Fiber
Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that comes from the edible parts of plants, including vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes. There is no dietary fiber in meat or dairy products. Fiber, which...
Author: Katherine L. Cason
Fiber & Food Labels
Dietary fiber is listed on the Nutrition Facts panel on most packaged food products. Nutrition Facts labels list goals for Americans as 25 grams of dietary fiber per day for a 2,000-calorie diet and...
Nutrient Claims on Food Labels
Are you familiar with the label language on food products in the grocery store? The label on a can of pears says there is “no added sugar.” The words on a milk carton boast that it is...
Potassium
Healthy people seldom have problems getting enough potassium if they eat a varied diet. But for those who are sick, with vomiting and diarrhea, potassium losses can become severe. People with...
Fat in Your Diet
Fats and oils are part of a healthful diet. Your body needs some dietary fat to function properly. Fat: is a source of energy. is a carrier of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) from food into...
Physical Activity Pyramid
Being physically active is one of the most important things people of all ages can do to maintain and improve their health. According to the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, moving...
Iron
Why We Need It Iron is a mineral that is found in every cell in the body. It is an essential part of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all the cells. Our cells use oxygen to make energy from...
Vitamin D
Why We Need It Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin, is needed for normal absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It also helps put these minerals into bones and teeth, making them stronger. Recommended...
Zinc
Why We Need It Zinc, a mineral found in almost every cell in our bodies, is needed for hundreds of chemical reactions. It keeps our immune system healthy and helps with the normal use of vitamin A...
Vitamin C
Why We Need It Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, also is known as ascorbic acid. It has a wide variety of uses in the body, including helping to slow down or prevent cell damage. It also is needed...
Caffeine
What is Caffeine? Caffeine is found naturally in the leaves, seeds, and fruits of more than 60 plant species worldwide. It is added to some beverages and foods for flavor. People have enjoyed...
2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The United States is facing an epidemic of obesity. An estimated 74% of all US adults, are considered overweight or obese. More than half get too little physical activity and 76.5% fail to meet the...