-- one need only look at the increasing demographic of vitamin and supplement stores and offerings to see that American's are rabid for something to bring quick results and better health (Fumento, 1998). Are there negatives to healthful eating? Certainly none that are medical -- but, in our society of fast food, it is more expensive to eat right, fresh vegetables, hormone free meat, low sugar beverages all are a bit more expensive that the high-carbohydrate, fast foods so popular (Robbins, 1998)
The balanced approach to nutrition does not require depriving oneself of everything one likes -- it simply indicates that we eat in moderation, and, when possible, try to include more fresh fruits and vegetables, limit processed foods and sugars, eat whole foods, limit alcohol, and most especially limit sugary drinks and candies with only processed empty calories and very little nutritional value. For example, on a given day Americans drink 12 gallons of soft drinks per week, totaling vast amounts of sugar -- is this healthful? (Valentine, 2002)
). Ginger might help regulat cholesterol, boost the immune system, and act as an anti-inflammatory, as well as promote satiety in eating ("7 Unbelievable ginger benefits for health and weight loss," 2014)
). Cumin is another spice that has a pleasant flavor and may help control blood sugar (Abdullah, 2014)
, 2004). Likewise, cinnamon may help to regulate glucose metabolism in the body and decrease blood sugar (Anne, n
Turmeric is a spice that is yellow in color, mild in flavor, and which also happens to contain a substance called curcumin. Curcumin provides the spice with its yellow color and also has anti-inflammatory properties that may even "suppress the growth of fat tissue," and lower serum cholesterol as well (Appleby, n
Ginseng is a family of roots commonly used to brew teas. Although some data may suggest that ginseng may improve glucose tolerance, there is no evidence suggesting that ingesting ginseng promotes weight loss per se (Saper, et al