Having “friendly” bacteria in your digestive system is important for good health. They help the body extract nutrients from food, and boost the immune system in the fight against inflammation and many diseases associated with it. Gut microbes do much better with a plant-based diet, according to a study done at the Washington University School… read on >
Sweet corn is an irresistible summer veggie and a good source of fiber. Ideally, you want to eat it as soon as possible after it’s picked, but you can store corn for up to one week — keep the husks on and refrigerate in produce bags. There’s nothing quite like biting into fresh corn on… read on >
Check out the menus at any county fair — corn dogs, fried Oreos, even fried butter — and you’ll quickly see that Americans love fried foods. But yet another study suggests that it’s time to put that corn dog down. The study found that eating fried foods increased the risk of heart attack and stroke.… read on >
Eggplant is a high-fiber food that will leave you feeling satisfied and well-nourished. Most people think of the classic purple-colored vegetable, but eggplant comes in many varieties, colors and even shapes. All are perfect for a lighter take on a classic eggplant dish that your whole family will love. One secret to making this Italian… read on >
Intolerance to lactose, if present at all, varies from person to person, the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says. For many, symptoms can be avoided by reducing the amount of lactose consumed in dairy foods or beverages. But first you have to know that lactose is in the food you’re… read on >
It’s long been known that sugary drinks help people pack on unwanted pounds. But new research suggests that sweetened sodas, sports drinks and even 100% fruit juice might raise your risk for some cancers. The study couldn’t prove cause and effect, but it found that drinking as little as 3 to 4 ounces of sugary… read on >
Shopping for a gift for a friend or loved one? Instead of wracking your brain over which sweater to buy, keep in mind that gifts for good health are always the right size. You can be extravagant with a gym membership or a state-of-the-art piece of home equipment, but there are also many choices that… read on >
Kayaking and canoeing are popular outdoor activities during summer. But before you paddle, the American Canoe Academy recommends getting to know the rules of the water. The ACA urges paddlers to: Take an on-water course. Be aware of your surroundings. Wear a life jacket and bright clothing. Designate someone who will notify others if you… read on >
Desserts don’t have to be off-limits for people who want to eat healthier, says Johns Hopkins University. When preparing desserts, choose baked-good recipes made with skim milk, low-fat cream cheese or yogurt. Using bananas and applesauce as add-ins can also cut down on unhealthy oils and fats. Additionally, the university recommends ensuring that your sweets… read on >
Many packaged foods have the potential to give you vitamin overload, especially if you’re already taking a daily multivitamin. Here’s what you need to know. Manufacturers have been adding nutrients to foods for decades. In fact, it started nearly 100 years ago with the addition of iodine to salt. Vitamins and minerals are added to… read on >
