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2 weeks ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan |Amelia MacIntyre
Exposure to toxins, including cigarette smoke, can increase free radicals in your body. Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images Free radicals are highly unstable, reactive molecules in your body. Your body has antioxidants to help neutralize them. Small amounts of free radicals help your body with some of its processes. However, if there are too many free radicals for antioxidants to defend against, they can build up in your body. This can harm your DNA and cells, leading to diseases.
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1 month ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan |Hannah Harper |Alex Yampolsky
Iuliia Pilipeichenko / Getty Images Calcium carbonate is a type of calcium supplement used to treat low blood calcium levels and calcium-related conditions such as osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). As an antacid, it can lower stomach acidity and relieve heartburn. Calcium carbonate is a common food additive. It can be found in cereals, dairy products, packaged broths, and other foods.
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1 month ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan |Kierra Brown
Oscar Wong / Getty Images Protein helps you build, strengthen, and repair your tissues. But it also has surprising gut health benefits. It promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, supports your gut cells, and helps defend against harmful microorganisms. If you're looking for simple snacks that will help you meet your daily protein needs, look no further.
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1 month ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan |Nick Blackmer
Hispanolistic / Getty Images Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that your body doesn’t produce, so it must be obtained from food. Although turkey is a well-known source of tryptophan, many other foods also contain a good amount, or even higher levels, of tryptophan. Amino acids play various roles in the body besides protein synthesis. Your body uses tryptophan to synthesize several important molecules, including melatonin and serotonin.
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1 month ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan |Jamie Johnson
EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS / Getty Images Your body needs fat for various functions, including energy production, hormone production, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), maintaining body temperature, and more. However, eating too much saturated fat has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Saturated fats are found mostly in animal-based foods such as red meat, lard, and dairy products. They're also found in coconut oil, baked goods, and fast foods.
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2 months ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan |Hannah Harper |Jamie Johnson
SimpleImages / Getty Images Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and vitamin C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. However, like other fruits, bananas are naturally high in sugar. Sugar and carbohydrates increase blood glucose (sugar) levels faster than protein and fats. Some people with diabetes may limit or avoid these foods to prevent blood sugar spikes.
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2 months ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan
Arsenic is a toxic metal that can enter soil through natural and man-made activities. Arsenic in foods is about soil health. The amount that may be in rice depends on where the rice is grown and how it's processed. The outer layer, or outer hull, of rice contains more arsenic. This layer is removed during the milling process to produce white rice. So, whole-grain rice, like brown rice, will have higher levels of arsenic than processed rice, like white rice.
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2 months ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan |Hannah Harper |Kayla Girgen
samael334 / Getty Images Potassium is important for kidney, heart, muscle, and brain function. Low potassium levels can contribute to muscle weakness, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and loss of bone mass. Adults need 2,600-3,400 milligrams of potassium daily, depending on age, sex, and pregnancy or breastfeeding status. Bananas are a well-known source of potassium, but other foods are better sources of potassium.
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2 months ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan
Magnesium helps more than 300 processes in the body, while potassium helps balance the fluid inside the cells, maintaining a stable internal environment. Both minerals are crucial for muscle, nerve, bone, metabolic, and heart health. Your body does not produce magnesium or potassium, so it's important to get these essential minerals through foods and drinks in your diet. Many enzymes in your body require magnesium to function properly.
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2 months ago | 
health.com | Merve Ceylan |Susan Bard
bluestocking / Getty ImagesRose water, made by distilling rose petals, is used for its fragrance, skin benefits, medicinal purposes, and potential calming effects. It contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, there is limited clinical evidence about its effectiveness for skin or other health benefits. Before you use it, test it for skin irritation due to potential allergic reactions.
