Healthy Eating

You may already know that a cup of coffee can reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases, boost your cognitive health, and help you lose weight—all while fueling you through those morning meetings. But what side effects does coffee have on your immune system? You may be surprised to find out that there are both benefits and potential drawbacks to your daily pick-me-up when it comes to warding off illness. Of course, the impact that coffee has on your immune system depends largely on the nature of your habit. Drinking…

While we certainly don't suggest drinking whiskey every day (moderation is key, especially when it comes to alcohol) there is at least one side effect associated with consuming the popular spirit that is enough to justify the occasional Manhattan or old-fashioned. According to Diana Gariglio-Clelland, RD, CDE, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Next Luxury, drinking whiskey might help protect you from developing heart disease. "Whiskey contains phenols, which can act as…

It's a great debate over which pizza pie style is the best. (And no, we're not talking about the whole pineapple as a topping issue!) It all comes down to the classic thin crust or deep dish conversation. We know—there are plenty of strong opinions out there. There really is no right or wrong type of pizza, but there are some deep-dish pizza pies that are worthy of an eyebrow raise. If you're a deep dish fan, we're here to help you make the best choice in pie, whether you're ordering from a restaurant or buying a frozen…

What if someone told you that drinking hot cocoa could protect your heart, especially during stressful times? New research published in the journal Nutrients by a team of experts at the University of Birmingham reveals that increased consumption of flavanols (which are naturally found in cocoa, as well as in many fruits and vegetables) may prevent people from experiencing mental-stressed induced cardiovascular events. This includes heart disease, stroke, and thrombosis. In the study, the researchers found that blood vessels…

If you are a seltzer water fan and you enjoy the occasional cocktail, then you have surely discovered the magic that is hard seltzer. A perfect combo of flavored seltzer water and alcohol, these pre-canned drinks have become a go-to accessory for boat days, beach days, and really any sunny day that calls for a refreshing drink. Why the sudden rage? For one, these boozy beverages are lower in calories compared to traditional drinks like wine and many beers, in part because they are lower in alcohol content, too. And for folks…

When you're tasked with bringing a side dish with beans to an outdoor picnic, how do you make it you know…stand out? No shade to beans, but they're not the most exciting food on their own, however, the legume is highly nutritious and should be enjoyed regularly. Blue Apron Nutritionist Jessica Halper, MPH, RNutr has just the trick for jazzing up a can of black beans, too. The secret? Pick your favorite seasoning, a jar of olive oil, and a saucepan. (Related: 100 Easiest Recipes You Can Make) "The mixture of seasoning…

No doubt you've heard that chocolate can be considered a healthy indulgence—dark chocolate, that is, not the milk chocolate in a Hershey's Bar or the stuff that coats Count Chocula cereal. Now, new research suggests it may help you burn more calories while sitting on the couch. Dark chocolate with 70% and more cacao is high in plant compounds called flavonoids and flavanols that are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular benefits. The American Heart Association notes that some studies…

If you've read just about any medical publication, Googled any ailment, or turned on the news at any point in the last year, you're likely at least vaguely familiar with the Mayo Clinic: a nonprofit American academic medical center focused on integrated health care, education, and research. Though it sounds like one entity, the Mayo Clinic actually has campuses across the country, with a headquarters in Rochester, Minnesota. It employs around 63,000 medical professionals. It's safe to say the people who work at the Mayo…

Good things don't come easy: Irma Thomas sang about it in the 1960s, and it's been common knowledge ever since. Fast food is perhaps the least complex way to consume calories on any given day. It tracks, then, that the burger-and-fries diet can't be "good"— it's simply too easy. This is more than just hearsay or a hunch, though. Studies have warned about the negative effects fast food has on the brain and mental health, and we've written extensively about the negative effects a quick fast-food meal can have on all parts of…

When I'm feeling uninspired to cook, I do what a lot of people on the Internet probably do—I turn to my favorite food bloggers. I see what these genius creators are cooking up and hope if it will inspire anything new in my own kitchen, and most of the time, it works. One of my favorites to follow is Joy Wilson, a baker and cookbook author from the blog Joy The Baker, who is constantly cooking up delicious treats and savory dishes for her followers. This past summer, as she made tacos for her video series Camp Joy, she showed…