Ocean Robbins

For many people, chocolate is one of the special pleasures in life. It tastes delicious, it’s connected to many favorite holidays, and it can immediately lift your mood. But what are the health effects (positive and negative) of chocolate? And can you enjoy it without contributing to slave labor and environmental degradation on cacao plantations? In this article, we’ll share the research on chocolate’s surprising health benefits, and how you can partake ethically and healthfully.

Do you look forward to the holidays? Unfortunately, too often we end up stressed out and upset at the end of holiday meals and gatherings with family and friends. Whether it’s rising to the challenge of putting together the “perfect” menu, or dealing with everyone’s different diets and personalities, we can lose sight of the meaning of the occasion. Here are some tips - and amazing recipes - for a holiday gathering sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Fish and seafood are often recommended as good sources of healthy nutrients like protein and essential fatty acids. Some research even suggests that fish may help you live longer, with a lower risk for disease. But how much truth is there to these claims? What about contamination with mercury and other heavy metals? And what about the ethical and sustainability concerns?

Do you ever come home from work after a hard day and wish that you could push a button and have a healthy, delicious, home-cooked meal magically appear on your table? Well, modern science isn’t quite at the “Star Trek” level of technology yet, but we do have the next best thing: “freezer meals” that you can make in advance and simply reheat in a fraction of the time it would take to create the whole dish from scratch. In this article, you’ll discover the joys of freezer meals, and get introduced to seven of our favorite recipes from around the web.

We hear a lot about fermented foods and how healthy they are. But what health benefits do they actually offer? Do they pose any dangers? Which ones are best? And if you want to eat fermented foods, can you safely make your own?

Looking for holiday gifts you’ll feel good about giving or receiving? These ethical, sustainable, and healthy gifts are functional, useful, and inspired. You’ll find kitchen enhancements, health and beauty items, educational entertainment, good causes to support, and more for the people and the planet that you love.

Chances are that you’ve seen the words “natural flavors” on numerous foods and beverages you picked up, regardless of their level of subjective healthiness. But what are “natural flavors” — and are they safe to eat?

Jerusalem artichoke may not be the most popular vegetable out there, but the health benefits of this remarkable tuber may make it worth trying. What does the Jerusalem artichoke have to offer, and how do you eat this odd-looking plant?

Eating a plant-based diet is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body and the environment. And as plant-based diets increase in popularity and acceptance, more and more people are turning to them. Curious about a plant-based diet? Discover what to eat and avoid, plant-based diet benefits for your health and the environment, and ways to implement it into your life for optimal success.

Is gluten toxic, a harmless indulgence, or part of a healthy diet? We know that people with medical conditions like celiac disease need to go gluten-free, but what about everyone else? How do you know if you’re gluten intolerant? Or gluten-sensitive? This article discusses what gluten is, why some people follow a gluten-free lifestyle, and whether there are benefits to going gluten-free even if you don’t have celiac disease.

Maca root has gained popularity in the supplement aisle, but where does it come from, and what exactly is this vegetable? Does maca have any health benefits, and if so, are they worth giving it a try? Are there any reasons to avoid maca? Here’s what the current research says about maca root — and some easy ways to incorporate it into your diet if you want to do so.

Pesticides are so widely used in our food system that it’s easy to assume that they must be safe. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. So what’s the truth about pesticides in food? Are any safe for you? Which ones are most dangerous to you and the environment? And what can you do to reduce your exposure?