Mental Health

A good night’s sleep is one of the foundations of health. Yet our modern lifestyles can undermine our sleep, which can lead to fatigue and set the stage for low moods and chronic disease. The good news is that the latest research tells us there are proven steps you can take to improve your sleep — starting with what you eat and drink.

The B vitamins are commonly grouped together as “B-complex,” but each one plays a unique role in your everyday health, metabolism, and body functions. Here’s why the B vitamins are so important, which ones may deserve extra attention, and where you can find them on a plant-based diet.

Flaxseeds are nutritional superstars. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phytoestrogens, fiber, protein, and lignans. Studies show that they may help fight heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. But if you don’t eat them the right way, they can go “in one end and out the other.” And both flax oil and flaxseed meal can degrade very quickly. Plus, some critics worry that flaxseed is high in cyanogenic glycosides, phytates, and cadmium — all of which could be dangerous. So is flax good or bad? And how can you eat and enjoy it safely?

Some people love spinach, and others, well… don’t. Regardless of your feelings, what's the truth about spinach for your health? And how can you prepare it well in order to incorporate spinach as part of your regular diet, and get the most from its nutritional potential?

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?

We used to check our watches only when we wanted to know what time it was. Now, that little device on your wrist can display your heart rate, blood oxygen, stress level, calories burned, and how many steps you’ve taken since you got out of bed. Health trackers are here to stay. And they’re getting ever more sophisticated in the data they can collect, and the nudges they can provide. But should you wear one? And if so, which kind? And are there any downsides to wearables?

Warm drinks are part of every culture. And there are tons of varieties to choose from: coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and many others. But lots of warm drinks are full of sugar and dairy. So are warm beverages really good for us? What are their benefits, physically and emotionally? And what are some examples of healing hot drinks, and how do we prepare them in a healthy way?

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.

Quiz question: What's the healthiest part of Thanksgiving? Nope, it's not the Brussels sprouts or sweet potato casserole. The most health-promoting aspect of Thanksgiving is right there in the name of the holiday: giving thanks. It turns out that the practice of gratitude, if it were bottled in pill form, would be the world's best-selling drug. Practicing gratitude daily can improve our moods, our fortunes, and our communities. Read on to discover the mind-blowing power of giving thanks on our health and happiness.

When we talk about food, we typically focus on what we’re eating. Kale, good. Donuts, bad. But how we’re eating is also important. Are we wolfing down our food while driving or scrolling through Instagram? Are we using food to distract ourselves from unwanted feelings? Or are we eating consciously and gratefully, nourishing our bodies with good food choices? In this article, we’ll explore the challenge — and power — of mindful eating.

If you think of raw foods as nothing more than leaves and twigs, you’re missing out on a whole world of fresh, flavorful, and creative eating options. Eating raw isn’t all or nothing; you can still enjoy your favorite cooked dishes while adding more and more raw vegan options into your diet. In this article, you’ll find out what’s good (and not so good) about raw foods, and how to bring more raw deliciousness and life-giving nutrition to your culinary life.