Ocean Robbins

Papaya is a tropical fruit with significant culinary versatility and nutritional benefits — and considerable global popularity. But is it good for you? And if so, which varieties are best for your health and the environment? And are there people who should avoid papayas entirely? Let’s take a deep dive into one of the world’s favorite tropical fruits.

Lysine is an essential amino acid that’s crucial for optimal health and well-being. It possesses antiviral properties and also contributes to muscle building, bone health, skin vitality, and brain function. But there’s some debate about whether plant-based eaters get enough of this vital nutrient. How much lysine do you need? And is it possible to meet this requirement on a plant-based diet?

Goitrogens are compounds found in certain foods that can interfere with iodine absorption and affect thyroid function. Some health influencers argue that foods containing goitrogens are harmful and should be avoided. However, many of the foods that are highest in goitrogens also offer important health benefits. So should you avoid goitrogens, or enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet? And are there ways to reduce goitrogen levels in foods?

One strategy recommended for people struggling to control their weight has been portion control: intentionally eating less than they otherwise would. To help people eat less, government and nutritional experts have identified serving and portion sizes to aim for. But what’s the difference between a serving and a portion? How can you use these guidelines to eat enough but not too much? And what other strategies work best to prevent overeating?

Limes are the other sour little citrus fruit: the green, less popular cousin of the bright and cheerful lemon. But limes pack a unique culinary and nutritional punch — both their fruit and, in some varieties, their leaves can fight diseases from cancer to heart disease to cognitive decline. So how can you buy and prepare limes to maximize both their health benefits and culinary goodness?

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.

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?