Jicama (also called yambean) is a type of bulbous root vegetable that many people describe as being a cross between an apple and a turnip. Originally from the Mexican peninsula, jicama has played an important part in traditional cuisines of populations living in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia from thousands of years.…
In recent decades, glucomannan has been introduced to the U.S. and European markets as a food additive and dietary supplement. Glucomannan is a beneficial, soluble and fermentable dietary fiber derived from the root of the konjac plant, which is native to Asia. People in East Asia have used konjac fiber, also known as glucomannan powder,…
We all know how important fiber-rich foods are for weight management, digestive health and regular bowel movements, among other functions. But did you know there’s a type of fiber called inulin that can improve gut, heart and metabolic health as well? While there are various types of inulin, they all have in common their ability…
Well-known for its multitude of health-promoting properties, there are plenty of good reasons to add the turnip to your weekly grocery list. This versatile vegetable is flavorful, delicious and brimming with many of the essential nutrients that your body needs. It's also been associated with some pretty impressive health benefits, ranging from weight loss all the…
Prebiotic foods are types of dietary fibers that promote the activity and growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These substances are not digestible by the human body but serve as a source of nutrition for the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. They help feed probiotics, which we know benefit so many aspects of…
By now, most people are well-aware that foods rich in dietary fiber and probiotic foods offer a long list of benefits and are essential to overall health. Nonetheless, prebiotics are still largely under-appreciated and often lacking in the typical American diet. Unfortunately, this can result in serious issues like indigestion, inflammation, impaired immunity, weight gain and…
Frequently featured in stir-fries and steamed vegetable medleys — along with bamboo shoots — most people have tried water chestnuts at one point or another, whether they know it or not. This starchy aquatic veggie offers a unique taste and texture, plus an incredible array of benefits. High in antioxidants, fiber and a wealth of…
According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, in the U.S. alone, osteoporosis and low bone mass affect approximately 54 million women and men over the age of 50. Believe it or not, that is the majority of all people aged 50 and older living in the U.S., which is why problems associated with low bone mass…
You've read about all the benefits of the keto diet: weight loss, reduced appetite, improved energy and mental clarity. But now that you've actually gotten started with the ketogenic diet, you find yourself feeling worse than you did before. What gives? This is not an uncommon scenario. Unfortunately, these keto diet side effects or "keto…
The ketogenic (or “keto”) diet is a very high-fat, very low-carb diet that is best known for its weight loss benefits. The goal of the keto diet is to enter and then stay in a metabolic state called ketosis, in which you burn fat for energy, rather than carbohydrates (glucose). In the typical diet, our…
