Lentils are super nutritious legumes that sometimes take a backseat to beans because they’re not always as readily available and aren’t sold precooked in cans like many beans are. But, unlike most dried beans, lentils don’t need to be soaked overnight before using and they cook up quickly. In fact, when making lentils, the key…  read on >

Low-carb, vegetarian, Mediterranean — whatever your diet, it’s important to get enough protein. Although research hasn’t yet pinpointed one perfect formula, experts say that the typical “recommended” daily minimums aren’t optimal, and that it helps to factor in your weight and activity level to determine how much protein you personally need. A good baseline for…  read on >

An immersion blender is one of the handiest tools you can have in the kitchen. Not only does it let you whip up a soup or sauce in seconds, it stores easily in a drawer. Put your immersion blender to work making homemade mayonnaise, which you can enjoy plain or flavor any way you like.…  read on >

(HealthDay News) — Could people struggling with obesity make headway in their efforts to shed pounds without having to go under the knife? New preliminary research suggests it’s possible: A non-surgical procedure may help moderately obese people lose weight — and keep it off. Unlike standard weight-loss surgery, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) requires no incision…  read on >

Profoundly obese people are prone to an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, but new research suggests that weight-loss surgery can improve the odds that a procedure to restore a normal heart rhythm will work. When atrial fibrillation, or a-fib, cannot be controlled by medications, a procedure called ablation can help. It targets the nerves…  read on >

Bucking a longstanding upward trend, new data shows that the percentage of Americans taking any prescription drug has fallen slightly over the past decade. Still, nearly half — 45.8% — of Americans said they took at least one prescription medicine over the past month, according to a national survey conducted in 2015-2016. That’s a slight…  read on >

Without enough water, your body can’t function properly, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy people typically meet their fluid needs by drinking with meals and when thirsty. The CDC suggests: Carry a water bottle with you. Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Choose water when eating out. Add a wedge of lime…  read on >

Traditional media, including TV and magazine ads, tend to portray ideals of physical perfection that can fuel worries about body image and eating disorders. A study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that spending hours on social media is linked to these issues, too. In particular, people in the top 25% of…  read on >

A major medical group has issued new guidance on detecting and treating the leading cause of death in pregnant women and new mothers in the United States. Heart disease accounts for 26.5% of pregnancy-related deaths, and rates are highest among black women and those with low incomes. On Friday, the American College of Obstetricians and…  read on >

Pesto is a delicious and fast pasta sauce. Because it can be made in advance and served cold, it’s also a perfect do-ahead dish. The nuts used in traditional pesto are healthful, but whether almonds, walnuts or pine nuts, you may not always want the extra calories they pack in. There are some great variations…  read on >