Food and Health

Warm desserts are some of the ooiest, gooiest, most comforting, and delicious foods around. But most of them are seriously unhealthy and full of ingredients that compromise both your body and the planet. So are there irresistibly scrumptious recipes out there that also serve your waistline, your heart, and the environment?

Eating for your health can be met with odd looks, aggressive questions, and even outright criticism at social events. Others’ reactions often come from feeling ill at ease, along with perceptions of being judged. But can you successfully address the fears that others may have, while also honoring your boundaries and not compromising your dietary choices? Yes, you can! Veronica Monet — Food Revolutionary, relationship coach, and assistant to Food Revolution Network President, John Robbins, shares ways to bring empathy into food conversations — and three key things you can do to stay true to yourself while helping those around you feel accepted and respected.

Food and climate change: Which foods are the most damaging to the planet? And which foods could help save it? Check out the current state of climate change and see what research says about the impact of certain foods.

Tomatoes are one of the most loved staple foods. They also happen to be an incredible source of nutrition. Like many produce items, homegrown varieties provide more health and flavor benefits compared to store-bought. Luckily, tomatoes grow in many different climates. While they take a little more room to grow than most veggies, you can get huge harvests packed with flavor and nutrients using a few simple strategies. Discover tips for growing your own delicious tomatoes here.

Cauliflower has gone from a boring side dish to one of the “It” veggies of the 2020s. This crucifer’s versatility is matched only by its powerhouse nutritional profile. Here’s what to know about the nutrition and health perks of eating cauliflower, plus how to prepare it to reap the most benefits.

The B vitamins are commonly grouped together as “B-complex,” but each one plays a unique role in your everyday health, metabolism, and body functions. Here’s why the B vitamins are so important, which ones may deserve extra attention, and where you can find them on a plant-based diet.

Peas are funny little vegetables that come from the same plant family as beans and lentils. While they’re often grouped into a “plain Jane” side dish category, peas have a lot to offer nutritionally and for your health. And they can be delicious as well, despite what you might remember from your childhood.

Air fryers are the hottest kitchen appliance since, well, Instant Pots. They promise to give you the taste and crunch of fried foods with little to no oil, and their prices have been coming down for years. But are they healthy? Are there any downsides to using them? Are they convenient to use? And if you have limited kitchen space and finances, is an air fryer worth it?

Flaxseeds are nutritional superstars. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phytoestrogens, fiber, protein, and lignans. Studies show that they may help fight heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. But if you don’t eat them the right way, they can go “in one end and out the other.” And both flax oil and flaxseed meal can degrade very quickly. Plus, some critics worry that flaxseed is high in cyanogenic glycosides, phytates, and cadmium — all of which could be dangerous. So is flax good or bad? And how can you eat and enjoy it safely?

Oxalates are compounds present in a wide variety of plant foods. Some health influencers tell us that they can cause kidney stones — and that they prevent your body from absorbing essential nutrients. But how warranted are those claims? Here’s what you need to know about oxalates, and whether to include foods that contain them in your diet.

Many growers breed store-bought garlic for shelf life, not flavor or nutrient density. Luckily, growing nutrient-dense garlic varieties takes very little time and effort. You can grow enough garlic for a whole year in a small garden bed. Read on to discover how to grow your own garlic that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients for your health and vitality.

Community gardens are a great way to increase food security, improve public health, and even reduce crime rates. With a variety of setups, locations, and goals, they can play an important role in making healthy, ethical, and sustainable food available to ever more people.