Author: Janis G. Hunter

Why We Need It Thiamin, or vitamin B1, is a water-soluble B vitamin. We need thiamin to use the carbohydrates we eat. It helps turn carbohydrates into energy for the body. The body also needs...

Why We Need It Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential to our health because it: helps our eyes adjust to a lower level of light at night in order to see normally in the dark. promotes normal...

Why We Need It Chromium, one of the trace minerals, is found in very small amounts in our bodies. Its role in overall health is not well understood. Chromium works with insulin to maintain normal...

Why We Need It Fluoride, a mineral, is important for healthy bones and teeth. It increases the amount of minerals in our teeth, helps harden developing tooth enamel and protects teeth from decay....

Why We Need It Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin needed to break down the protein we eat. In addition, our bodies use vitamin B6 to make important body proteins. This...

Why We Need It Riboflavin, a water-soluble B vitamin, also is known as vitamin B2. We need riboflavin to use the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins in the foods we eat. It helps us use these...

Why We Need It Calcium is the major mineral found in our bones and teeth. Along with phosphorus and other nutrients, it builds the hard structure that makes bones and teeth strong. Calcium also is...

Why We Need It Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin. Sometimes it is called vitamin B3. We need niacin for our bodies to use the energy in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Niacin also is needed for...

Healthy Food Options at School Healthy eating is important for growth, good health, and academic performance. However, kids are often overwhelmed with access and availability of foods that are high...

Get Informed An influenza (flu) pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of flu disease that occurs when a new type of influenza virus appears that people have not been exposed to before (or have not been...

If you have special dietary needs, the nutrition information on food labels can help you to: improve your health manage your weight, diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease reduce your risk...

Why is an apple a better choice than a bag of pretzels? They have roughly the same number of calories, but nutrients count, too. The apple provides fiber, vitamin C and potassium for an equal number...