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Bundles of white and green asparagus on a wooden table. Image Credit: orinoco-art/iStock/Getty Images The two most common types of asparagus are the white and green varieties. So, what’s the difference? Advertisement The obvious distinction between the two is the color. Green asparagus has chlorophyll, a pigment that makes it green, while white asparagus doesn't. This is due to how they're grown: Green asparagus is grown in the sunlight, so it produces chlorophyll....

There is no such thing as "vitamin B17." Image Credit: Elizaveta Elesina/iStock/GettyImages Vitamin B17, also known as laetrile or amygdalin, has raised a lot of controversy among consumers and health professionals alike. This supplement has been banned by the FDA for decades, but it continues to make headlines. While it’s true that you can’t purchase vitamin B17, you can get it from food. Advertisement Tip There is no such thing as "vitamin B17....

A glass of orange juice. Image Credit: artisteer/iStock/Getty Images Many people do not enjoy drinking water and would rather drink juice to quench their thirst. Although juice is made from fruits, it is not a healthy choice because it does not contain the beneficial fiber found in fruits and can pack a lot of sugar, even if it is unsweetened. If you feel even thirstier after drinking juice, it may be a sign that you are still mildly dehydrated or that you are experiencing high blood sugar levels....

Cover your turkey in foil if you want it to roast faster. Image Credit: Yvonne Duivenvoorden/Radius Images/GettyImages In This Article Fully Covered Foil Tent Method Another Way Sides It can help the cooking process if you put aluminum foil over turkey during roasting. There are two ways to do it: enclose the turkey in the foil before roasting it in a hot oven; or, use the foil as a tent to control the level of browning....

A doctor weighs a paitent on a scale. Image Credit: AVAVA/iStock/Getty Images Reading a scale in a doctor’s office should be simple, but it is not. In addition to measuring weight, you can also measure height. Normally, that should be a simple procedure, but do you stand facing the wall or with your back to the wall? Are your shoes on or off? Are your socks on or off? Advertisement Step 1 Take off your shoes before you get on a doctor’s scale....

A woman is using an elliptical machine. Image Credit: Ralf Cornesse/Hemera/Getty Images NordicTrack makes many residential fitness machines, including treadmills, exercise bikes and ellipticals. Some of the features of the NordicTrack ellipticals include adjustable stride length, preset workouts, iFit compatibility, foldable units and incline power ramps. The incline is one way to increase the difficulty of your workout. On occasion, the incline ramp may stop functioning properly. In this case, you will need to reset the machine....

A man is talking to his doctor. Image Credit: AlexRaths/iStock/Getty Images Combining Zoloft with 5-HTP is not normally recommended without physician approval and supervision. The body makes 5-HTP, a chemical, from an amino acid called tryptophan, and 5-HTP is then converted into serotonin in the body. Zoloft is an antidepressant drug from the category called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. This means that Zoloft is designed to inhibit the use of serotonin in the brain....

A woman is using a rowing machine. Image Credit: Mike Watson Images/moodboard/Getty Images Rowing on a DP BodyTone 300 rowing machine works your legs and core while giving you a cardiovascular workout. A rowing machine provides little impact on your joints so you don’t have to sacrifice possible joint strain for an effective workout, according to Men’s Total Fitness’ “Rowing Machine Buyer’s Guide.” Exercising on a rowing machine may burn approximately 413 calories per hour even at a light intensity for a 130-lb....

According to the official Extra gum website, flavors can be customized to local tastes in different countries. Image Credit: Jenny Dettrick/Moment/GettyImages Initially launched in 1984 as the first sugar-free gum sold in the United States, Wrigley’s Extra gum is now owned by the Mars corporation. It’s still sugar-free, sweetened using products such as aspartame and acesulfame K. Advertisement Extra Gum Ingredients Wrigley’s Extra gum starts with a generic gum base that, as Purdue University explains, is actually made of polymers — plastics — that may be naturally occurring or synthetically derived....

Is Eating Yeast Bad for You? Image Credit: Arx0nt/iStock/GettyImages While yeast served on its own probably isn’t a staple in your diet, you likely eat at least one of the three common dietary types: baker’s yeast, brewer’s yeast and nutritional yeast. Some people consume yeast as a dietary supplement, add it to recipes and, of course, use it in baking. There is no evidence to suggest that dietary yeast is bad for healthy adults — in fact, it has some nutritional benefits....

A simple calculation can give you an idea as to your ideal body weight, or IBW. Image Credit: Guido Mieth/Moment/Getty Images Many different body shapes and sizes are healthy, so you won’t find a single calculation to tell you exactly what you should weigh and what your measurements should be. You can use several calculations and measurements, however, to determine whether you’re within the acceptable range for ideal body size: ideal body weight, BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio....

A leaky heart valve can result from genetic factors or from acquired injury to your heart. Common acquired causes of heart valve dysfunction include high blood pressure and heart attacks. While some degree of exercise is important to prevent deconditioning in someone with valvular heart disease, data on the impact of moderate-intensity exercise on heart disease is limited, and most doctors would recommend against high-intensity exercise for someone with advanced valvular disease....

The choice between light and dark baking pans often comes down to what you're cooking. Image Credit: ClarkandCompany/E+/GettyImages In This Article Baking Time Durability Special Features Whether to choose light baking pans or dark baking pans comes down mostly to personal preference. Vintage pans are usually dark to begin with, and may have darkened with age. With the exception of nonstick baking pans, most bakeware sold today is made of aluminum, and light in color....

A large bowl of hot breakfast cereal. Image Credit: Magone/iStock/Getty Images A broken jaw is a break in the jawbone. To promote healing, you need to limit movement of your jawbone. These limitations require you to follow a soft, liquid diet. Meeting your nutrient needs can be a challenge with a broken jaw. To help you meet your needs, aim for six mini meals a day instead of three large meals, and use high-calorie liquids to boost your intake....

Participate in regular physical activity to help lower your blood sugar. Image Credit: Mike Powell/Digital Vision/Getty Images Increased levels of blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, can be cause for concern. Signs of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination and high levels of sugar in your urine. High blood sugar occurs when your body produces too little insulin or is not capable of using insulin properly. If left untreated, a serious medical condition called ketoacidosis, also known as diabetic coma, can occur....

By preparing homemade split pea soup, nutrition can improve significantly. Image Credit: anmbph/iStock/GettyImages While canned, ready-to-eat split pea soup might taste good, it has some nutritional downsides. By preparing homemade split pea soup, nutrition can improve significantly. Advertisement In addition, you can experiment with vegetarian versions and include vegetables such as carrots, celery and onions for extra nutrients and fiber. Video of the Day Read more: The Nutritional Value of Yellow Split Peas Low in Fat A typical 1-cup serving of split pea soup that contains chopped ham from ham hocks, ham shanks or diced boneless ham has approximately 220 split pea soup calories, and about 32 of these calories come from fat, according to the USDA....

Lying down while exercising can worsen some pain. Sinusitis, a deviated septum, gastroesophageal reflux disorder or chronic dry mouth may cause pain in the roof of your mouth when you over-exercise. The nasal cavity is located directly above the roof of your mouth. Vigorous activity increases your blood flow, body temperature and breathing rate, which make nasal problems more noticeable. If you regularly experience pain in the roof of the mouth, consult with your doctor....

Reflexology and acupressure both rely on pressure points found in the heel. Acupressure and reflexology are two alternative complementary therapies that systematically apply pressure to certain parts of the body to reduce aches and pains. Some pressure points are also purported to improve the function of other parts of the body. Though many people find relief from these techniques, the scientific community has yet to come to a verdict on their effectiveness and validity....

Pros & Cons of Being a Personal Trainer Image Credit: michaeljung/iStock/GettyImages Personal training can be a healthy, rewarding and flexible career, but like any other job, it has its downsides. Before you go through the time and effort of obtaining a personal trainer certification, make sure the balances of pros and cons work out in your favor. Advertisement Working Hours Personal trainers need to be available when their clients want to train....

Wide knobby tires use much lower pressures than narrow and smooth tires. Image Credit: MilanMarkovic/iStock/GettyImages With the wind in your face and the sun on your back, you can cycle along paved roads or swing off to enjoy an adventurous ride on a bike path or trail. Whether a mountain, comfort or hybrid, your bicycle has tires carefully selected to accommodate your riding needs. Advertisement Tip The recommended tire pressure for your 26-inch bike tires varies with the tire type, intended use and the rider's weight....