Cooking Tips

Diets high in foods preserved by salting (such as pickled vegetables and salted or dried fish) have been linked to an increased risk of stomach and nasopharyngeal cancer. Eating processed meats that have been preserved by salting, curing, fermentation or smoking, increases the risk of colorectal cancer.

Eating too many foods with high glycemic index can lead to inflammation in the body, which negatively affects the skin. Excess sugar can aggravate skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

For starters, zucchini is rich in water, which can soften stools. This makes them easier to pass and reduces your chances of constipation.

Is meat good or bad for you? While the debate rages on, steak lovers can indulge with less guilt simply by eating a more reasonable helping. The perfect meat portion is three ounces (about the size of a deck of cards), which is A LOT smaller than many restaurants portions.

Middle-aged participants who started eating an apple a day saw a dramatic 40% drop in their oxidized LDL, which is a particularly dangerous, artery-hardening form of "bad" cholesterol. Eating whole apples maximizes the heart-happy benefits.

Drink water: if you feel a sudden urge for a specific food, try drinking a large glass of water and wait a few minutes. You may find that the craving fades away, because your body was actually just thirsty. Drinking water before meals may reduce cravings and appetite, as well as help with weight loss.