Healthy Eating

Without a doubt, the most talked-about vitamin of last year was vitamin D. However, new research is now suggesting that the supplement may not be as effective at reducing someone's risk of contracting COVID-19 as previously thought. At the start of the pandemic, you may recall experts pushed the use of vitamin D. This was because several observational studies showed that populations who were deficient in vitamin D were also at higher risk of experiencing adverse symptoms from COVID-19. However, a recent genetic study,…

Alcohol is an undeniably mixed bag when it comes to your health. While the occasional glass of red wine may have a protective effect on your cardiovascular health, alcohol consumption has also been linked to increased risk of certain ailments, from esophageal cancer to cirrhosis of the liver. For individuals who are overweight or obese, however, drinking alcohol may pose a particular health threat, according to a new study. A May 2021 study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that, in examining data…

Although B vitamins are found in many foods, there are a few groups of people who could benefit from taking additional vitamin B supplements. This includes older adults, those who have celiac disease, and even those who follow a vegan diet. There are eight different kinds of B vitamins: B1—Thiamine B2—Riboflavin B3—Niacin B5—Pantothenic Acid B6—Pyridoxine B7—Biotin B9—Folate (also known as folic acid) B12—Cobalamin If you suspect that you're deficient in one of the B vitamins, it's likely that you've experienced a few…

Soda has been named public enemy No. 1 when it comes to an easy change you can immediately make in hopes to lose weight and shed belly fat. So it's only logical to assume if we all stay away from Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Dr Pepper, the pounds will melt away. However, there's one big problem: Very few people are swapping soda for plain ol' H2O. Instead, they're looking to other beverages like juices and flavored waters to fill the void. And while many of these soda alternatives market themselves as the "healthier choice,"…

How many times have you sat down at the table for a quick, small breakfast, only to find yourself feeling hungry an hour or so after? That may be because your small breakfast didn't actually include all of the elements you need in order to feel full for hours at a time. While it is important to watch portion sizes when it comes to losing weight, it's also important to eat the proper nutrients you need in order to feel full and feed your muscles, which keeps your metabolism strong. That's why we asked a few dietitians to give…

Whether you use it in your homemade vinaigrettes or drizzle it on your favorite pasta dishes, olive oil is a staple in many kitchens. It's not just olive oil's rich flavor that has made it so popular, however—olive oil also has a long list of benefits for your wellbeing, from head to toe. If you want to get healthier without sacrificing healthy fat in your diet, read on to discover the surprising side effects of using olive oil in your cooking, according to science. And for more easy ways to improve your diet, check out The…

The word "protein" on food packages attracts people like live bait rings the dinner bell to largemouth bass. We hunt down protein because we know it builds muscle at the same time it helps us lose weight. Protein is a key macronutrient for all sorts of important processes in our bodies. For example, protein… preserves our muscle mass as we age, keeps us from losing muscle at the same time we're losing weight, satisfies hunger longer than the other macronutrients, is more difficult for the body to turn into fat, requires the…

If you've been trying to make your heart health more of a priority, you likely already know the tough truth: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it accounts for about 1 in 4 deaths in America. Clearly, it's important to make sure that every food you eat throughout the day is helping your heart, not harming it. There are some obvious suspects you know to avoid (hello, deep-fried restaurant meals!), but some heart-harming foods aren't as…

Cucumbers may be one of the most underrated fruits—yes, you read that correctly. Because cucumbers grow from flowers and contain seeds, cucumbers are technically—and botanically—a fruit, not a vegetable. Cucumbers are often touted as a beauty superfood because of their high water volume (they are 95% water!) and superior ability to hydrate. Plus, along with eating cucumbers, this fruit contains vitamin K and anti-inflammatory plant compounds that can help de-puff eyes and treat dark circles when sliced and applied topically.…

This may be music to your sleep-deprived ears: new research convincingly shows that, for most people, enjoying coffee on a regular basis may actually be good for your heart. This is one of the reasons why the Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that three to five 8-ounce cups a day of plain, black coffee can be part of a healthy diet. (Related: 8 Awesome Benefits of Drinking Coffee, According to Dietitians.) What we crave in our morning cup of joe is the caffeine it provides. Caffeine is the most commonly consumed natural…