Health & Diet Medical Reference
- Cinnamon: Health Benefits and Side Effects
Cinnamon is a popular spice around the world, but there are other uses. Learn more about cinnamon as a spice, its other uses, health benefits, nutrition, and possible risks.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Explained
WebMD explains various vegetarian and vegan diets, along with the nutritional requirements of following these diets.
- Low-Sodium Recipe and Cooking Tips
Lowering the sodium in your recipes. Learn about substitutions you can use and other ways to add flavor to your favorite dishes.
- Guarana
Guarana has one of the highest concentrations of caffeine among plants, and has become a popular energy supplement. WebMD explains guarana's use as a weight loss supplement.
- Goji Berries
WebMD examines the benefits and side effects of goji berry supplements.
- Acai Berries and Acai Berry Juice – What Are the Health Benefits?
WebMD examines the health benefits of acai berry, known as a superfood because of its antioxidant qualities.
- Caffeine Myths and Facts
WebMD examines caffeine myths.
- Probiotics
Get information about different types of probiotics, their possible health benefits, and how you can simply make them a part of your diet.
- Folate (Folic Acid)
Folic acid (folate) is a type of B vitamin that's key for cell growth, metabolism, and for pregnant women. WebMD tells you how to get enough folate in your diet and recommended dosages for children and adults.
- Vitamin E
WebMD explains the benefits and risks of vitamin E supplementation.
- Dietary Iron and Iron Supplements
Iron is a key nutrient missing from many Americans' diets. WebMD explains how to get more iron in your diet with supplements and food sources.
- How Potassium Helps the Body
Potassium is a mineral that’s crucial for life. It’s necessary for the heart, kidneys, and other organs to work normally. Learn more about potassium from experts at WebMD.
- Magnesium
Are you getting enough magnesium in your diet? WebMD explains the importance of this mineral to your heart and blood pressure, how much you need, and its side effects.
- How Much Vitamin D Do I Need?
Vitamin D is crucial for the health of your bones. Find out where you can get it and how much you need?
- Creatine
Creatine is a controversial supplement used by some athletes in the belief that it enhances performance. Get the full story.
- Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is now a popular remedy for the symptoms of menopause. Does it work?
- Chromium
Chromium is an essential trace element that’s used by some people as a supplement. Learn more.
- What Is Ginseng?
WebMD examines the benefits and risks of ginseng, a supplement that has traditionally been used to help boost the immune system and lower blood sugar.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) acts as an antioxidant and occurs naturally in the body. Should you take a supplement?
- Vitamins and Supplements: How to Choose Wisely
How to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of vitamins and supplements.
- Vitamin & Supplement Glossary
For help understanding terms commonly seen in the use of vitamins and supplements, refer to this quick glossary from WebMD.
- How to Lose Weight Quickly
Numerous weight loss products and diets promise rapid weight loss. WebMD explores rapid weight loss claims, types of diets, and the risks and benefits of rapid weight loss.
- Protein Shakes: Which One Do You Need?
WebMD explains the health benefits of protein shakes and who may want to use them.
- Liquid Diet
Learn how liquid diets work, whether they're safe, and how they may be used for medical purposes.
- Do Fasting Diets Work?
Some people use fasting as a way to lose weight or cleanse the body of toxins. Learn how fasting works, including the risks and potential benefits.
- Losing Weight Without Fad Diets
Fad diets may help you take off a few pounds, but sensible eating is a better way to lose weight and keep it off. Learn more from WebMD.
- Diet Resources
WebMD provides resources for learning about diet and nutrition.
- How Many Calories Are in Your Drink?
Use this handy chart to track the calories you're drinking, from morning's juice to evening's nightcap.
- What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish
A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children's proper growth and development. Some fish and shellfish contain high levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing
- Glossary of Weight Loss Terms
When your doctor talks to you about weight loss, here's what he means.
- Portion Size and Weight Loss
Portion size plays a big role in weight loss. Learn more.
- Healthy Eating for Weight Loss
Information on how a healthy diet can help you lose weight.
- Very Low-Calorie Diets: What You Need to Know
WebMD looks at the benefits and risks of very low-calorie diets.
- High-Protein, Low-Carb Diets Explained
WebMD describes the pros and cons of high protein/low carbohydrate diets.