All Entries in the "Nutrition" Category
The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Diet and supplement fads come and go. But one compound that is recently much in the news is very likely to stay for the long haul: omega-3 fatty acids. The reasons are that ample research shows that these are essential to a wide range of functions, and also help reduce the odds and severity of [...]
Why is Fluid Intake and Nutrition Important?
Diets, especially those that focus on weight loss, often concentrate on what to eat. But fluids are a major part of any healthy, balanced diet as well. Runners know this well, but the same guidelines apply to anyone interested in optimal health.
About 60% of the human body is water, muscle tissue almost 70%. An enormous [...]
Why is Fiber Good for You?
In nutrition circles, one often hears “eat fiber, it’s good for you”. But fiber is a carbohydrate and those are supposed to be bad, or at least severely limited. What gives?
The resolution to this dilemma lies in examining more closely just what fiber is and what it does for you.
What Is Fiber?
Fiber is, it’s true, [...]
What Is the Definition of a Calorie?
Dieters often concentrate on calorie counting. That’s wise, given that the basic equation of weight loss will always remain true: more calories consumed than used leads to weight gain. But that statement makes it sound as if a calorie is something you eat and if you ate fewer you would lose weight. That is not [...]
Taking a New look At The Food Pyramid
The USDA Food Pyramid has been controversial since its first appearance in 1992. While it incorporated many valuable features, it led to some confusion. Attempts to clarify the guidelines it contained in 2005 were only partly successful. What’s the scoop?
The Original Food Pyramid
In an attempt to make dietary guidelines easy to follow, the U.S. government [...]
The Advantages and Risks of Dieting
Nearly everyone thinks that dieting would be a good idea. For many, it is. A recent study showed that the average American now consumes about 22% more calories than those of only a generation ago. With that, it isn’t hard to see why obesity could be a problem.
But dieting is not without risks, especially in [...]
Why Minerals Are Important for Maintaining a Healthy Body
The phrase ‘vitamins and minerals’ often occurs in nutrition articles. But they have distinct differences. Everyone is familiar with some of the essential vitamins (A, B, C, D and others). But what are the essential minerals and why are they essential?
What are labeled minerals are often elements from the Periodic Table, things like iron (Fe), [...]
Pros and Cautions Of Vitamins and Supplements
There are a dozen or more vitamins that play an essential role in a wide variety of our bodies’ functions. Getting these from a healthy, balanced diet is theoretically possible. Many actually do. But it can be difficult, especially today when so many are on the go.
Supplements can help fill the gap. Unfortunately, there is [...]
An Introduction to Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are the new hot item in diet and nutrition. But what are they and why are they believed to be so healthful?
Phytochemicals are a class of compounds found in the highly colored skins of some fruits and vegetables. Since their nutritional properties are still under investigation no FDA guidelines are available about their health [...]
The Pros and Cons of Organic Foods
Much of the writing on diet and nutrition is more than just informational. It often veers into the realm of values and ethics, recommendations about what you should (or should not) do. Nowhere is this more evident than in discussions of organic food. But, while advocates can reasonably debate the pros and cons of an [...]
