Have you seen the term “invert sugar” used on labels of store-bought baked goods or sweetened beverages? You may wonder what makes this type of sugar different than standard table sugar. You know how when […]
Betaine (BET) is an amino acid that has been shown to have potential benefits for fighting heart disease, improving body composition, and helping promote muscle gain and fat loss. This is thought mostly to be
Iodine is considered one of the body’s vital nutrients, responsible for regulating thyroid function, supporting a healthy metabolism, aiding in growth and development, and preventing certain chronic diseases. Unfortunately, many adults don’t consume enough iodine-rich
Boron is an important, and often underutilized, trace mineral naturally present in certain foods and also within the environment. You’ll find it in many whole foods, especially beans nuts whole grains avocados berries plums oranges
Durian fruit has been utilized in Eastern medicine practices for many years, which isn’t surprising considering it’s rich in a number of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamins and minerals. While this fruit hasn’t been studied as
Are you struggling with fatigue, low energy levels, mood changes and a lack of focus? This can be a sign that you’re dealing with a vitamin B12 deficiency. If that’s the case, you’re not alone.
We all know how delicious and versatile grapes are — used to make wine, raisins and grapeseed oil, among other grape products. Grapes are so much fun to eat with their round shape and unique texture — not
Maybe you’ve noticed that the benefits and uses of cooking oils are getting lots of attention lately. People are trying to decipher between the “good” and “bad” oils. One that’s often brought up is cottonseed
Low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin are thought to contribute to a range of mental and physical health problems — such as depression, insomnia and obesity — so raising levels seems to be one way
As a naturally occurring mineral that is found in large quantities in the environment, we acquire phosphorus primarily from phosphorus-rich foods, but also in small amounts from the water we drink. In the body, about
Nutrient-rich, versatile and jam-packed with health benefits, the black currant may not be well-known around the world, but it should be. With emerging evidence showing that the black currant possesses antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral properties
For thousands of years, there have been traditional foods like fermented vegetables and cultured dairy that have been touted for their health benefits, but one common healing food that is now being recognized for its
Ashwagandha (aka Somnifera dunal) is an adaptogenic herb that’s popular in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for more than 2,500 years. It’s actually the most commonly used and extensively researched adaptogen herb. Ashwagandha is
In the world of probiotic (or cultured) dairy products, there are two main foods to choose from: kefir vs. yogurt. So which is better? Both kefir and yogurt are made by fermenting milk, which results
Throughout this recent pandemic, we’ve all seen grocery shoppers loading their carts with processed foods. But while boxes of macaroni and cheese fly off the shelves, the produce department remains fully stocked, and I haven’t
Studies have shown that women’s nutrient intake is highly dependent on not only their diets, but factors like their economic status, social and cultural environment, personal habits, age, level of activity and genetics. Experts believe
Watermelon is considered a summertime staple, popping up at pool parties and summer barbecues all season long. While it’s well-known for its ability to keep you cool and hydrated, there are tons of other health perks
Nasturtium is a herbaceous plant that has been used in traditional medicine practices in places such as South America since at least the 1500s. What is nasturtium good for? Traditional uses of these plants included
Tabbed as an “it” health food of the 21st century, kefir is a probiotic drink that contains many bioactive compounds, including up to 30 different strains of “good guy” bacteria. These probiotics, such as lactic acid
Ashitaba, a green leafy plant, has been consumed for its medicinal benefits for over 400 years. This Japanese herb is packed with nutrients, including a variety of antioxidant called chalcones. Although research on the plant
If you make an effort to choose the healthiest breads possible, or even to make your own bread at home, then sprouted grain breads (such as Ezekiel bread) are probably at the top of your
You may come across sunflower oil among the vast display of cooking oils in the grocery store. If you’re wondering whether or not sunflower oil is good for you, you’re not alone. The oil certainly
When May rolls around, it’s that time of year again. Those coiled tips of the ostrich fern, called fiddleheads, are finally available and ready to be consumed for their earthy, nutty flavor. Ferns and monilophytes
With sourdough bread perhaps more popular than it’s been in quite some time, ever wonder: Why is sourdough bread good for you? It helps to take a look at old-school bread vs. what we’ve become
According to a 2016 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, one out of three American adults does not get enough sleep on a regular basis. For millions of people, melatonin might be the answer
Do you feel guilty after adding mayonnaise to your favorite sandwich or dip? If so, you’re not alone. There’s plenty of curiosity about whether or not mayonnaise nutrition is bad for health, but it’s still
You don’t have to be a perfectly healthy eater all the time to lose weight and improve your health in other ways. The slow carb diet is one example of a flexible eating plan that
Magnesium plays a central role in just about every bodily process, from the synthesis of DNA to the metabolism of insulin. Low levels of this crucial mineral have even been tied to an entire laundry
We all know that we should drink “enough water” — but what are the benefits of drinking water exactly? Staying hydrated is important for electrolyte balance, supports digestion, allows our bodies to disperse nutrients, and
If you’re an experienced baker or cook — especially if you like to make high-protein, meatless meals — chances are you’ve come across quark cheese. What is quark? It’s a creamy, unaged cheese that’s similar
What would happen if you combined a watermelon with a grape? Turns out, we already know — cucamelon. This tiny watermelon may be gaining recognition because of Instagram posts, but cucamelons offer much more than
Want to know a little-known fact about McDonald’s french fries? Before Mcdonald’s starting using hydrogenated vegetable oils to fry its fries, the company used good, old-fashioned beef tallow. Many other fast food restaurants did, too,
Ever wonder why drinking green tea and other teas has been linked to longevity— not to mention cognitive health, protection against cardiovascular disease and much more? One reason is because of EGCG, a type of
While you may have never heard the term nutrient density before, you’re likely already familiar with the concept of eating mostly nutrient-dense foods. There are many ways that health experts describe the idea of eating
More and more research shows just how important it is for overall health to get enough sun exposure — one reason being because the sun provides us with vitamin D. This is important because vitamin
Believe it or not, one of the oldest cures for malaria, a compound called quinine, is now found in a popular “mixer” used to make cocktails: tonic water. Before you get excited, here’s some disappointing
Would you believe that the majority of the population — between 40 percent and 80 percent or more of adults in the U.S., depending on race — is believed to have a vitamin D deficiency?
You may have heard that zinc benefits include helping people recovering from colds, but this mineral is also needed by those who aren’t sick and who don’t have compromised immune function. Ideally this essential mineral
If you’ve been diagnosed with lactose intolerance or you suspect you’re dealing with this condition due to symptoms like bloating and gas after consuming dairy products, you may consider taking lactase pills. How does lactase
Cream of tartar may sound pretty fancy — maybe because it’s made during the winemaking process or maybe because creamy anything is always pretty decadent. But it can also get stuck in the back of
Water fasting is a practice that has been around for centuries. In addition to being a mainstay in many cultures and religions, it is also commonly used to improve certain aspects of health, including inflammation,
You’re probably well aware of the benefits of vitamin E for skin, and chances are that it’s an ingredient in some of your body care products. But did you know that tocopherol, a class of
You know those bright red lollipops, candies, ice creams and baked goods? Chances are they’re made with carmine, a common red food and cosmetic dye. Unlike other natural food dyes, like annatto — which comes
Never heard of fenugreek? Don’t worry — you’re not alone — but that doesn’t mean you should continue to be in the dark on this medicinal herb. In fact, I recommend using it on a
Mums may remind you of autumn gardens, but did you know that chrysanthemum tea has been consumed in Asia for hundreds of years? If you love drinking dandelion tea for its antioxidant properties, you may
If you’ve researched antiviral herbs that help to combat the common cold or flu, you probably came across echinacea — a powerful plant that’s currently booming in the natural health market. Why the surging popularity
Whether in soups, vegetable trays or topped with peanut butter, most people at least occasionally consume celery in one way or another. That’s a good thing, because the benefits of celery — not to mention
Skim milk has been considered a classic breakfast staple for decades. However, it has also become a controversial ingredient, with new studies emerging left and right discussing either why skim milk is bad or debating
With so much information circulating out there about nutrition, it can be challenging to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need each day. In fact, with some sources listing as many as 90 essential
Allulose is a popular new sweetener that has been garnering a good amount of buzz lately. In fact, many raving allulose reviews have popped up recently, claiming that it mimics the taste and texture of
You may have heard about the sea moss “superfood” recently. It’s being touted by celebrities as an immune-boosting, skin healing, digestive aid. But, like most declared superfoods, sea moss has actually been consumed for centuries.
While basically all high-fiber foods have certain benefits to offer, some stand out due to specific types of fiber they provide. One type of fiber called beta glucan, found in foods like oats and barley,
Everyone seems to be talking about green smoothies, superfood shakes and vegetable juices nowadays, and for good reason. All around the world, people are learning that including more healthy greens in your diet can help
Citrus fruits are well-known for their signature scent and flavor. But in addition to bringing a tangy taste to dishes and desserts, citrus fruits are also brimming with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In fact,
Because it’s one of nature’s richest antimicrobial sources, Manuka is somewhat different than other honeys, as it’s used primarily for its medicinal benefits. What is so special about Manuka honey that makes it worth seeking
Bamboo shoots are a common ingredient in Asian cuisine. Not only are they great for boosting the flavor and texture of nearly any dish, but they are also highly nutritious, packing a good amount of
Dry fasting is commonly practiced for religious, spiritual or health-related reasons. In addition to improving self-discipline and awareness, proponents claim that it may also be associated with a wide range of benefits, including increased weight
Fish can serve as either a power food or an inflammatory, toxic nightmare for your body, all depending on what fish you choose. That why it’s so important to pay attention to (and avoid) the
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, red sage has been used for thousands of years for its heart-boosting, antioxidant properties. Researchers have described red sage as a potential “red light” to prevent the development of heart disease.
Regardless of location or income level, the leading cause of death worldwide is heart disease. (1) One of the most common conditions leading to heart disease and stroke (the No. 2 killer) is the all-too