Diet & Nutrition
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.
13 Science-Backed Tips to Stop Mindless Eating
On average, you make more than 200 decisions about food each day — yet you’re only conscious of a small portion of them (1). The remainder are handled by your unconscious mind and can result in mindless eating, which often contributes to overeating and weight gain. Below are 13 evidence-based tactics to help you prevent mindless eating. (img by WeightWise Bariatric Program) 1. Use visual reminders Behavioral scientists suggest one…
Is Pesto Healthy? Types, Ingredients, Nutrients, and Recipe
Making flavorful, nutritious meals becomes much simpler when you have a few go-to ingredients. One of my favorites is pesto — a kitchen staple that instantly brings a taste of summer to many dishes. Its aroma and fresh-herb flavor can elevate simple meals, but glancing at the Nutrition Facts on a jar of pesto might make you wonder if it’s truly a healthy choice. Here’s a breakdown of what pesto…
Is It Safe to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar While Pregnant?
What is apple cider vinegar? Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a culinary ingredient, condiment, and a widely used natural home remedy. (img by Epicurious) This variety of vinegar is produced from fermented apples. Some versions contain beneficial bacteria when left unpasteurized and including the “mother,” while other varieties are pasteurized. Unpasteurized ACV, because it can be rich in probiotic bacteria, is often touted for various health benefits. Some of these…
The Benefits of Paraffin Wax and How to Use It at Home
What is paraffin wax? Paraffin wax is a soft, solid substance that is typically white or clear. It is composed of saturated hydrocarbons. Because it is colorless, tasteless, and largely odorless, it’s commonly used in spa and salon skin treatments for hands, cuticles, and feet. It’s also employed to ease discomfort in aching joints and muscles. Paraffin wax serves numerous other purposes as well, including use as a lubricant, an…
The Potential Benefits and Side Effects of Poke Root
Traditionally, poke root has featured in herbal remedies. Still, every part of the pokeweed plant is poisonous to humans unless processed in a very specific manner. (img by Chanchal Cabrera) Poke root (Phytolacca americana) is a flowering shrub with reddish-pink stems and dark purple-black berries. It is native to the southeastern and eastern United States, and it also grows in parts of South America, Europe, and Asia. At times, it’s…
Green-Lipped Mussel Supplements: All You Need to Know
Named for their distinctive green-rimmed shells, green-lipped mussels — also called New Zealand mussels — are shellfish indigenous to New Zealand. They’ve been promoted for their medicinal qualities and have grown in popularity as dietary supplements. The mussels are rich in several anti-inflammatory compounds that are marketed for treating inflammatory disorders, including asthma and arthritis. This article covers what you need to know about green-lipped mussel supplements, including possible benefits,…
All You Need to Know About Dill
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an herb commonly used across European and Asian kitchens (1). (img by Food52) Also known as dill weed, this plant features thin stems, feathery alternating leaves, and flat, brown oval seeds. The leaves offer a sweet, grassy note, while the seeds are more fragrant with a mild citrusy taste similar to caraway. Both as an herb and a spice, dill is frequently used to enhance the…
Are Acai Bowls Healthy? Calories and Nutrition
The nutritional value of an acai bowl depends largely on what you include in it. Many versions are rich in fiber and other valuable nutrients, but some bowls may represent more than a single serving. In recent years, acai bowls have risen to fame as one of the trendiest health foods available. They’re made from blended acai berries — fruits native to Central and South America — and served as…
What Is Locust Bean Gum, and Is It Vegan?
Locust bean gum, also known as carob gum, is a natural thickening agent frequently added to processed foods and widely used in culinary and food manufacturing settings. Its name (locust refers to a type of grasshopper) might leave you wondering whether it’s suitable for vegans. This article examines the pros and cons of locust bean gum and answers whether it is vegan-friendly. (img by Ingredi) Origin and uses Locust bean…
Is Catfish Healthy? Nutrients, Benefits, and More
One portion of catfish delivers plenty of lean protein, beneficial fats, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also low in mercury compared with many other fish. (img by Goldfish Seafood Market) Catfish are among the oldest and most widely distributed fish species. They adapt extremely well to their surroundings and flourish across much of the globe, excluding only areas with very extreme temperatures. You’ll frequently spot catfish on restaurant menus and supermarket…
