Ocean Robbins

The nutrient choline is essential for human health. But most people understand very little about this crucial compound. In this article, we’ll examine what choline is, how much you need, and what the best sources are. We’ll take a look at the controversies over whether plant-based eaters are at risk of choline deficiency, explore whether supplements are needed, and find out what might happen if you get too much choline.

Asparagus may be a weird-looking vegetable that makes your pee smell funny, but it’s also a nutritional powerhouse and a culinary giant. What’s in asparagus that’s so good for you, and what health benefits does it provide? How do you select the best spears, and how do you store them for maximum flavor and nutrition? Find out below!

Cucumbers are a refreshing and versatile vegetable used in salads, sandwiches, and as a healthy snack. They’re high in water and low in calories, yet some people question whether cucumbers actually provide any significant nutritional benefits. In this article, we explore the truth about cucumbers and their role in a healthy diet.

Avocados are a popular food loved by many. In fact, avocado consumption in the US has risen more than fourfold in the last 20 years. But how much do you know about this creamy green fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!)? Sure, it tastes good. But is it good for you? What are the health benefits of avocados? And are there any downsides you should know about?

The explosive growth of plant-based eating in recent times can make it easy to forget that many cultures around the world have long and vibrant plant-based traditions. Where in the world do people enjoy plant-based cuisine as part of their culture and heritage? And what do the world’s most historically plant-based cultures have to teach the rest of us?

Grapefruit was once one of the most popular fruits, thanks to several fad diets of the last century. Then, the medical establishment began warning that eating grapefruit could interfere with prescription drugs in potentially dangerous ways. So what’s the truth about grapefruit: health savior or health villain? In this article, we explore the real health benefits and risks of this iconic citrus fruit.

Organic fruits and vegetables cost more than conventional ones — sometimes a lot more. But if you want to avoid pesticide exposure, is it always necessary to choose organic? Or are some conventional fruits and veggies less contaminated? In this article, we go in depth into the Environmental Working Group’s US-based report on the 12 dirtiest and 15 “cleanest” items of produce, to help you make smart decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful pesticides.

Hormonal balance affects your longevity, weight, and mood. And new research is telling us that the cornerstone of balanced hormones is your gut microbiome, which — it turns out — depends on fiber. So can eating more fiber really help you to lose weight, live longer, and feel better?

SNAP is a US government program that provides financial assistance to help low-income people feed themselves and their families. One mostly unknown feature of the program is the ability to use it to purchase seeds and plants that will grow into healthy, fresh produce. In this article, we’ll look at how to make use of this benefit, as well as how to navigate and overcome the obstacles that may arise.

Acrylamide sure doesn’t sound like something edible. But nevertheless, the compound is in many of the most popular foods, including baked goods, fried and roasted potatoes, and even coffee. Some evidence suggests that acrylamide can trigger cancer growth — at least in rodents. But is there a cancer risk to humans? And should we try to completely eliminate acrylamide from our diets, or are there ways to cut back on exposure that reduce any potential health effects?

Most of us don’t think of lettuce as a super-nutritious food. Sure, it makes up the bulk of “ordinary” salads, and iceberg accompanies fast food meals — but in terms of raw nutritional value, we tend to think of it as a sideshow. But should we reconsider our tepid view of lettuce? Might it turn out to be a nutritional powerhouse after all? And are there ways to enjoy it that don’t just involve salad dressing?

At one time, small family farms provided most of the food eaten in the United States — and many of the livelihoods in communities across the nation. People knew where their food came from and how it was produced, and the profits mostly remained and circulated locally. These days, small family farms are in trouble. In this first article on family farms, we’ll take a look at the forces that threaten their existence and why their increasing loss is such a calamity for the food system.