Diet & Nutrition focuses on healthy eating habits, meal planning, and the benefits of various nutrients, providing tips for maintaining a balanced diet and improving overall health.

Heavy cream and half-and-half are dairy-based, whereas coffee creamer is typically made from water, sugar, and vegetable oil and undergoes considerable processing. A quick look down the refrigerated section at your grocery store will show rows of creams and creamers in many varieties. Whether you aim to churn homemade ice cream or simply sweeten your morning cup, there are plenty of choices. Heavy cream, half-and-half, and coffee creamer are among…

Your selection of protein powder may hinge on whether you prefer an animal-derived whey powder or a plant-derived alternative. Protein powders rank among the most widely used nutrition supplements available today. To meet varied diets and lifestyles, many brands produce both whey protein — sourced from cow’s milk — and plant-based varieties. With numerous protein powders on the market, you might ask if one type outperforms the other and which…

Powdered milk — often called dry milk — is produced by removing water from regular milk, transforming it into a powdered form (1, 2). Because it contains very little moisture, powdered milk does not require refrigeration and keeps far longer than liquid milk (3). When rehydrated with water, dry milk serves as a stand-in for fresh milk in most recipes. The powder also works on its own to thicken watery…

The caffeine level in a cup of coffee can differ depending on the variety, portion size, brewing technique, and the bean cultivar, among other elements. As the leading dietary source of caffeine, coffee’s content varies across various coffee beverages. This article provides an in-depth overview of caffeine levels across different coffee types and brands. (img by Manatee Coffee) How much caffeine is in a typical cup of coffee? The primary…

Hot chocolate has a modest amount of caffeine — far less than typical coffee or black tea. Still, it can provide a gentle afternoon lift for some people. (img by Country Living Magazine) While many associate hot chocolate with a comforting winter treat, it does contain caffeine, a naturally occurring stimulant commonly used to increase alertness and energy. The caffeine content in hot chocolate varies based on how the beverage…

Chocolate is a confection frequently linked with a lift in energy or mood. It comes from seeds inside the fruit of cacao trees that thrive near the equator. These seeds are commonly called cocoa beans. (img by Thrive Market) During chocolate production, cocoa beans are taken from their husks, fermented, dried, and turned into a liquid mass. Chocolate carries a modest amount of caffeine, along with other compounds that may…

Zucchini is packed with a variety of nutrients. Consequently, incorporating it into your meals can provide several health advantages. Though commonly treated as a vegetable in cooking, zucchini is botanically a fruit. Also called courgette, zucchini is a summer squash belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes melons, spaghetti squash, and cucumbers. It can reach lengths greater than 3.2 feet (1 meter) but is typically harvested while still young —…

Butternut squash provides key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It enhances dishes while being low in calories and high in dietary fiber. (img by Taste of Home) Butternut squash, or Cucurbita moschata, is a winter squash with vibrant orange flesh, prized for its adaptability and mildly sweet, nutty taste. It supplies a variety of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidant compounds. Although often treated as a vegetable in cooking, butternut squash is…

Sweet potatoes provide key nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C and potassium. They’re also a good source of fiber and can contribute to a nutrient-dense eating pattern. (img by Food52) The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is an underground tuber. It’s abundant in an antioxidant called beta carotene, which is highly effective at boosting blood levels of vitamin A, especially in children (1, 2, 3, 4). Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, high…