Most of us know what a mango is and what mango nutrition provides, but have you ever heard of a mangosteen? You're forgiven if you haven't, as this Southeast Asian fruit was banned in the U.S. until October 2007 because it was thought to harbor Asian fruit flies. Thankfully, however, this health-boosting fruit is no…
Electrolytes are certain nutrients (or chemicals) present in your body that have many important functions — from regulating your heartbeat to allowing your muscles to contract so you can move. The major electrolytes found within the body include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphate and chloride. Because these crucial nutrients help stimulate nerves throughout the body…
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…
Pickle juice sports drinks may be a "hack" utilized by some athletes to prevent cramps and fatigue, but what do studies actually say? Are there any benefits to drinking pickle juice? Most experts agree that more research focused on the potential beneficial effects of salty drinks for athletic performance are needed. However, there are some…
Constipation is one of the most commonly reported health problems, affecting about 16 percent of U.S. adults and one in three adults over age 60, according to the National Institutes of Health. What helps relieve constipation fast? While a number of over-the-counter medications are available to treat this condition quickly, not all are considered safe.…
Anemia, also known as anaemia, occurs when your blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells or if your red blood cells don't have enough hemoglobin. Because a side effect of anemia is low circulation of oxygen, anemia symptoms usually include muscle weakness, ongoing fatigue or lethargy, brain fog, and sometimes mood…
If you have diabetes, you probably know just how important your diet can be when it comes to controlling diabetes symptoms. However, a healthy diabetic diet plan goes way beyond cutting carbs and slashing sugar consumption. In fact, filling your plate with the right foods and switching up your daily routine can also have a…
There's a lot of controversy around soy and soy-based products like natto. With all the contradictory claims out there from researchers and health experts alike, it's no wonder that many people are left scratching their heads on whether soy helps or harms your health. The answer is: It depends. Marketing geniuses have posited soy as…
Sprouting grains, nuts, beans and seeds has been a common practice in places like Eastern Asian and Europe for literally thousands of years. In fact, different forms of soaking, sprouting and fermenting seeds have been a part of almost every culture in one way or another. Why? Our ancestors understood the many advantages and health…