Health Value Of Foods

A healthy diet is rich in foods with high nutritional value, providing your body with the vitamins, minerals and other food nutrients it needs to protect against disease and maintain a healthy weight. To identify healthy foods, it's important to read nutrition labels and know the source of your food. Products advertised as whole-grain, organic or fortified may not necessarily be healthy for you. Find out how to get the most health value from various fruits, nuts, spices, oils and vegetables -- and learn which types of red meat and processed foods to avoid -- with expert advice from Sharecare.

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QWhy should I use different types of protein powders for strength training?

1 Answer

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A Int'l Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) answered

There is a good variety of protein powders on the market, including options for vegetarians, and so unless you have dietary restrictions or allergies, there are no good reasons to limit your protein shopping to just a single source. Every form of protein has a different amino-acid profile. So, in essence, the more types of protein you include on a day-to-day basis, the better your results will be. This is because you will be providing your body with a broader range of aminos, making certain that you don’t have a deficit in any particular amino acid, which may have a limiting effect on muscle and exercise recovery.

Research shows that consuming a blend of proteins (soy, whey and casein) may help athletes and active individuals build muscle and recover faster. How is this possible? Soy, whey and casein are absorbed at different rates during digestion. The combination of these three proteins together results in an extended release of amino-acid delivery to your muscles, which is ideal for muscle growth.
QWhat are the health benefits of cremini mushrooms?

1 Answer

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A Dr. Pina LoGiudice, LAc, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answered

Cremini mushrooms have been used for centuries to boost immunity and fight off colds. In this video, naturopathic specialist Pina LoGiudice, ND, explains the healthy benefits of cremini mushrooms, how to find them, and how to cook with them.

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What Are the Health Benefits of Cremini Mushrooms?
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QWhat are sources of whole grains?

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A RealAge answered

Foods that have been made with unrefined (unprocessed) flours and grains such as millet, bulgur and whole wheat contain the most whole grains. Brown rice, soba noodles, whole-wheat bagels, barley and oatmeal are all great sources of whole grains. Foods rich in bran—the outer layer of the grain seed—are good grain choices, too, thanks to the fiber, B vitamins and antioxidants. Other whole grains include amaranth, buckwheat, millet and quinoa—which are all gluten-free—as well as rye and couscous.

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QWhat types of grains should I choose for a healthy diet?

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A Intermountain Registered Dietitians , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered on behalf of Intermountain Healthcare

Grains and starches are a staple of diets all over the world. However, you need to learn to make healthy choices within this group. Choose whole grains and unprocessed starches, which contain dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Examples are whole wheat, brown rice, oats, barley, cornmeal, and sweet potatoes. Limit or avoid refined starches such as white bread, white pasta, and white rice.
QWhy should I include low-fat dairy products in my diet?

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A Samantha Heller, RD , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered

Low-fat dairy products contain nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamin D -- and they don't have a lot of saturated fat. Watch registered dietitian Samantha Heller explain the ideal type of dairy for your diet, as well as some non-dairy options.

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Should I Include Dairy Products in My Diet?
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QHow can I consume more lemons?

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A Ms. Ashley Koff, RD , Nutrition & Dietetics, answered

Lemons are an amazing way to keep bad bacteria at bay. When you make my LemonAID -- 8 ounces filtered water (heated), juice from half an organic lemon and 2-4 drops of stevia -- and consume it upon waking or before bed, you get the bacteria-fighting benefits of lemon juice that improve digestion and support your immune system.

Additionally, when you make the same concoction but keep the water room temperature and omit the stevia, you get the easiest cleaner for your countertops and car steering wheel. The refreshing clean smell also has additional anti-stress benefits.
QWhich steak cuts are the healthiest choices?

1 Answer

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A HealthCorps answered

Go for the sirloin or filet mignon as your “best and healthiest” cuts. You will probably save yourself about 200 to 1200 calories, depending on the portion size. Fattier cuts include rib eye, New York strip, T-bone, prime rib and Porterhouse cuts of steak.

Of course, grilled skinless chicken, fish or a vegetarian entrée will likely save you additional fat calories, or in the case of fish, offer you a heart healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, depending on the type of fish you choose. Some fishes are high in omega-6 fatty acids, and we typically get more than enough of that type of fat in our American diets.
QWhat are the health benefits of fermented foods?

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A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

Fermented foods have been cultivated for centuries for their ability to clear out toxins, aid fat loss and boost your immune system. Dr. Oz explains how to get these superfoods into your diet!

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How Can Fermented Foods Help with Gastrointestinal Issues?
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