Although sodium is an essential nutrient, you only need 180 to 500 mg per day for proper body functioning. However, most Americans consume around 3,400 mg daily. Not only is this much more than your body needs, but it might also contribute to...
The recommendation for sodium intake is less than 2,300 mg/day for adults. This equals about one teaspoon of table salt. Most people consume far too much sodium through processed foods and table salt, therefore, this recommendation is set at an...
There has long been a controversy over whether salt, or sodium, in the diet can cause high blood pressure. Guidelines from the American Heart Association state that there is indeed a link between eating more salt and developing high blood...
A low-sodium diet is typically recommended for individuals that have high blood pressure or hypertension as well as other medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure (CHF). A low-sodium diet provides only 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium...
Many people wonder whether they eat too much or too little. It is hard to know exactly what is the right amount. Fortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides that information and requires every food package to tell you how much of...
Potato soup is a comfort food enjoyed throughout the United States. Applebee's makes its own version with baked potatoes and a creamy base, garnished with cheese, bacon bits and chives.
The United States' status as the world's melting pot comes with many advantages, including enjoying foods from cultures around the globe. Commonly considered a German dish, sauerkraut, or pickled cabbage, originated in China and remains a dietary...
A standard serving of sugar-free maple syrup is a tablespoon. This is a healthy alternative to regular maple syrup, which contains fat, sugar and more calories.
Wendy's classic Double with Cheese contains two beef patties, American cheese and additional toppings. The burger is one of Wendy's 17 "old-fashioned" style burgers found on the fast-food chain's menu.
The Bob Evans restaurants' breakfast menu lists several specialty sweet breads, among them blueberry bread. If you have a slice with your morning meal, you add a significant number of calories to your day's diet.
Nuts such as almonds provide a good source of unsaturated fats that can improve your HDL cholesterol levels, according to MayoClinic.com. Unsaturated fats should account for most of the fat in your diet, according to the Centers for Disease...
In most cases, yellow rice is ordinary white race that is prepared with a spice such as saffron or turmeric. These spices give the rice its trademark appearance and flavor. It can be a good source of some nutrients, although brown rice provides...
While Subway is known for sandwiches, the chain also serves cheese, vegetable, sausage and pepperoni pizzas. The pizzas are 8 inches in diameter.
Pasta with meat sauce has become a staple food in most American homes; it's quick, easy, nutritious and relatively healthy. If you want to make it even healthier, spread your meat sauce over whole-grain pasta noodles.
Lipton Cup-A-Soup flavors can be quick, convenient options for lunch or a snack, and they are less nutritionally harmful than many of the fast food options you could choose. However, these soups do tend to be quite high in some harmful components,...
Wasabi peas are simply ordinary green peas coated with seasonings that primarily feature wasabi and then fried. Commonly used to accompany sushi, wasabi is a type of sauce made from the root of a plant via a process similar to how horseradish...
The root of the horseradish plant can be eaten raw or used to create horseradish sauce. Horseradish is frequently used on sandwiches, in marinades and as an accompaniment to meats. Its sharp, pungent, spicy flavor can provide a unique flavor...
The Big Mac Snack Wrap from McDonald's is designed to be an alternate version of the company's trademark hamburger, served in a soft tortilla instead of a traditional bun. Like most fast food, however, you should avoid eating it too frequently, as...
Samoas are sometimes called "caramel delites." Many people like buying Girl Scout Samoas, partly because of their uniquely delicious taste and partly because of the worthy cause the purchase supports. As with most cookies, be careful not to...
Spicy brown mustard is richer and more robust than the classic yellow mustard. There are many variations on the basic version of spicy brown mustard, including specialty and homemade varieties that you can tailor to your flavor preferences. You...
Milk is a good source of protein and several important vitamins and minerals. However, if you are on a diet, you may find the calories and fat content in milk excessively high. Fortunately, you can find fat free or skim milk easily available in...
Many people choose Crystal Light when they are looking for a low-calorie beverage option. Crystal Light can be a healthy beverage choice, but its specific benefits will depend on the variety you choose. For example, some flavors are designed to...
High sodium intake can elevate your blood pressure, increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke. A high intake of sodium may also increase your risk for stomach cancer and osteoporosis, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. For...
Ham, including that produced by Hillshire Farm, is a rich source of protein but is also very high in sodium and quite high in fat. For that reason, you should be cautious not to eat too much of it. Instead, try substituting leaner, more nutritious...
Black Forest ham is a type of ham created in Germany, with a uniquely dark-colored caramelization on the outside. It is made from the pig's hind leg, coated with blend of spices and sometimes cow's blood, and then smoked. As is the case with any...
Salt in processed, and restaurant foods accounts for 77 percent of the sodium Americans eat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Naturally occurring sodium, such as the organic sodium found in fruits and vegetables,...
Goji berries, also known as wolfberries, were grown originally in China and surrounding regions. They are a bright red or orange color and can be eaten fresh, dried, in jellies and jams or in various cooked dishes and baked goods. Like many...
For the purposes of analyzing the nutritional value of a breakfast quesadilla, the quesadilla will be made with eggs, cheese, chipotle sauce and pico de gallo in a flour tortilla. Keep in mind that if you add meats like sausage or bacon, the fat...
Soft drinks provide empty calories and contain high amounts of sugar. Most soft drinks also contain some sodium. Adults watching their sodium or calorie intake should limit their soda consumption and choose alternative beverages. Others should...