Inflammation

Turmeric is a richly hued and strong-tasting spice that’s venerated on the Indian subcontinent for its spiritual significance, culinary uses, and medicinal power. And lately, it’s been marketed as a superfood supplement promising protection from disease and increased longevity. So what does scientific research say about turmeric? Does it live up to its hype? Does it have any side effects in high doses? Is it dangerously high in lead? And what’s the best way to consume it?

In people suffering from neuropathy, diet could be playing a major role in their discomfort. But which foods can help, and which might be making things worse? And is there any evidence that supplementation can provide relief or healing? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind the relationship between damaged nerves and diet.

They look like little brains, but is it smart to eat them? Walnuts are high in fat, it’s true, but they also contain many beneficial nutrients that may help protect your heart, digestive system, and, yes, your brain. So are walnuts good for you? And what about their environmental impact? Do they use too much water to be sustainable?

Your favorite fruits and vegetables get their color and much of their health-boosting power from compounds called polyphenols. One of the most abundant and best-studied of these compounds is quercetin. Known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin may help with heart, brain, and gut health. But where can you find quercetin in food? And are food sources enough, or should you be supplementing?

The word “antioxidant” is thrown around a lot in the health and wellness space. But what does it really mean? Why are antioxidants good for you? Are there any you should avoid? And which foods and beverages pack the most beneficial antioxidant punch?

Selenium, once thought to be poisonous, is now recognized as an essential nutrient. It plays a key role in many aspects of your health, including metabolism, immunity, and protection against various diseases. But can you get too much of this nutrient? What are the best food sources of selenium, and can you get enough from a plant-based diet?

Advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, are compounds that live up to their acronym by speeding up the aging process when we consume them or synthesize them from certain foods cooked in certain ways. While AGEs are in almost all foods, some have much higher concentrations than others. And some foods and beverages can actually counteract the damage that AGEs can do to your tissues. So what are the most effective dietary strategies to slow down the aging health problems caused by AGEs?

Carnivore diets have moved from the extreme fringe into increasing prominence in parts of the nutrition and wellness world. These zero-carb diets contradict pretty much every mainstream nutritional theory. Yet their proponents claim an impressive and comprehensive array of benefits, from weight loss to remission of autoimmune disease to improved psychological health. So what does science say about the pros and cons of living almost exclusively on meat?

Grapes are the world’s biggest and most valuable fruit crop — and are among the sweetest natural foods we can eat. But given their high sugar content, can grapes truly be part of a healthy diet? And what about wine, grape juice, and jelly?

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?

Eczema is a common skin disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the causes and effective treatments for eczema remain elusive. So why do people develop the condition in the first place? What triggers symptoms? How can flares be prevented? And might a plant-based diet provide relief for eczema sufferers?

Papaya is a tropical fruit with significant culinary versatility and nutritional benefits — and considerable global popularity. But is it good for you? And if so, which varieties are best for your health and the environment? And are there people who should avoid papayas entirely? Let’s take a deep dive into one of the world’s favorite tropical fruits.