Nutrition
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What are phytochemicals?
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Nutritionists use phytochemical to refer to naturally-occurring components of plants that have physiological effects in humans. They may prevent or delay chronic degenerative diseases and enhance human health. For a more complete explanation of phytochemicals read the publication, What You Need to Know about New Food Words - - Phytochemicals, Functional Foods, and Nutraceuticals.
Reference: What You Need to Know about New Food Words - - Phytochemicals, Functional Foods, and Nutraceuticals, Pm 1846, Iowa State University Extension
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How can I identify the foods that have cholesterol?
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Cholesterol is found in foods of animal origin such as milk, cheese, meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. For more help in identifying how eating habits impact serum cholesterol levels read the publication, Heart Disease and You - Facts about Food Choices, PM 1861a, Iowa State University Extension.
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Related Information:
- Heart Disease and You - Facts about Food Choices
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Why do we need zinc, and what foods are good sources of zinc?
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Zinc promotes growth and development and also helps form many enzymes. Some important food sources of zinc include shellfish, seafood, lean meat, liver, wheat germ, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
Reference: Key Nutrients, Pm 877, Iowa State University Extension
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I have been told that taking a dietary supplement might improve my overall health? Is this true?
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There are many dietary supplements for sale. Many contain vitamins and minerals to supplement the amounts of nutrients we get from foods. While some dietary supplements have benefits that have been documented, others may make false or misleading claims about their health benefits. To learn more about them, visit the website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/nutrition/supplements/
Reference: Iowa State University Extension
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Can I get too many vitamins and minerals? Will the amount in a vitamin pill and fortified or enriched foods add up to a high enough amount of some vitamins or minerals to make me sick?
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Some vitamins and minerals can have negative effects on the body if consumed in large amounts. The impact and the amount can vary with different nutrients. For a listing of specific nutrients, the foods in which they are found, why they are needed by the body, and the negative impact of consuming too much, see the alphabetical listing at the Iowa State University Dietary Supplements website, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/nutrition/supplements/supplement_list.php
Reference: Iowa State University Extension
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I know I should eat more fruits and vegetables, but what is their real health value to me?
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Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet based on consuming a wide variety of foods. To understand the preventive and protective role fruits and vegetables can play in your overall well-being, see the publication, The Health Value of Fruits and Vegetables, http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1855.pdf
Reference: The Health Value of Fruits and Vegetables, Pm 1855, Iowa State University Extension
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Related Information:
- Pick A Better Snack
- Snack ideas for children and adults
- Food for Fitness and Fun
- Ideas and recipes using healthy food choices including many fruits and vegetables
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