That seemingly innocuous piece of chewing gum may be anything but: Most conventional brands are made from synthetic polymers — the same stuff used in plastic bottles. But does this plastic actually get ingested when we chew? Does gum chewing have any upsides for dental health? What’s better: sugared or sugar-free gum? What are the surprising findings regarding gum chewing and your ability to focus on demanding cognitive tasks? And which brands of chewing gum are best for us and for the planet?

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones and can make them so brittle that they break easily. Common osteoporosis-related fractures are those of the hip, wrist, and spine, and some cases can be caused by a cough or even by bending over. Is osteoporosis an inevitable part of aging, or are there dietary and lifestyle strategies that can keep your bones healthy and strong?

Every year, poor diet kills more people worldwide than smoking, car accidents, and war combined. It's the #1 cause of premature death—yet it's the one thing your doctor likely never discusses with you. Why? In this powerful presentation, Dr. Michael Greger reveals how the same forces that kept doctors promoting cigarettes for decades are now burying lifesaving nutrition science in medical journals. Through his grandmother's recovery from "terminal" heart disease, landmark studies showing disease reversal in weeks, and an unflinching look at medical education's failures, Dr. Greger proves: the cure to our biggest killers has been hiding in plain sight.

Pizza is one of the most popular foods on the planet. It's known for being gooey, savory, and tasty, and for being a great party and finger food. The problem is, most pizzas also deliver a heavy dose of salt, empty calories, and saturated fat. Can the pizza be made healthier so that health-conscious, plant-based eaters can still enjoy it? Let’s give it a try!

Fish and seafood are often recommended as good sources of healthy nutrients like protein and essential fatty acids. Some research even suggests that fish may help you live longer, with a lower risk for disease. But how much truth is there to these claims? What about contamination with mercury and other heavy metals? And what about the ethical and sustainability concerns?

In the West, sushi has gone from unfamiliar to mainstream over the past couple of decades. But while many people love the taste of sushi rice and salty seaweed, some don’t want to eat fish. Luckily, we can make vegan sushi that’s every bit as tasty as the fishy original — without the heavy metals or the microplastics.

Feed a cold, and starve a fever. Or is it the other way around? It can be hard to separate fact from well-meaning fiction when it comes to preventing and recovering from colds and flu. But science has been busy, and now we have simple and powerful strategies to keep from catching a cold — and to suffer less and get better faster if we do. Here are five lifestyle strategies and seven superfoods proven to help keep you well during cold and flu season.

What if one humble fruit could lower cholesterol, protect your arteries, balance blood pressure, and rival prescription drugs for blood sugar control? Meet amla — also known as Indian gooseberry. Revered for centuries in traditional medicine and now backed by cutting-edge science, this sour berry is earning a reputation as a real-world superfood. But does the research live up to the hype? Where can you find it? And how do you actually use it to support your heart, your metabolism, and your health?

Saturated fat is back in the news — with more hype and confusion than ever. But what does the science actually say? What is saturated fat, and how does it work in your body? Does it cause heart disease, or is butter back? Where can you find it in food, and how much or how little does your body need? And if you want to eat less saturated fat, must you compromise on flavor or texture?

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 can harm both your body and the planet. Are there irresistibly scrumptious recipes out there that also serve your waistline, your heart, and the environment?