Proteins are some of the most important components of the human body. Whether you love meat or not, you definitely need protein. This book breaks down proteins, describing what they are, how they are used throughout our bodies, and the best dietary sources. The media is full of advice about what foods to eat and what to avoid. Unfortunately, the advice is constantly changing and often contradictory. Know Your Food explains the real story about what's...

All kinds of foods, from breads to veggies to your favorite candy bars, have carbohydrates in them. But despite what you may have heard, carbs are not all bad. Athletes certainly know this, which is why they "carbo-load" before big games. This book explores starches and other carbs, helping you tell the good from the bad. The media is full of advice about what foods to eat and what to avoid. Unfortunately, the advice is constantly changing and often...

An organic food movement that began among environmentalists is now poised to take over our supermarkets. More and more, consumers demand naturally grown crops and animals, free from pesticides or genetically modified organisms. This book explains what it means to be organic, and it looks at the environmental, economic, and health issues involved in this trend. The media is full of advice about what foods to eat and what to avoid. Unfortunately, the...

Picture the water you consumed most recently. Are you seeing a glass of water, a water bottle, or maybe a water fountain? Those are all important sources, but water is actually in everything we eat, too. It's one of the most important components of food, and yet we rarely think about water until there's a problem. This book will talk about the ways your body uses water, the ways it reaches you, and the ways things can go wrong if your water is contaminated....

Sugar had a huge impact on world history, and it continues to play a major role in our diets. But as tasty as it is, sugar can cause serious health problems. This book explains everything you need to know about the sweet stuff, from its chemistry and history to how it affects our bodies. Artificial sweeteners are also explored, to help you better understand what's in your food. The media is full of advice about what foods to eat and what to avoid....

You can't see the vitamins and minerals in the things you eat, but you wouldn't be able to survive without them. Vitamins and minerals help make your bones strong, your muscles powerful, and your thoughts clear. This book introduces you to the whole nutritional universe of vitamins and minerals, explaining how smart dietary choices can help you get the maximum benefits from your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The media is full of advice about what...

Unless you grew it yourself, the food you eat has traveled to reach your dinner table, often from a farm to a factory to a store. And unfortunately, lots of things can go wrong along the way, affecting the quality of what you eat. This book investigates the journey from the farm to the fridge, and it provides information about what you can do to keep your food as safe as possible. The media is full of advice about what foods to eat and what to avoid....