Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ramesh Gaddam, MD

Cacao refers to the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree, used to make chocolate and cocoa products. It includes raw beans, nibs, cocoa mass, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder. “Cacao” often denotes unprocessed products, while “cocoa” refers to processed forms. Originating in the Americas, it’s now widely cultivated. Cacao Nutrition   Nutrition Content of raw … Read more

Cinnamon is a spice made from the bark of certain trees. It is brown and has a sweet, warm flavor. People use it in cooking and baking to add taste to foods like cookies, cakes, and cereals. It can also be sprinkled on drinks like hot chocolate or coffee.   Cinnamon Nutrition   Nutritional profile … Read more

Cantaloupe, scientifically known as Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis, is a widely enjoyed type of melon belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. This fruit is recognized for its sweet, juicy flesh and distinct musky aroma. Cantaloupe is characterized by its rough, netted rind, which can range in color from beige to tan. Inside, the fruit boasts a … Read more

Building lean muscle isn’t just about hitting the weights hard; it’s also about giving your body the right fuel to repair and grow stronger. A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients is crucial for anyone looking to pack on muscle mass while staying lean. Here are some top muscle-building foods to … Read more

Figuring out how much protein you need to build muscle can be confusing, making it hard to get the results you want from your workouts. Learning about your protein needs based on your goals and activity level can help you build muscle more effectively.  Studies show that getting enough protein helps your muscles grow stronger … Read more

Purslane is a leafy green vegetable that is often considered a weed in many parts of the world. It has succulent leaves and stems and is known for its slightly tangy flavor. Purslane is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It’s commonly … Read more

Peaches are juicy fruits with a fuzzy skin and a big seed inside. They’re sweet and smell great. You can eat them fresh or cooked. Peaches come in different types, some with yellow flesh and others with white. They’re packed with vitamins and fiber, making them tasty and healthy snacks. Peaches Nutrition Nutritional profile of … Read more

Mushrooms are a type of fungi that belong to the kingdom Fungi. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and they grow in diverse habitats all around the world. While some mushrooms are edible and used in culinary dishes, others are toxic and should be avoided. Mushroom Nutrition: Nutrition profile of mushrooms per 100g: … Read more

Staying hydrated in summer is super important! When it’s hot, our bodies lose water through sweat, and not drinking enough can lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of water helps us stay cool, avoid heat-related illnesses, and feel refreshed. So, keep sipping to stay healthy and happy! Iced Tea: Iced tea is the quintessential summer refreshment, … Read more

Rhubarb is a unique vegetable (though often treated as a fruit in cooking) known for its tart flavor and bright red stalks. It’s often used in desserts like pies, crumbles, and jams. The leaves of the rhubarb plant are toxic due to oxalic acid, but the stalks are edible and commonly used in cooking once … Read more

Blueberries are small, round, sweet, and nutritious fruits that belong to the genus Vaccinium, which also includes cranberries, bilberries, and huckleberries. They are native to North America but are now cultivated in many parts of the world due to their popularity. Blueberries are commonly eaten fresh but can also be found frozen, dried, or processed … Read more

Cherries are small, round fruits with a deliciously sweet and tart flavor. They belong to the genus Prunus, which also includes other stone fruits like peaches, plums, and apricots. Cherries are typically classified into two main categories: sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and tart or sour cherries (Prunus cerasus). Nutrition nutritional profile of cherries per 100 … Read more

Blackberries are dark purple-black berries that grow on thorny bushes belonging to the Rubus genus in the Rosaceae family. They are known for their sweet-tart flavor and juicy texture. Blackberries are commonly enjoyed fresh, but they can also be used in a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, sauces, and baked goods. Nutrition Nutritional … Read more

Raspberries are delicious and nutritious fruits that belong to the rose family (Rosaceae). They are known for their vibrant red color, sweet-tart flavor, and delicate texture. Raspberries are composed of many small, individual drupelets clustered around a central core, giving them their distinctive appearance. Nutrition Nutritional profile of raspberries per 100 grams: Nutrient Amount Calories … Read more

Strawberries are vibrant, juicy fruits that are not only delightful to the taste buds but also offer a plethora of health benefits. They belong to the genus Fragaria and are widely cultivated for their sweet flavor and vibrant red color. Despite their small size, strawberries are loaded with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health … Read more

Betel leaf, also known as paan or Piper betle, is a heart-shaped leaf commonly consumed in South and Southeast Asia. It is a popular cultural and social tradition in many regions. Betel leaves are often chewed with areca nut (often referred to as betel nut), slaked lime (calcium hydroxide), and various other ingredients such as … Read more

Kokum is a fruit tree found in India’s Western Ghats region, known scientifically as Garcinia indica. It’s also called kokam, kokum butter tree, and mangosteen oil tree. The fruit is small, round, and purple when ripe, with a sour taste. It’s used in Indian cooking, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa, to add a tangy … Read more

Ice apple, also known as palm fruit or toddy palm fruit, is the fruit of the Palmyra palm tree (Borassus flabellifer). It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The fruit is roughly spherical in shape and has a hard, woody outer shell. Inside, there is a translucent, jelly-like pulp which is sweet … Read more

Rice cakes don’t have gluten because they’re made from rice, which is naturally gluten-free. This is good for people who can’t eat gluten. But sometimes, during making or packing, rice cakes might touch gluten foods, so they could get a little gluten on them. People who are very sensitive to gluten should look for rice … Read more

MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. It is a flavor enhancer commonly used in cooking to add a savory or umami taste to dishes. MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found naturally in foods like tomatoes, cheese, and mushrooms. It’s often used in Asian cuisine but can also be found in … Read more

Yes, you can eat curd (yogurt) and fish together. In many cuisines around the world, such as in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines, it’s common to find dishes that combine yogurt-based sauces or marinades with fish. For example, in Indian cuisine, you might find fish curries made with curd, or grilled fish marinated in … Read more

Dehydrated vegetables are vegetables that have had the majority of their moisture removed through a drying process, typically either through air drying, sun drying, or using specialized dehydrating equipment such as food dehydrators. Dehydration helps to preserve the vegetables by removing water, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms that cause spoilage. Health Benefits Dehydrated vegetables … Read more

An insulin plant is a type of plant called Costus igneus. It’s also known by other names like spiral flag, fiery costus, or fiery spiral flag. People call it the insulin plant because they believe it might help with diabetes in controlling blood sugar levels and other health issues. This plant’s leaves have substances that act … Read more

Yes, cauliflower can cause gas and bloating in some individuals. Cauliflower belongs to a group of vegetables known as cruciferous vegetables, which also includes broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables contain complex carbohydrates called raffinose and fructans, as well as fiber.  These components can be difficult for some people to digest, leading to gas … Read more