Beans are an excellent source of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is fiber that partially dissolves in water, yielding a gel that fills the intestines. Fiber not only helps maintain regularity; it also lowers

Flaxseed oil provides beneficial fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid, that appear to decrease inflammation. Flaxseed oil is used for many health conditions, but available scientific evidence has

Almond milk is a dairy-free beverage that can be used in recipes and as a drink for those who are lactose intolerant. Unlike cow's milk, almond milk does not contain lactase, a sugar that some people cannot

Valerian is a perennial plant with a long history of use. In fact, it's been used for insomnia, anxiety and restlessness since the 2nd century AD, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Garlic comes as a plump package of individual cloves that once cut, reek of its beneficial properties. Garlic has been used for thousands of years as an antiseptic and healing agent. The Food and Drug

Numerous claims are made for the health benefits of cinnamon and honey. They are recommended by natural health practitioners to slow aging, fight infection, treat digestive disorders and prevent disease.

The sweetener stevia comes from the leaves of the stevia plant, Stevia rebaudiana. This herbaceous plant originated in the rain forests of Brazil but now grows all over the world. The dried leaves have

Ginkgo biloba is a tree once widely distributed but now isolated to China and cultivated elsewhere. Also known as maidenhair tree, ginkgo is a living fossil, meaning there is fossilized evidence of it,

A healthy diet supplies the nutrients you need to prevent deficiencies, and it may lower your risk for chronic diseases. For most people, eating fruit has a variety of health benefits, and they make nutritious

Senna, or Cassia senna, is a shrub-like plant native to northern Africa. Both Western and Eastern herbal traditions use its leaves and pods for their laxative effects. Senna is available in tablets, capsules

Although eating garlic is associated with bad breath, it has been used for centuries as an herbal medicine to treat several health conditions, including diarrhea, fever and swollen joints. Garlic contains

The herbal tea industry would have you believe that the leaves, roots and berries of a variety of plants will miraculously heal most medical problems. While herbs do contain medicinal components, the FDA

The average person needs about 3,500 milligrams of potassium each day. If your doctor suggests you add more potassium to your diet, a dairy- or fruit-based drink offers a quickly prepared infusion of the

There are many different varieties of melon, each with a distinct taste, color and texture. Generally, melon is low in calories and provides the body with virtually no fat, saturated fat or cholesterol.

A type of legume native to Asia, soy belongs to the pea family of plant foods. People have incorporated soy products in their diets for about 5,000 years, making the legume one of the most enduring and

As one of the world's oldest and most enjoyed beverages. second only to water, according to the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project, tea has a prominent place in many cultures -- from the British,

Baked apples are a comforting, old-fashioned dessert that can be served plain or dressed up with butter, sugar, cinnamon and whipped cream. More complicated preparations add fat and calories, but eating

British sailors in the 19th century carried Mediterranean sweet lemons to prevent scurvy, according to Purdue University, despite the seamen's famous nickname, "limies." English law required

Bulgur is a grain that comes from wheat kernels that are cooked, dried and cracked into pieces. You can use bulgur in baking, add it to soups and salads, or cook it alone as a side dish. Bulgur has a nutty

Rice and tea are both traditional food products with histories going back thousands of years. Modern science has revealed that rice and tea also offer several health benefits to consumers. In addition