More than 50 percent of the world’s population relies on rice. It’s a staple in more than 100 countries because it’s affordable, convenient and versatile, lending itself to many different dishes and types of meals.

Generally, rice is gluten-free, high in carbohydrates, with some fiber and protein and very little sugar and fat. Many rice varieties are rich in vitamins, minerals and flavonoids – plant pigments with possible anti-cancer properties.

It’s not news that eating junk food can raise the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, gut health issues, heart health issues, depression, some cancers and dementia.

Metabolic syndrome is the term used to describe a cluster of risk factors – obesity (particularly excess abdominal fat), high blood pressure, high triglycerides, low good cholesterol (HDL), and insulin resistance -- that raise the risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, kidney disease and sleep apnea. The condition is quite common; in fact, one in three Americans have it. 

It’s not news that we should be drinking lots of water each day. Many people find water boring; in response, manufacturers began enhancing water with flavors and nutrients. These waters are known as designer waters and many brands tout health benefits to justify their price tag.

The latest: hydrogen water.

Joining a fitness center is probably the easiest, most convenient way to get a well-rounded workout. But exercisers sneeze, cough and breath hard (expelling airborne droplets of germs), leaving most gyms and studios teeming with bacteria and viruses. In fact, the average treadmill, exercise bike and free weight can have more than 1 million germs per square inch apiece, according to a study conducted by FitRated. And some of the germs can cause staphylococcus, ringworm and MRSA infections. 

We all experience stress to some degree – it’s part of life and can actually be positive because it’s an inherent and essential physiological reaction that helps us react to danger or sense the heightened thrill of experiences.

If you have trouble sleeping, you’re not alone. Around 35% of adults have a sleep disorder. If you head to bed tired at night but can’t go to sleep — including not being able to fall asleep, restless sleep, waking up multiple times during the night, not being able to stay asleep as long as you’d like, and/or waking up early and not being able to fall back to sleep — you may be suffering from insomnia, the medical term for sleep deprivation.

Our bodies— from our skin, hair, muscles and bones to our hearts, brains, and other organs — need essential vitamins and minerals to function and thrive. We often don’t need much — just small or even trace amounts measured in milligrams and micrograms, but we need them because our body cannot make them or it needs another substance to help produce them.

What’s the best way to get your vitamins? From food. That’s the general consensus among researchers, scientists and doctors. Even so, there may be instances when you need to take a supplement.

Some medications can cause vitamin or mineral deficiencies, and certain illnesses, diseases and treatments may require a boost. Age and diet can also lead to a deficit, which food alone can’t fill.

If you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, work with your doctor first to determine if you need a supplement and which supplement you should take.

At the masters last year, plantar fasciitis sidelined Tiger Woods. But plantar fasciitis isn’t just an athlete’s problem. It’s a common problem that can develop in anyone, anytime of the year. However, many people are more susceptible to it during the warmer months as they participant in outdoor activities like walking while wearing sandals and flip flops that lack support. Now’s a good time to learn how to prevent and control this common condition.