Brain Health

Strawberries are among the world’s favorite berries — and for good reason. Their taste can be divine, and they’re loaded with beneficial nutrients. But they also come with a few downsides, including health and environmental concerns. So is it a good idea to include strawberries in your diet? And if you do, what are the best ways to minimize the risks and potential harms while still taking advantage of their robust nutrition and health benefits?

There are many lifestyle strategies that are proven to reduce the risk of dementia as you age. One of the most robust — and most studied — is physical activity. It’s not just good for your muscles and heart, but also your brain. So what kinds of exercise are best? And how much is enough?

GABA is a neurotransmitter that tells your brain and nervous system to calm down. It’s a crucial chemical for health and well-being because of its ability to counter the “fight-or-flight” neurotransmitters that cause us to act to avoid danger. But not everyone has adequate supplies. Do you have enough GABA in your body to keep anxiety at bay? What are some strategies to achieve optimal GABA levels to protect your health and mood?

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?