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.…
While the food industry has been using various sources of technology for decades to improve the appeal and shelf life of their products, nanotechnology in food is still a concept that's in its infancy. Whether you realize it or not, you may already consume foods and drinks that use this technology, such as certain beers,…
In order to improve the texture and shelf life of granular and powdered food products, such as protein powders and seasonings, anti-caking additives are often used. One such additive is silicon dioxide, which the ability to help prevent ingredients from becoming moist and clumping together. What is silicon dioxide exactly, and is it safe? Also…
If you're on the lookout for gluten-free grains that pack a nutritional punch, you'll definitely want to try amaranth. The grain is gaining popularity today because of its startling health benefits. It has an earthy and nutty flavor, helps you to feel full because of its fiber content, and like quinoa, serves as an excellent…
In the U.S., approximately 1 to 2 percent (or more) of the population has a peanut allergy — about 3 million people — a percentage that continues to rise. In the past two decades, the prevalence of peanut allergies has more than quadrupled, up from 0.4 percent of the U.S. population in 1997 to…
The leek is a sister plant to onion and garlic, and like those incredible nutrient-rich foods, leeks offer a whole host of health benefits. The list of what leeks can do is a long one. From preventing inflammation — the root of most diseases — to protecting the body from cancer, heart disease and everything…
Have you ever eaten at a sushi restaurant or ordered Chinese takeout? If so, then there’s a pretty good chance you’ve tried imitation crab meat at one point or another, regardless of whether you knew it or not. Thanks to its versatility, ease of preparation and budget-friendly benefits, imitation crab has become a prominent ingredient…
All of the vitamins and minerals we eat, plus all of the hormones our bodies produce, need enzymes in order to work properly. Additionally, enzymes, such as proteolytic enzymes, regulate metabolic functions and assist in maintaining our stamina and energy levels. Proteolytic enzymes are the type that specifically aid in the digestion process. They help…
Let’s face it: Amino acids are crucial to pretty much every aspect of health. These compounds are the building blocks of proteins, which make up our skin, hair and muscles and perform a variety of functions in the body. When it comes to health, though, some amino acids, like L-carnitine and glycine, stand out from…
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits on the planet, but have you ever wondered how many carbs in a banana there are? Bananas come in their own yellow package, making them easy to take with you on the go, and banana nutrition contains several important vitamins and minerals, in addition to carbohydrates, which…
