These days, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who's never tried celery. It is a popular ingredient often featured in low-carb, low-calorie recipes for dieters and health-conscious consumers alike. However, far less people are familiar with celeriac, a root vegetable that is closely related to celery but boasts an entirely different set of nutrients and…
Have you heard of the amino acid phenylalanine? This crucial compound is absolutely vital for several aspects of health and plays a central role in maintaining normal growth and development. It's also important for the synthesis of certain hormones and neurotransmitters that are involved in regulating mood and body weight. So what is the purpose…
Nutmeg is a rich and fragrant spice that can crank up the flavor of just about any dish or dessert. Not only is this spectacular spice versatile and delicious like other healing herbs and spices, but it has also been well-studied for its impressive benefits, including its effects on brain and heart health, digestion, inflammation…
The potato is a staple food in American cuisine, often used as in side dishes to accompany a protein and vegetable. This vegetable is inexpensive, available worldwide and relatively easy to grow. So are potatoes healthy, and if so, how many should eat? The biggest vegetable crop in the United States, potatoes are one of…
Mushrooms have been consumed for centuries as part of diets promoted in folklore and Eastern medicine practices, including Traditional Chinese Medicine. The ancient Egyptians considered mushrooms, such as cremini mushrooms, to be a food that promoted immortality and were worthy of being included in diets fed to royal leaders. Still, to this day, mushrooms are…
We all know how delicious and versatile grapes are — used to make wine, raisins and grapeseed oil, among other grape products. They're fun to eat with their round shape and unique texture — not to mention their sweetness combined with a bit of tart flavor — but what are the benefits of eating grapes? These delicious fruits…
You know what they say, “Variety is the spice of life,” right? Adding certain condiments to your meals can be a great way to kick up the flavor of basic, healthy foods — making them more tasty, appetizing and enjoyable. But not all condiments belong in your refrigerator or pantry. Many are surprisingly loaded with…
Depending on how you choose to use social media networks such as Instagram, your feed can either improve your habits and self-esteem, or potentially take a toll on your mindset. I believe one of the keys to using Instagram in a positive way is to follow like-minded health influencers and fitness influencers who provide you…
When building a natural skin care routine, most of us tend to focus on moisturizers, creams, serums and toners. While these are definitely important, the true secret to skin health goes beyond the surface. In fact, getting in a good variety of vitamins for skin — either through the diet or through supplementation — is…
Spicy food is featured in many different types of cuisines around the world, including Mexican, Indian, Latin, Caribbean, Thai and Chinese. If you're a fan of feeling warm and tingly inside when you eat spicy ingredients, you'll be happy to know that many hot-tasting foods — such as peppers, wasabi, mustard seeds and turmeric —…
