Carbohydrates

Did you know that not all fiber is created equal? Beta-glucan, a soluble fiber in foods like oats, barley, and certain mushrooms, offers unique benefits beyond basic digestion. From enhancing immune function to lowering LDL cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar, this remarkable fiber deserves a closer look. Read on to learn how beta-glucan can support your health, and find the best ways to incorporate it into your life.

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?

Hormonal balance affects your longevity, weight, and mood. And new research is telling us that the cornerstone of balanced hormones is your gut microbiome, which — it turns out — depends on fiber. So can eating more fiber really help you to lose weight, live longer, and feel better?

Acrylamide sure doesn’t sound like something edible. But nevertheless, the compound is in many of the most popular foods, including baked goods, fried and roasted potatoes, and even coffee. Some evidence suggests that acrylamide can trigger cancer growth — at least in rodents. But is there a cancer risk to humans? And should we try to completely eliminate acrylamide from our diets, or are there ways to cut back on exposure that reduce any potential health effects?

You may have heard fiber is important, or that you need to eat more fiber. But why is fiber good for you? And how can you get enough fiber in your diet? Discover the health benefits of this essential nutrient. Plus, find out what the top fiber-rich foods are and get a sample meal plan to easily meet your optimal daily fiber intake.

If you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, or if you want to prevent them from taking hold, there’s a lot you can do — even if you’re genetically predisposed! One of the main tools for tackling type 2 diabetes is diet — but which diet? Is low-carb the best way to go, or might it actually increase the long-term risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases? In this article, you’ll discover the dietary pattern that’s been shown to be the most effective for preventing, managing, and even reversing type 2 diabetes — as well as specific foods to include (and exclude) in your diet.

When the conversation turns to weight loss, calories often take center stage. But is counting calories the only — or best — way to balance energy intake and expenditure? Or can focusing on calories confuse or disempower you, and distract you from what really matters when it comes to food choices?

One of the three essential macronutrients, carbohydrates give your body the fuel it needs for energy. Despite this fact, many people fear carbohydrates and avoid foods that contain them, whether those foods are healthy or unhealthy. In this article, we’ll look at what the science says about carbs, and tell you which carbohydrates are the dietary heroes and which are the villains.

When someone mentions “starchy foods,” they typically don’t mean it in a good way. But there are several types of starches, and not all of them are unhealthy. Here’s what you need to know about starch, which foods contain it, and how to tell if they’re healthy or unhealthy.

What exactly is the glycemic index, and what does it have to do with your health? Here’s what to know about the benefits and limitations of the glycemic index, and how you can use it to make health-supporting food choices.

What are grains, and are they good for you? Are there certain grains you should avoid? How can you incorporate grain alternatives into your diet, and why would you want to? This article answers these questions and more.