Heart Health

For decades, some health influencers have waged what’s practically amounted to a PR campaign against soy products. Because soy contains phytoestrogens, which are structurally very similar to the estrogen produced by the human body, these influencers argue that soy is a dangerous food that can cause cancer and other diseases by upsetting our natural hormonal balance. Recent research, however, increasingly shows that phytoestrogens may actually be good for you. So what’s the truth about phytoestrogens? What foods, in addition to soy, contain them? And should you include or avoid them in a balanced, healthy diet?

Sesame seeds have gone from bun-decorating garnish to culinary stardom, as the Asian and Middle Eastern cultures that feature them have gone global. But are they good for you? And what can you do with them, aside from putting them on burger or sushi rolls? In this article, we’ll say “open sesame” to a cave of seed-based goodness.

If you don’t think about your kidneys a lot, that probably means they’re not giving you any trouble. But kidney disease is on the rise worldwide, and unfortunately, the symptoms may not appear until the disease has progressed to a dangerous stage. The good news is, dietary and lifestyle strategies can help to keep your kidneys in tip-top condition, and to support them even if you already have some kidney dysfunction.

Cabbage is an underappreciated vegetable with a reputation for a strong smell and a pedestrian taste. Which is a pity because cabbage has a lot to offer in terms of health, nutrition, and flavor. Plus, there are plenty of delicious ways to prepare cabbage for maximal enjoyment.

Vitamin E is one of the antioxidant heroes of our diet, helping to support immunity, fight free radicals, and possibly prevent heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. But does that mean you should take vitamin E supplements, or try to get vitamin E largely from your diet? And what are the best food sources of this powerhouse nutrient?

If you’re looking to expand your whole grain consumption beyond the usual suspects (wheat, rice, and corn), then the tiny, gluten-free “pseudocereal” called Amaranth is definitely worth attention. Prolific, resilient, and rich in health-promoting compounds, this ancient Mesoamerican grain is poised to feed the world. In this article, we’ll explore the history of amaranth, its benefits, and how you can use it.

Nitrates and nitrites are in some of the healthiest and unhealthiest foods around. So what’s the deal? Are nitrates bad? Should we avoid nitrates and nitrites whenever possible? Does the source matter? This article summarizes what you need to know to get the good out of these compounds while avoiding the bad.

Many people are most familiar with lab tests as something their doctor orders. But did you know that you can order your own tests? Here’s when, why, and what to consider when it comes to lab tests and taking back the power to manage and improve your health.

The word malnutrition is most often used to describe diets that are deficient in calories or essential nutrients. Chances are you’ve heard it used in that context — associated with starvation and extreme poverty. But that is only one side of malnutrition…

Unless you live in, or are from, the southern United States, East Africa, Brazil, or the Iberian peninsula, you may not be a collard green fanatic yet. Once you discover the powerful nutrition and health benefits they can offer, you may join the collards cheering section and look for ways to regularly get them onto your plate.

How do you feel about Brussels sprouts? Whether you adore them or have some issues, let’s talk about some of the reasons you may want to add them to your diet — and some tasty ways to do that!

There’s a new molecule of interest in the ongoing investigation into what causes heart disease and other chronic conditions: TMAO. But where does TMAO come from? Why is it bad for your heart? And how can you minimize it in your body? Find out how TMAO affects your health and whether you may need to make changes to your diet.