How to Eat Plant-Based

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 have evolved from being solely used for wine into a popular snack in their own right. This article explores the natural sweetness and versatility of fresh grapes, offering tips on choosing, storing, and cleaning them to preserve their flavor. Unlock the secrets to enjoying this delicate fruit in various ways, from freezing them to incorporating them into both sweet and savory recipes.

Electrolytes are more than just ingredients in colorful sports drinks. They play a crucial role in hydration, and they’re also necessary for nerve function and muscle contractions. In this article, we explore the many ways electrolytes are essential for bodily functions and how to maintain a healthy electrolyte balance with your food and beverages.

Figs are far more than cookie fillings and strategically-placed leaves in Bible paintings. Discover the versatility of figs in enhancing various dishes, from desserts to savory meals. Learn how to choose, store, and make the most of the nutritious fig, a natural sweetener that can elevate your culinary game.

Rutin is a natural compound found in various fruits, vegetables, and grains that offers an impressive range of health benefits — from improving vascular health to reducing inflammation to managing type 2 diabetes to fighting cancer to supporting heart and brain health. But where can you find rutin in your diet? And given how beneficial it is, should you consider supplementation?

If you don’t have a solid plan to use up produce or know how to properly store it, your vibrant, nutritious, and flavorful fruits and vegetables can quickly transform into mush. And wasted food is wasted time, money, and resources. It can also put a wrench in your meal plans. And food waste has a detrimental impact on the planet. This article and video provide tips on how to extend the shelf life of and use up, fruits, veggies, and herbs in a variety of culinary applications to avoid waste and get the most out of your food.

Strong muscles aren’t just for athletes, bodybuilders, and actors in superhero movies. Building and maintaining muscle mass as you age is critical for your overall health. Aside from the obvious benefit of being able to move your body, strong muscles can protect against metabolic disorders and even lower the risk of dementia. So what are the best ways to build muscle? What’s the role of exercise and food? And is it really possible to get and stay strong if you don’t eat animal products?

Juicing fruits and vegetables involves separating the stuff you consume — the juice — from everything else — the pulp. That can make it easy to get lots of plant-based nutrients into your body, but it also involves a lot of food waste and can keep you from getting enough fiber in your diet. So are there ways to reuse juicer pulp that can solve both problems?

Potassium is an essential nutrient for health, participating in every biological process that relies on electrical signals, including heartbeat, muscle firing, and nervous system activity. But many people in the modern world are potassium deficient, which has contributed to an epidemic of high blood pressure and other chronic diseases. So why is this? Is potassium hard to obtain from food or necessary to supplement? Get the facts on this critical mineral and electrolyte.

Lysine is an essential amino acid that’s crucial for optimal health and well-being. It possesses antiviral properties and also contributes to muscle building, bone health, skin vitality, and brain function. But there’s some debate about whether plant-based eaters get enough of this vital nutrient. How much lysine do you need? And is it possible to meet this requirement on a plant-based diet?

Papayas are less well-known than some other tropical fruits. But they deserve just as much attention as, say, pineapples or mangoes. This article provides tips on how to select and use papayas, including how to pick a ripe one, how to cut and store them, and a variety of recipe ideas to incorporate papayas into your diet.

Goitrogens are compounds found in certain foods that can interfere with iodine absorption and affect thyroid function. Some health influencers argue that foods containing goitrogens are harmful and should be avoided. However, many of the foods that are highest in goitrogens also offer important health benefits. So should you avoid goitrogens, or enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet? And are there ways to reduce goitrogen levels in foods?