Cancer

What Are Short-Chain Fatty Acids & How Can They Benefit Your Health?

One of the most important nutrients for your health isn’t found in food — instead, it’s made by certain bacteria in your gut if you feed them right. Short-chain fatty acids are crucial for digestive health and can fight inflammation throughout your body, as well as combat cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and type 2 diabetes. So, how can you ensure that your gut microbiome has what it needs to produce these life-giving organic compounds?

Ocean Robbins · August 7, 2024 · 13 min read

Are Apricots Good for You? Hereʼs What You Need to Know About Apricots

Apricots may not have the fame of peaches, plums, or cherries, but they pack a punch when it comes to health and flavor. Are these little fruits as beneficial as they are delicious? Can apricots enhance your health? Are there any downsides? Dive into the world of apricots with us, and discover why this underrated fruit deserves to be featured in your diet.

Ocean Robbins · July 10, 2024 · 8 min read

Understanding Melatonin: Benefits, Risks, and Natural vs. Supplemental Sources

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that prepares your body for sleep and confers many other health benefits. But melatonin levels can decrease as we age, and our modern lifestyles and schedules can interfere with melatonin production. So is supplementation safe and effective? Can we get it from food? And are there other things we can do to keep our melatonin at optimal levels?

Ocean Robbins · June 12, 2024 · 13 min read

What Is Jackfruit? The Tropical Food That’s Turning Heads

This “miracle” fruit is nutritious and may even help feed the world. But what is jackfruit? And what does it taste like? Learn everything you need to know about jackfruit, including its nutrition, health benefits and downsides, and sustainability.

Liana Minassian · May 29, 2024 · 8 min read

Just How Healthy Are Strawberries?

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?

Ocean Robbins · May 17, 2024 · 11 min read

The Dirty Dozen & Clean Fifteen: The Most & Least Pesticide-Contaminated Fruits and Vegetables

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.

Ocean Robbins · April 12, 2024 · 21 min read

Arugula: Examining the Health Benefits and Nutrition of this Powerhouse Leafy Green

Arugula was a valued green in ancient Rome, where it was celebrated in poetry and prose for its effects on mind and body. Unfortunately, it’s far less popular today than its cousins spinach and kale, even though arugula may be the healthiest green of all. In this article, we’ll look at the evidence for arugula’s health benefits and see if those ancient Romans were right to celebrate it.

Ocean Robbins · March 22, 2024 · 10 min read

Does Processed Meat Cause Colorectal Cancer — and Are Plant-Based Alternatives Any Better?

Humans have been processing meat to preserve it and improve its flavor for millennia. So what do we know about the health effects of hot dogs, bacon, sausages, cold cuts, and other processed meats? Do they really cause colon cancer? And if so, can we minimize the risks by switching to plant-based “faux meats”?

Ocean Robbins · March 13, 2024 · 10 min read

Ashwagandha: Exploring the Health Benefits & Side Effects of this Adaptogenic Herb

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?

Ocean Robbins · March 6, 2024 · 11 min read

Plant-Based Milk: What to Consider When Choosing a Dairy Milk Alternative

Dairy milk consumption is at an all-time low, and the market for nondairy milk is rapidly expanding, offering an unprecedented variety of options. So, if you want moo-free milk, what should you keep in mind? And, which milk alternatives are best, considering flavor, uses, and environmental impact?

Ocean Robbins · March 1, 2024 · 16 min read

Is Wheat Healthy? Examining the Pros and Cons of Wheat

Wheat is one of the biggest sources of calories in the human diet. But is it good for you? Should you avoid gluten? What about all those carbs? And is there a difference between modern wheat and ancient grains in terms of nutrition and health?

Ocean Robbins · February 21, 2024 · 13 min read

Exploring the Healthiest Sugar Alternatives: A Comprehensive Guide to Types of Sweeteners

Navigating the array of natural sweeteners and sugar alternatives can be daunting. This guide will assist you in selecting the best options by understanding the different types of sugar alternatives (and their pros and cons), if they’re really any better for you than table sugar, and what are the healthiest ways to add sweetness to your life.

Ocean Robbins · February 14, 2024 · 18 min read