We all need a little comfort now and then but all too often it comes in the form of food. With comfort foods come extra calories. Men tend to go for foods such as pizza and pasta whereas women tend to gravitate towards sweeter treats such as ice cream and chocolate.

Millions of people worldwide have diabetes, yet there still seems to be lack of knowledge when it comes to the disease, and how to prevent it. Sometimes diabetes is hereditary but in many people it can be prevented. It is important not only to recognize prevention methods, but how to read the symptoms.

No matter how disciplined, everyone gets food cravings once in a while. In one study conducted, 91% of women get a strong food craving that is hard to ignore-and these cravings are almost all the time for foods that are not good for you. These cravings are caused by dopamine, which is a chemical released by the brain that produces a “feel good” sensation.

You know the drill-you vow to follow your New Years resolutions all year, you even make a list and stick it on your fridge. But then February approaches and it seems that you have let things slip-you vow to try harder, and you end up making the same resolutions next year.

Chocolate, for a long time, has been one of the most popular treats around the world. Surprisingly, you no longer have to feel guilty about eating this sweet treat, as recently it has been shown to provide many unexpected health benefits.

Stevia is a species of herbs that is native to Paraguay and commonly used as a sugar substitute. The extracts that come from this herb are up to 300 times sweeter than sugar and completely natural. This natural sweetener has been gaining popularity due to the increased use of alternate sweeteners, although this is not where this herb’s advantages end.

Refined sugar is not so sweet.

It has been known for some time that the average diet in North America is far too high in sugar. Refined sugar (or white sugar) enters the food chain at several different points, and foods that we often don’t associate with sugar can sometimes be loaded with it. Bread, spaghetti sauce, breakfast cereal – even peanut butter ­– are all notoriously high in sugar. It was as early as 1900 that the average yearly consumption of sugar per person in America was five pounds. These days the average is over one hundred and thirty five pounds per person each year! And the number is growing.

Italian scientists just published a study that states those who drink coffee everyday are 41% less likely to develop liver cancer. Refreshing news to those who love java, and to those who are health conscious. But what does it mean for people who abstain from drinking coffee and why does it lessen the chances for cancer?

Being healthy is sometimes about finding ways to renegotiate your existing habits. Many people love coffee, but don’t enjoy it without a little dressing ­– some cream and sugar. Luckily things are changing and specialty items that used to be expensive substitutes for unhealthy white sugars are becoming more popular and less expensive, even cheaper in some cases.

Well, sorry to break it to you, but you aren’t really on a diet unless you are avoiding certain foods. According to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen, Oprah’s medical experts who frequent her show, there are five ingredients that should be banned from your diet forever.

Hydrogenated oil - often masquerades as partially hydrogenated oil.