. Talk to a registered dietitian before beginning a new diet program ...
Because humans cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids, they must obtain these useful nutrients from what they eat. Many healthy foods are available that provide significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
High fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils are "buzz" words when it comes to unhealthy eating. High fructose corn syrup can be found in most sodas and processed foods, and may be linked to high obesity rates in the United S...
Vitamin B12 performs many vital functions in the body. It is necessary for nerve health, red blood cell production and to lower levels of the amino acid homocysteine---high levels of which might increase the risk of heart disea...
You can get magnesium from a wide range of foods.
Simple carbohydrates provide instant energy but also cause a blood sugar spike and subsequent crash. CoolRunning.com points out that runners need to fuel up with complex carbohydrates, which are absorbed slowly by the body and ...
According to Georgia State University's Hyperphysics website, starches are classified as polysaccharides or complex carbohydrates. Starch can be found in a variety of food items.
Many fad diets recommend that people limit the amount of carbs in their diet. Carbs are not all bad, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. When consumed, carbohydrates break down into glucose, the body's primary sou...
The term phenol refers to a large group of chemical compounds found in plants. These chemicals make up the active substances in many plants and are responsible for controlling the activity of a range of enzymes and cell recept...
The carbohydrates in the diet primarily come from plant-based foods. Dairy foods are the one exception, according to "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy."
Tide High Efficiency laundry detergent is specifically for use with high-efficiency front-loading washing machines. These machines use less water and create more suds than traditional top-loading machines. The Tide HE formula a...
Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy. They are in sugars, starches, processed foods and fiber. Consumed in moderation and combined with regular exercise, carbohydrates are a vital aspect of a healthy diet. The...
It aids in balancing blood sugar, stabilizing the metabolic rate, strengthening the immune system, and promoting sensory abilities, such as smell and taste, per the World's Healthiest Foods site. Signs of a low zinc level in th...
The trick is to consume carbs that also deliver vitamins, nutrients, fiber and other essential elements in a healthy and well-balanced diet. Unfortunately, many foods that are high in carbs are delicious but do not provide thos...
The third macronutrient is fat. There are certain foods that provide one of these nutrients without the other(s). Foods that are high in protein, but low in carbohydrate include meats, poultry, fish and soy foods.
Many of the foods that we eat have high fructose levels. According to the National Library of Medicine, some people suffer from high fructose intolerance and there is some concern that high fructose is causing the obesity epide...
Recent information from the Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine and the Heart Institute of Sheba Medical Center found that foods that were high on the glycemic index or high in carbohydrates actually distended the ...
Fructose is an important sugar to know about since it is in so many foods we may not be aware of. This may be a concern if you need to monitor your sugar intake and/or your carbohydrates. By itself, fructose, is a naturally-occ...
What Albert Einstein came up with in his famous physics equation E=mc2 is that all matter contains vibration waves of light energy. This includes our bodies and the food we eat. As we become more aware of the life force in our ...
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of magnesium for adult men is 420 mg and for adult women it is 320 mg. Since there are so many magnesium-rich foods, only excellent food sources of magnesium, such as beans, nuts, seeds, ...
Fructose was once touted as a safe alternative to white sugars. It is actually a natural sweetener made from beet sugar and cane sugar. The problem is that many food manufacturers have synthesized the cane and beet sugar to mak...
Foods which are high in carbohydrates are also high on the glycemic index, which means that they are harder for the body to burn off as fuel and are more likely to make a person gain weight. Carbohydrates must be burned by the ...
In June 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said that the use of generic drugs could save U.S. citizens $35 billion over 10 years and lowered the time limit to 30 days before the drug could be listed in the Agency Orang...
Though there are many different kinds of enzymes, we commonly think of the digestive enzymes because they make it possible for our body to break down and assimilate the foods we eat. A diet rich in enzymes can increase energy...
Soluble fiber also helps lower blood cholesterol levels, thus reducing risk of heart disease. Many foods not ordinarily thought of as high in fiber are actually good sources of soluble fiber.
Purines occur naturally in the body and are present in most foods. To be certain, ingesting some purines is good for you. They are usually contained in protein-rich foods. However, some foods contain very high levels of purines...
