Diets

Tomatoes. Are they a fruit or a vegetable? But more importantly, are they good for you, or do they have hidden downsides? Here’s what to know about one of the world’s most widely-eaten plants.

Food additives run rampant in the modern food system, even in foods labeled natural or organic. So what purpose do food additives serve; which ones are allowed in organic foods, and which ones are the safest to consume?

The plant-based dairy revolution has come a long way! From milk, cheese, and now yogurt, you can find (and make) dairy-free alternatives that feel and taste just as good (or some might even say better!) than the stuff made from cow’s milk. But are plant-based yogurts healthy, or just another highly processed food? And can you make your own at home?

There’s more to garbanzo beans than meets the eye, and the world seems to be noticing. Also known as chickpeas, garbanzos are a versatile source of plant protein and many other important nutrients. Read on to discover their health benefits and the best (and most delicious) ways to add them to your diet.

If you’re a plant, you need phosphorus to grow healthy seeds, flowers, and roots. And you store that phosphorus in a compound known as phytate. If you’re a human being, you’ve probably heard that phytates are bad for you since they block the absorption of essential nutrients. But is that true? Should you avoid phytates? Do they have redeeming qualities? Here’s what you need to know about this often misunderstood compound.

Also called the “Miracle Tree” and “Tree of Life,” moringa has been heralded as a superfood even more amazing than kale. Research confirms its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cancer-preventive powers. And it’s great for the environment, and can even combat world hunger! Here’s all you need to know about this little-known, yet nutritious, superfood — and superplant.

The COVID-19 pandemic has many of us feeling overwhelmed and helpless. But is it possible to reduce your risk of poor outcomes by improving the quality of your diet?

While you have the greatest control over the food you make at home, it can still be nice to eat out once in a while. Whether via curbside pickup, delivery, or old-fashioned pre-pandemic dining, eating out lets you experience different foods and take a break from cooking and cleaning. And if you travel, eating outside the home can be required. But do you have to throw away your healthy eating standards, or is it possible to eat well when dining out?

Vitamin K may not get as much attention as some of the other vitamins, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Stranded in the middle of the alphabet, it plays several important roles in your health. Here’s what you need to know about what vitamin K does for your body, how much you need, and where to get it.

For hundreds of years, Indigenous peoples in the Americas (and across the world) have faced genocide, land theft, and in many cases, forced relocation, all of which have deprived them of their ancestral foodways. Today, many Native peoples are grappling with the devastating health consequences of these ancestral traumas, along with grinding poverty and a diet of highly processed foods. But despite this grim reality, a growing number of Indigenous Nations are working towards an Indigenous foods movement as a means of cultural renewal, environmental sustainability, and a way to reclaim food sovereignty and personal health. Find out what’s being done — and what you can do to help.

Vitamin B12 is a hot topic in the vegan community since it’s one of the few nutrients hard to obtain on an entirely plant-based diet. That doesn’t mean meat-eaters should gloat, though: many omnivores suffer from B12 deficiency as well. So what is B12, why is it important for health, and how do you know if you’re getting enough?

Eating more plants and less animal products can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. But excluding meat and dairy doesn’t always guarantee good health. Dr. Joel Fuhrman discusses the findings of a recent study on vegan bone health that found vegans were at a greater risk of fractures than meat eaters. Read on to find out what this study really means, and how you can take action to protect your bones and your overall health.