Most of us know it’s best to avoid added sugars because it only provides empty calories and doesn’t supply important nutrients. Sugar also promotes cavities, but there are even more important reasons to avoid sugar, like how it’s linked to an increased risk of heart disease, insulin resistance and increased…
Adzuki beans are red, dry beans known to have a sweet nutty-flavor that are quite common in Japanese and Chinese dishes. Adzuki beans are often cooked, puréed and mixed with sugar to make a bean paste, which is then used to fill cakes and desserts. Adzuki beans are also used…
Delicious and crunchy apples are one of the most popular fruits in the US. However, what are the health benefits of apples? You’re probably familiar with the the old Welsh proverb that states “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but is this cheap, common fruit really that great…
What is Gluten? Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. It is also found in Triticale, which is a hybrid of rye and barley. Other foods, like oats, may not contain gluten naturally, but can be cross-contaminated with gluten in the manufacturing process. Eating gluten-free means avoiding…
Eating pancakes remains a fond childhood memory for many of us. Perhaps you went to grandma’s house and she spoiled you with some nice white fluffy cakes topped with butter and drizzled with some syrup, or maybe it was a pancake feed at a small-town celebration that conjured up those…
Protein bars are a quick way to add some quality protein to your daily routine, usually without a lot of fat and calories. However, even when they don’t break your calorie bank, they can quickly break your piggy bank because of the cost! That’s why do-it-yourself protein bars make good…
Not all body is fat is bad; some of it is essential for a healthy life. In men, 3% of body fat is essential, with 10-25% of body weight as fat required for optimal health. In women, 12% of fat is essential with 18-30% of body weight as fat required…
Everyone has a difficult time falling asleep sometimes; it’s called insomnia. The Mayo Clinic defines insomnia as a common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall or stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early. Anxiety, sickness, or uncomfortable temperatures can often cause temporary insomnia. However,…
Protein is a one of the macronutrients your body needs for good health. The other two macronutrients are carbohydrates and fat. Your body needs all three of these, along with vitamins and minerals, which are called micronutrients, to be healthy, as well as water. Protein is made up of smaller…
While nutritionists generally recommend that you stay away from sweets if you’re on a good fitness plan, eating treats like dark chocolate in moderation actually has some health benefits that may surprise you. Pair the dark chocolate with some red wine, and you’ll double up on your dose of heart-healthy…