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Inulin is a type of plant starch found in vegetables like leeks. Image Credit: Edster1980/iStock/Getty Images Both inulin and psyllium are natural, plant-based starches that are often used for similar health purposes. You might take psyllium or inulin to help treat diabetes, constipation or high triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Inulin and psyllium also have unique individual health benefits. Before you begin taking either psyllium or inulin for any health purpose, consult your doctor about the proper dosage and potential dangers....

Vegetarians don't eat most brands of marshmallows because they contain gelatin. Image Credit: baibaz/iStock/GettyImages It’s hard to imagine anything but sweet goodness in those fluffy little marshmallows floating merrily in a mug of hot cocoa or nestled in the middle of a gooey s’more, but if you’re a vegetarian, you might be in for a surprise. What’s in marshmallows? In order to get that squishy feel, most marshmallows contain gelatin, which is derived from the body parts of animals....

A half cup of black beans can add 7 grams of fiber to your day. Image Credit: Lauri Patterson/E+/GettyImages We know, we know: Fiber isn’t exactly the sexiest topic. But getting the right amount of the gut-friendly roughage in your diet has a ton of health benefits, from improved gastrointestinal (or GI) function to weight loss. Before you dive headfirst into a high-fiber diet, though, it’s important to understand what fiber actually is, and how to add it to your plate for optimal results....

Woman making salad Image Credit: JohnLund/Sarto Harrison/Blend Images/Getty Images In addition to a sensible, reduced-calorie diet, consistent exercise is essential if you want to lose 50 pounds. By scheduling exercise ahead of time, it becomes harder to make excuses, such as not having enough time. Exercise becomes part of your daily routine and eventually part of your lifestyle, which is essential for long-term weight loss. Advertisement Step 1 Plan to lose weight gradually at a rate of no more than one to two pounds per week....

Image Credit: MilanMarkovic/iStock/GettyImages While some men complain of flat or non-existent butts, others may say, "Be careful what you wish for." Men with sculpted, tight rear ends catch the eye of admirers, but buttocks covered in fat do just the opposite. Advertisement No one workout targets your butt for fat loss directly, but certain strategies help you lose fat all over — and some of that fat will disappear from your backside....

Eating more fruits and vegetables can help you to lose weight after taking progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone prescribed for a variety of reasons, such as treating endometriosis or replacing hormones lost during menopause. Progesterone helps in the control of hot flashes in women but can have side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic. One of the most common side effects is weight gain. If you've recently stopped taking progesterone, you may want to lose weight that you gained while taking the hormone....

It's best to call on a professional, such as a certified personal trainer, when using calipers to measure body fat. Image Credit: Dusan Ilic/iStock/GettyImages Since too much or too little body fat can come with serious health problems, it’s a good idea to know how much you have. While there are several methods, measuring body fat with calipers is among the easiest and most accurate done by health and fitness professionals....

Woman in exercise clothes with a towel around her neck Image Credit: XiXinXing/XiXinXing/Getty Images The ExerHealth company, and later Icon Health & Fitness, have manufactured a line of exercise machines called HealthRiders since 1989. The HealthRider Total Body Aerobic Fitness machine was an early model that’s no longer manufactured, but you may still find it in gyms or on the used equipment market. The HealthRider keeps you in constant motion to improve your cardiovascular fitness....

Although a lack of iron can cause anemia, there are many other causes of anemia. Image Credit: mtphoto19/iStock/GettyImages Red blood cells (RBCs) are needed by the body to transport oxygen to your cells, which your cells need to use glucose efficiently to make energy. If you are anemic, you have too few red blood cells. Although a lack of iron can cause anemia, there are many other different causes of anemia, which means that taking iron supplements may not be able to adequately treat the condition....

The Impossible Burger and the Beyond Burger are both processed, plant-based patties, yet provide a similar nutrition profile to real beef. Image Credit: agrobacter/E+/GettyImages Once offered only in supermarket freezer aisles or as an afterthought on meat-centric menus, veggie burgers have come a long way. Now, meat-free patties from Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat seem to be everywhere — and they’re even converting carnivores. Advertisement The meat-mimicking eats have officially gone mainstream: Everywhere from Burger King to TGI Fridays to Dunkin' carries a version....

A fresh glass of apple juice on a wooden table. Image Credit: HandmadePictures/iStock/Getty Images Both apples and apple juice may help lower your risk for certain types of cancer, according to a review article published in “Planta Medica” in 2008. Apple juice is also often fortified to provide more than 100 percent of the daily value for vitamin C, although unfortified juice has just 4 percent of the DV. Because of its effect on blood sugar, however, apple juice may not be the best beverage choice for people with diabetes....

Hanging your bike by its wheel may damage the rim. Image Credit: Fuse/Fuse/Getty Images Regular maintenance can help ensure that your bicycle has a long life. A properly functioning bicycle also keeps you safer. Pay attention to the small details, such as how you store the bike, to further prolong its mileage. Advertisement Storing Your Bike Indoors Storing your bike indoors is a simple way to keep it running well and looking new....

BMI uses your height and weight to estimate the amount of body fat you have. Image Credit: Steve Debenport/E+/GettyImages The body mass index, or BMI, is a tool that uses your height and weight to predict the amount of body fat you have. Widely used by doctors, insurance companies and other health institutions, the BMI measurement can give you a general idea of your overall health. Advertisement However, the BMI can be inaccurate, especially for athletic individuals....

references Celiac Disease Foundation: "Sources of Gluten" Mayo Clinic: "Nuts and Your Heart: Eating Nuts for Heart Health" USDA: "Peanut Butter (Smooth)" FDA: "Gluten and Food Labeling" GFCO: "About Us" Naturally, peanut butter is a gluten-free food. Image Credit: icetocker/iStock/GettyImages Image Credit: icetocker/iStock/GettyImages All you need is 5 minutes to whip up your own jar of peanut butter. Image Credit: inewsistock/iStock/GettyImages Image Credit: inewsistock/iStock/GettyImages ​Get the 5-Minute Homemade Peanut Butter recipe from Pinch of Yum....

Although pepperoni is not the best food choice for good health, it can still be part of a well-balanced diet as long as you limit the amount you eat. Image Credit: vasiliybudarin/iStock/GettyImages Treating yourself to a classic pepperoni pizza once in a while won’t upset your long-term health. There are some healthy pepperoni pizza benefits from the 5.4 grams of protein provided by each ounce of pepperoni on the pizza, but be aware of its high amount of calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium....

Chromium picolinate may not be the best way to lose weight, even in conjunction with weight training. Image Credit: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/Getty Images Although many Americans consume diets that are low in the essential mineral chromium, it isn’t common to be deficient in chromium. Some people take supplements containing a form called chromium picolinate in the hopes of improving their weight loss results. Research results are mixed on whether the supplements are beneficial for this purpose, however, and these supplements may not be safe for everyone....

Oranges are high in vitamin C. Image Credit: GANNAMARTYSHEVA/iStock/GettyImages Tropicana has been manufacturing orange juice since 1947. If you’ve been drinking Tropicana juice daily and are wondering whether this beloved breakfast staple is good for your heart, here’s what you need to know about the advantages and disadvantages of Tropicana orange juice. Advertisement Tip Tropicana orange juice contains nutrients that are beneficial for heart health; however it is a concentrated source of sugar and doesn’t contain much fiber, so you’re better off eating the whole fruit instead....

A toasted whole grain sandwich. Image Credit: gorkemdemir/iStock/Getty Images Eating a high fiber diet that is low in fat can help you maintain your overall health. Fiber-rich foods are naturally low in fat and contain cancer-fighting and heart healthy properties. While a low fat diet is good, it is important that you do not dismiss all fats, however. Eat some foods containing unsaturated fats because they are necessary for an overall healthy diet....

Oatmeal is a great low acid food. Image Credit: Arx0nt/iStock/GettyImages A low acid diet is the one of the best ways to treat conditions cause by excess stomach acid. These conditions can include intestinal discomfort, stomach cramps and acid reflux. You may find relief by increasing your intake of low acid foods and decreasing the acidic foods in your diet. Advertisement Read more: Signs of Too Much Acid in the Stomach Video of the Day Low Acid Foods The introduction of low acid foods to your diet can often help with stomach acidity and acid reflux, because some foods can help to balance the stomach and others provide a soothing effect if excess acid has already formed....

Fresh vegetables and fruits are low in saturated fats. Image Credit: Monkey Business Images/Monkey Business/Getty Images With the increasing demands of work, school and other outside activities, it can often be difficult to fit clean and healthy meals into our diets. Unfortunately, thanks to the nutritional content of fast and processed foods, this generally means higher amounts of saturated fat. According to the American Heart Association, saturated fats have the ability to raise blood cholesterol, which can lead to a number of health risks, including coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke....