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...

Salt doesn't just make food taste better. Since ancient times, this compound has had profound effects on food, culture, and trade. Meanwhile, having too much or too little salt in your diet can cause serious health problems. This book explores the historical, nutritional, and economic importance of what chemists call NaCl, and what the rest of us call salt. The media is full of advice about what foods to eat and what to avoid. Unfortunately, the advice...

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...

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....