Nuts and Seeds

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?

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.

Cashews are incredibly versatile nuts (well, drupes), providing creaminess and flavor to Indian and other Asian dishes, commercial dairy analogs, and homemade nut cheeses and “nice” creams. They’re also quite nutritious. Unfortunately, the cashew industry is known for mistreating its workers. So is there a way to enjoy the taste and health benefits of cashews while not contributing to horrible working conditions?

Collagen supplements are a hot beauty trend, promoted with the promise that they can keep your skin looking young. But what exactly is collagen? Do you need to take a supplement to keep your collagen levels high and your skin healthy? Or are there better ways to support your body’s collagen stores?

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.

Humans have been preserving food by dehydrating it for thousands of years. And it’s still one of the easiest, cheapest, and healthiest ways of making some of your favorite fruits and veggies available all year round. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of food dehydrating, explore different methods, help you decide whether this is something you want to do, and if it is, get you started on your own food dehydration projects.

Nuts and seeds, consumed in moderation, can be among the healthiest foods around. And one of the ways we love our nuts and seeds is in the form of spreads and butters. But store-bought versions can be costly, and sometimes come with not-so-great ingredients. So how hard is it to make our own healthy nut and seed butters at home?

Food and climate change: Which foods are the most damaging to the planet? And which foods could help save it? Check out the current state of climate change and see what research says about the impact of certain foods.

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?

If you’re a plant, you need phosphorus to grow healthy seeds, flowers, and roots. And you store that phosphorus in a compound known as phytate. If you’re a human being, you’ve probably heard that phytates are bad for you since they block the absorption of essential nutrients. But is that true? Should you avoid phytates? Do they have redeeming qualities? Here’s what you need to know about this often misunderstood compound.

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?

The times we’re living in can make just about anybody feel anxious. While we can’t easily change the state of the world, there are many actions we can take to reduce our anxious responses to it. In this article, we’ll look at what anxiety is, what causes it, and the simple dietary and lifestyle changes demonstrated to help.