Controversial Foods

Nobody’s claiming that hot dogs are a superfood, but many people assume that eating one (or a few) now and then isn’t a big deal. After all, they’re a beloved part of summer cookouts and baseball games — how bad could they be? Brace yourself — once you see what’s inside a hot dog and how it can impact your health, you might think twice before taking your next bite.

Raw milk sparks heated debates — celebrated by some for its purported health benefits while condemned by others for its supposed risks. Does raw milk offer superior nutrition compared to pasteurized milk? Are there valuable probiotics in raw milk? Can lactose-intolerant people drink raw milk without symptoms? How dangerous are pathogens found in raw milk, and how common? This article dives deep into the controversies, separating fact from fiction so you can make an informed choice.

Chicken eggs are controversial. Some people call them a nutrient-rich superfood, while others say they can harm your health. Ovo-vegetarians consume them, but their vegan friends do not. Eggs aren’t flesh, and laying hens aren’t killed for their eggs, but they may still contribute to animal deaths and suffering. So, what’s the truth about eggs? Are eggs healthy, ethical, or sustainable? Can they be? And if you eat them, what are the best options?

Poppy seeds are culinarily versatile and surprisingly nutritious. But since they come from the same plant that produces opioids, should you take any precautions about adding them to your diet? Is it possible to eat too many? And should you avoid them if you have to take drug tests? Discover how to incorporate poppy seeds into your cooking in safe and creative ways.

When it comes to growing your own food, it’s hard to find anything easier, quicker, or more nutritious than sprouts. If you’re thinking about how to optimize your immune system, balance your blood sugar levels, improve your digestion, support your heart and liver health and function, or enhance your family’s food security, then sprouts could be just the thing you’re looking for. Here’s what you need to know about the different kinds of sprouts, how to put them to use for more nutrition in your home, and how to avoid bacterial contamination.

Depression is on the rise globally, affecting millions of lives. While genetics and environment play crucial roles, another factor has an enormous impact: your diet. So what foods have been found to contribute to mental health issues? How strong is the evidence? And how can you make healthier food choices to boost your mood?

What are nightshade vegetables? And do they cause inflammation or other adverse health effects? Should you avoid eating nightshades? This article wades into the controversies and questions surrounding the nightshade family of vegetables to discover the truth.

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”?

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?

Discover the mouthwatering world of umami, the so-called “fifth flavor.” Recognized in the West only for the last few decades, umami foods have long occupied a place of pride in traditional Asian cuisines. But there’s been concern about the use of the flavor enhancer MSG, a synthetic source of umami often associated with Chinese restaurants. So is there a difference between MSG and natural sources of umami? And can we enjoy umami flavor from plant-based sources?

Grapes are the world’s biggest and most valuable fruit crop — and are among the sweetest natural foods we can eat. But given their high sugar content, can grapes truly be part of a healthy diet? And what about wine, grape juice, and jelly?

Dark chocolate is beloved both as a delicious treat and a source of health-promoting antioxidants. But recently, a couple of comprehensive studies have shown that many of the most consumed dark chocolate bars contain potentially hazardous levels of cadmium and lead — toxic heavy metals that can cause serious and long-lasting health problems. How are they getting into chocolate? Are some bars safer than others? And is it possible to still enjoy the flavor and health benefits of dark chocolate without exposing ourselves to these toxins?