Health

The alkaline diet has been around for a while. And it presents a compelling theory about your body and health: that the food you eat determines the pH of your blood, and that a low pH causes all sorts of health problems. The good news is the alkaline diet promotes the consumption of many of the healthiest foods. The bad news is that it does so for some questionable reasons. So what’s useful about the alkaline diet, and where does it diverge from research-backed evidence?

They look like little brains, but is it smart to eat them? Walnuts are high in fat, it’s true, but they also contain many beneficial nutrients that may help protect your heart, digestive system, and, yes, your brain. So are walnuts good for you? And what about their environmental impact? Do they use too much water to be sustainable?

Antibiotics are powerful drugs. And medical professionals often prescribe them. But the truth is, factory farms use the majority of antibiotics. And the overuse of antibiotics is causing antibiotic resistance — one of the most serious public health issues facing our world today. Learn more about the dark side of antibiotic use — and what this has to do with food recalls. And most importantly, learn what you can do about it.

Your favorite fruits and vegetables get their color and much of their health-boosting power from compounds called polyphenols. One of the most abundant and best-studied of these compounds is quercetin. Known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin may help with heart, brain, and gut health. But where can you find quercetin in food? And are food sources enough, or should you be supplementing?

Polyphenols are compounds that give many plant foods their vibrant colors and distinctive tastes. They not only protect plants from disease and sun damage, but when you eat those plants, you’re getting similar benefits. So what does the evidence say about how polyphenols can fight chronic disease, and what the best sources are?

Copper is one of those quiet, essential nutrients that you don’t hear much about. Without it, though, you can’t survive. And both too little, and especially too much, can damage your heart, brain, bones, skin, and immune system. So how much do you really need? What are the best sources? How easy is it to get enough on a plant-based diet? And how can you avoid copper toxicity?

The word “antioxidant” is thrown around a lot in the health and wellness space. But what does it really mean? Why are antioxidants good for you? Are there any you should avoid? And which foods and beverages pack the most beneficial antioxidant punch?

Selenium, once thought to be poisonous, is now recognized as an essential nutrient. It plays a key role in many aspects of your health, including metabolism, immunity, and protection against various diseases. But can you get too much of this nutrient? What are the best food sources of selenium, and can you get enough from a plant-based diet?

Imagine a food crop that defies drought, thrives in depleted soil, and is easy on the environment. It packs a powerful nutritional punch, and is gluten-free and rich in whole grain goodness. This supercrop not only tastes amazing but also cooks quickly, conserving energy. Introducing fonio, the most amazing cereal crop most people have never heard of. Discover why, despite its many positive qualities, fewer and fewer farmers want to grow it, and what you can do to help.

Ready to explore the amazing world of figs? Would you be surprised to discover that they aren’t actually fruits? Or that their pollination can involve a multigenerational family drama? From their unusual biology to their nutritional value and health-giving properties, get ready to dive into the hidden secrets of figs.

Advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs, are compounds that live up to their acronym by speeding up the aging process when we consume them or synthesize them from certain foods cooked in certain ways. While AGEs are in almost all foods, some have much higher concentrations than others. And some foods and beverages can actually counteract the damage that AGEs can do to your tissues. So what are the most effective dietary strategies to slow down the aging health problems caused by AGEs?

CBD is now widely available in a variety of products, especially in the wellness community. This article delves into its documented health benefits and looks at the pros and cons of various types as well as the different ways it can be consumed. Whether you're a newcomer to CBD or seeking to enhance your knowledge, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the insights you need to make informed decisions about integrating CBD into your health and wellness routine.