Immunity

Feed a cold, and starve a fever. Or is it the other way around? It can be hard to separate fact from well-meaning fiction when it comes to preventing and recovering from colds and flu. But science has been busy, and now we have simple and powerful strategies to keep from catching a cold — and to suffer less and get better faster if we do. Here are five lifestyle strategies and seven superfoods proven to help keep you well during cold and flu season.

When you’re hungry and want something yummy to eat, bitter foods probably don’t spring to mind. With so many sweet, salty, and savory foods to enjoy, why would you opt for bitter? We’re about to share some reasons bitter may be better (and how you’re most likely already consuming some delicious and healthy bitter food and beverages!). With the plethora of nutritious fruits, veggies, and other plants that can be categorized as bitter, you’re sure to find at least a few you enjoy. And, if the thought of bitterness makes you cringe, we have a few suggestions for you! We’ll share helpful tips on balancing bitter flavors and share seven bitter foods recipes to win over even the pickiest eaters!

There are over 50,000 mushroom species in existence. Some are common foods, and others are hallucinogenic or poisonous. But there are also other mushrooms that are highly nutritious and even medicinal. Research into this area is exploding, with findings that now have some doctors recommending certain mushrooms along with their patients’ conventional cancer treatments! Below, we explore five of the most researched and beneficial medicinal mushrooms out there.

If a food or beverage makes your tongue feel like all the moisture has been sucked out of it, it could be because it’s rich in tannins. These compounds, produced by plants to protect themselves, may also protect us from inflammation, microbes, and free radical damage. But some people see tannins as antinutrients, compromising our ability to absorb minerals and protein. So what’s the truth about these common and strong-tasting phytochemicals?

More and more kids are suffering from food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders, mood imbalances, ADHD, obesity, and a host of other conditions that are profoundly linked to the health of their gut microbiome. This can set them up for a lifetime of compromised health. But there’s also a lot we can do to improve the gut health of the children in our lives. And the sooner we start, the better.

Oregano is one of the most well-known herbs in the world, thanks to the popularity of Italian cuisine. Now scientists are discovering that this humble herb that flavors pizza sauce is one of the most powerful aids to immunity in our pharmacopeia (and our kitchens). What are the health benefits of oregano, and how can you add this amazing (and delicious!) herb to your diet?

Explore three of the most common food intolerances to understand what a food intolerance is, how it’s different from a food allergy, and how you can identify and adapt your lifestyle in order to manage or even heal food intolerances.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints, often leading to fatigue, pain, stiffness, and impaired physical functioning. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or immune targeting agents like steroids are commonly used for treatment. But it turns out that lifestyle and nutritional changes can help a lot, too. In this article, you’ll discover how adopting a healthy diet and practicing good gut health can help alleviate some of the hallmark symptoms of RA.

Lentils are unassuming culinary heroes, featured in dishes from a wide variety of culinary traditions. Not only are they delicious, versatile, easy to cook, and nutrient-rich powerhouses, lentils also feature prominently in efforts to mitigate climate change and engage in sustainable food production. So what can lentils do for you and how can you get more of them into your life?

Pumpkins are known for their association with the fall holidays. Once September comes around, fall decor and Halloween decorations have already hit stores, and it’s officially “pumpkin spice season.” But pumpkins are so much more than a seasonal decoration or a flavoring for processed and packaged foods. In this article, we’ll explore the health benefits and nutrition of pumpkins and their seeds. And we’ll look at some of the best and healthiest ways to use them in recipes.

Peppers, from sweet to wickedly hot, became staples of cuisines around the world almost as soon as they arrived from their original homes in South America. Both mild bell peppers and 5-alarm chili peppers provide significant health benefits. In this article, we’ll look at what those benefits are, whether the hottest of peppers are safe, and how to prepare peppers to please the palates of the people you love.

Vitamin A is crucial to life and health, and most of us can synthesize all we need from orange and yellow fruits and vegetables and leafy greens. Despite that, it’s often portrayed as a nutrient best sourced from animals or via a supplement. What does vitamin A do in the body? What are the best sources for it, how much do we really need, and what happens when we get too much or not enough?