Brain Health

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.

Ashwagandha is a medicinal plant with a long pedigree in Ayurveda, where it’s considered the “King of Herbs.” Many people swear by its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve sleep. It’s also been shown to enhance physical performance, combat neurological conditions, and even fight cancer. But does it have any risks? How much should you take, and for how long? And what are the best forms of the herb?

Nuts have been an important food source for humans for thousands of years. But are nuts healthy? Are some nuts better for you than others? And are there any downsides to consuming them? Discover what you need to know about including nuts in your diet.

Turmeric is a richly hued and strong-tasting spice that’s venerated on the Indian subcontinent for its spiritual significance, culinary uses, and medicinal power. And lately, it’s been marketed as a superfood supplement promising protection from disease and increased longevity. So what does scientific research say about turmeric? Does it live up to its hype? Does it have any side effects in high doses? Is it dangerously high in lead? And what’s the best way to consume it?

In people suffering from neuropathy, diet could be playing a major role in their discomfort. But which foods can help, and which might be making things worse? And is there any evidence that supplementation can provide relief or healing? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind the relationship between damaged nerves and diet.

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?

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?

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?