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...
Category: Health
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...
Leafy Green Basics
Buying & Storing Greens When selecting greens for cooking, remember they cook down considerably, by one-quarter or more, from their original volume. Wrap fresh greens in damp paper toweling,...
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...
Can Cinnamon Cure Diabetes?
There are many uses for cinnamon. Cinnamon can help to add a sweet flavor to foods without adding sugar, but is cinnamon one of the next “superfoods” that could cure diabetes? Before you rush out to...
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...