Nutrition basics
Learning Center
Get to know the new Nutrition Facts label
The recently revamped label makes it easier than ever to make healthy food choices. Get the facts from a Mayo Clinic dietitian.
Gallbladder cleanse: A 'natural' remedy for gallstones?
A gallbladder cleanse is a popular alternative remedy for gallstones. But does it work?
Flaxseed: Is ground better than whole?
Nutrition experts recommend ground flaxseed over whole flaxseed. Find out why.
Fiber: Soluble or insoluble?
You need both types of fiber in your diet. Soluble, which dissolves in water, can help lower cholesterol and glucose levels. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots and barley. Insoluble fiber, which doesn't dissolve in water, promotes the movement of material through your digestive system and can help with constipation or irregular stools. Good sources of insoluble fiber include whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts and many vegetables.
Eye vitamins: Can they prevent or treat glaucoma?
Some supplements are marketed as 'eye vitamins' that help protect your eyes against glaucoma. Is there any truth to these claims?
Echinacea: Is it effective for the common cold?
Echinacea may slightly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, but the effect may be too minor to notice.
Eating the placenta: A good idea?
Despite claims of benefits, eating your placenta after giving birth can be harmful to you and your baby.
Eat more of these key nutrients
The typical American diet is low in fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. For this reason, they're listed on the Nutrition Facts label to encourage Americans to choose foods rich in these important nutrients.
Don't go cuckoo for coconut water
Coconut water is the clear fluid inside coconuts. Because it has natural electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium and manganese, it's popular for rehydration after exercise. But coconut water isn't calorie-free, which means plain water is still the smart choice for a post-workout drink.
Does soy really affect breast cancer risk?
Soy foods reduce the risk of breast cancer, but more research is needed to determine whether soy supplements are equally beneficial.
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