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...
Author: Katherine L. Cason
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...
Vitamin K
Why We Need It Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin, helps the body make proteins, especially those needed for normal clotting of blood when you bleed. It is needed for making important proteins for...
Vitamin B12
Why We Need It Vitamin B12 works with folate, another B vitamin, to make DNA, which is the body’s genetic material. Vitamin B12, a water-soluble vitamin, also protects nerve cells from damage...
Vitamin E
Why We Need It Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a broad role in promoting health. It primarily serves as an antioxidant that helps protect the body from the effects of free radicals. Free...
Physical Activity for Children
The rate of childhood obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, doubling over the past 30 years. Obesity and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure risks...
Non-Food Rewards for Kids
There is currently a childhood obesity epidemic. Over 18 percent of children are obese. Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three...
Go Lean With Protein
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend that most adults and children eat about 5½ ounce equivalents of protein daily. This is based on a 2,000-calorie diet and is part of an overall healthy...