Inflammation

Learn the truth about inflammation, what an anti-inflammatory diet looks like, and seven foods that fight chronic inflammation in your body.

Buckwheat is an ancient grain that deserves more and better press than it gets. It’s gluten-free, chock-full of nutrients, and tasty. Plus, it retains its whole grain qualities even as a flour. While buckwheat is a common ingredient in some Asian and Eastern European cuisines, it hasn’t yet made much of a culinary or nutritional splash in the West. So what is buckwheat, and why should most people eat more of it?

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.

Olive oil gets a lot of great press as a health food. And olives are popular staples of Mediterranean cuisine, which is considered by many to be the world’s healthiest way of eating. But olives are very salty, and olive oil is basically 100% fat. So what’s the truth about this savory fruit? How can we separate fact from myth?

Turnips may not be cool like cucumbers or sexy like cauliflower, but they’re humble and hardworking root vegetables that have sustained human civilizations for millennia. And the more we know about turnips, the more impressive their nutritional and health benefits become. So why are turnips so good for us, and how can we prepare them in ways that make us look forward to seeing them on our plates?

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?

Hundreds of millions of people suffer from discomfort and disruption during their menstrual cycle because of excess prostaglandins and inflammation. But uncomfortable period symptoms don’t have to be a given. A number of nutrient-rich whole foods are proven to shorten period length, reduce pain, and decrease flow. Learn more about which foods can help reduce inflammation and contribute to feeling better during menstruation.

Hazelnuts are a delicious food with a lot of health benefits. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the world’s hazelnuts are grown in ways that degrade the environment, harm farm workers, and end up in unhealthy processed foods. Is there a way to enjoy these fabulous nuts without contributing to harm to ourselves or others?

The microbes in your gut impact every aspect of your long-term health, including immunity, energy, metabolism, respiratory function, and so much more. Here’s what the science says about how you can help them thrive and how gut health supplements can help.

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.

Lycopene is a nutrient that has only recently received the attention it deserves. One of the most potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants, lycopene appears to protect against a staggering array of chronic conditions, including cancer, heart disease, male infertility, and cognitive decline. But there are precious few dietary sources of this wonderful nutrient, and there are questions about its bioavailability. How much lycopene do you need, and what are the best sources?

Research has shown that a colorful diet is a great way to boost your health and vitality. But how can you be sure that you’re getting all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body needs to thrive? In this article, we’ll look at the whole spectrum of rainbow nutrition to show how adding color to your plate could add years to your life (and life to your years!). There’s also a shareable rainbow foods infographic that can help you choose a diversity of colorful fruits and vegetables.