Immunity

Carrots are a commonly eaten vegetable. But we don’t think they get quite the recognition they deserve. Is it because they grow in the dirt? Is it because not everybody loves carrot juice? Whatever the reason, here’s an ode to all that carrots have to offer, including their health and environmental benefits, along with some delicious recipes to help you enjoy them more.

Sea vegetables have played an important role in human diets for at least 10,000 years (and possibly much longer). And they’re gaining traction around the world, thanks in part to today’s growing popularity of dried seaweed snacks and sushi. But are these ocean-dwelling plants good for you? And how does their cultivation impact the environment? Here’s what to know about sea vegetables, plus some ways to incorporate the best of them into your diet healthfully and deliciously.

Oranges have long rolled around in kids’ and adults’ lunch boxes, been a breakfast staple in their juice form, and even donned cloves around the holidays. They’re beautiful and fragrant, sure, but are they good for us and the world? Here’s what you need to know about this wildly popular citrus fruit when it comes to your health and the environment.

COVID-19 has exposed a huge weakness in our society: our immune systems. It turns out that a key part of immune health resides in the gut, in the form of the trillions of bacteria that work to digest food and help keep us healthy. And modern lifestyles can undermine the gut microbiome in many ways. So are there things you can do to strengthen your gut microbiome and improve your immune function and overall health? (Spoiler alert: Yes!)

You may know omega-3 as a celebrated nutrient found in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fish oil supplements. But what’s so special about omega-3s? Are there downsides to be aware of? And what are the best ways to meet your omega-3 needs?

Zinc gets good press for its role in shortening the common cold, and its possible contribution to COVID-19 prevention. But boosting the immune system is not all that zinc does for your body. So how much do you need, where should you get it, and how much is too much? This article answers these questions and more.

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?

Mushrooms are one of the most widely available and popular plant foods. What is it that’s so special about mushrooms, why should you consider adding them to your diet, which ones are best, and which should you avoid?

Vitamin D has been making headlines as an immunity booster, but it’s so much more than that. This misunderstood compound — produced when sunlight hits our skin — is crucial for health in many other ways. But how much vitamin D do you need, where can you find it, and why is it so important to get enough? Here’s what you need to know about the role of vitamin D in your health.

Your eyes do so much for you, from allowing you to see the beauty of the world to warning you of potential dangers. But many of us don’t think much about the importance of our vision until it's threatened. The good news is that by eating well, you can keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp for as long as possible.

Quinoa is the tasty, nutty, and tiny seed of the quinoa plant. It’s rich in fiber and protein, easy to prepare, and delicious in a wide variety of dishes. Quinoa is low on the glycemic index, and a source of manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and folate. And it’s gluten-free, to boot. But is this tiny pseudo-grain as healthy as people claim? Is it ethical and sustainable? And how do you cook it?

Many Eastern healing traditions rely on certain plants to help the body deal with stress and regain balance. The West is just now catching up on the use of these plants, known as adaptogens. And they’re becoming increasingly popular. But do they work? Are they safe to use? What does the research say about them, and would you benefit from taking them?