Ocean Robbins

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that prepares your body for sleep and confers many other health benefits. But melatonin levels can decrease as we age, and our modern lifestyles and schedules can interfere with melatonin production. So is supplementation safe and effective? Can we get it from food? And are there other things we can do to keep our melatonin at optimal levels?

Acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD are very common and very uncomfortable digestive problems. While there are many pharmaceutical treatments, most have unwanted side effects and generally lose effectiveness over time. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent and alleviate reflux using dietary approaches. So, which foods help and harm your digestive system? And are there other lifestyle strategies that can also provide relief?

Strawberries are among the world’s favorite berries — and for good reason. Their taste can be divine, and they’re loaded with beneficial nutrients. But they also come with a few downsides, including health and environmental concerns. So is it a good idea to include strawberries in your diet? And if you do, what are the best ways to minimize the risks and potential harms while still taking advantage of their robust nutrition and health benefits?

Gardens can produce food, and we need food to stay alive. But the act of gardening gives us far more than calories. Gardeners tend to be healthier, happier, longer-lived, and more socially engaged than non-gardeners. Why is that? And what kind of gardening, and how much of it, produces the biggest health benefits?

Is your cookware safe? Or is it off-gassing toxic chemicals that get into your food and body? This article examines the options out there so that you can make the best purchases for your health, the environment, and your cooking needs.

There are many lifestyle strategies that are proven to reduce the risk of dementia as you age. One of the most robust — and most studied — is physical activity. It’s not just good for your muscles and heart, but also your brain. So what kinds of exercise are best? And how much is enough?

Not all US farmers fit into the stereotype of an old white man in flannel and overalls. There is a growing queer agricultural contingent seeking increased inclusivity and community. LGBTQ+ farmers challenge historical barriers in agriculture, while also leading the way in envisioning (and bringing to fruition) a more equitable and sustainable farming future, where anyone can grow healthy food, and everyone can thrive.

Climate change is turning modern agriculture into a risky proposition, with droughts and heat waves threatening production around the globe. Hydroponics may be part of the solution. Using artificial lighting, circulating water, carefully controlled nutrient solutions, and no soil, hydroponic systems can allow us to grow crops anywhere, anytime, regardless of latitude or season. And they could be a helpful option for home gardeners as well. But how do you get started? And what are the easiest fruits and veggies to grow hydroponically?

GABA is a neurotransmitter that tells your brain and nervous system to calm down. It’s a crucial chemical for health and well-being because of its ability to counter the “fight-or-flight” neurotransmitters that cause us to act to avoid danger. But not everyone has adequate supplies. Do you have enough GABA in your body to keep anxiety at bay? What are some strategies to achieve optimal GABA levels to protect your health and mood?

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 twelve dirtiest and fifteen “cleanest” produce items of 2024, to help you make smart decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful pesticides.

What are nightshade vegetables? And do they cause inflammation or other adverse health effects? Should you avoid eating nightshades? This article wades into the controversies and questions surrounding the nightshade family of vegetables to discover the truth.

Arugula was a valued green in ancient Rome, where it was celebrated in poetry and prose for its effects on mind and body. Unfortunately, it’s far less popular today than its cousins spinach and kale, even though arugula may be the healthiest green of all. In this article, we’ll look at the evidence for arugula’s health benefits and see if those ancient Romans were right to celebrate it.