Diet and nutrition Archive

The body's pH level supports a variety of crucial functions. Certain health conditions can create a pH disturbance. People can support a healthy pH by eating a balanced diet featuring fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and fish.

A 2025 research review found that adhering to the DASH diet-which emphasizes eating fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy products-is linked to a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer.

For people with diabetes, a modified version of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet can lower their blood pressure. Called DASH4D, it has fewer carbohydrates, more unsaturated fat, and slightly reduced amounts of potassium.

The Blue Zones are locations in the world where people are regarded as being among the healthiest and longest-lived. They include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. According to some research, most residents of Blue Zones live seven to 10 years longer than the average American and have lower rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. These individuals follow certain healthy behaviors related to diet, exercise, and emotional well-being that people can adopt.

Eating a variety of flavonoid-rich foods may offer greater protection against cardiovascular disease and cancer than eating only a few high-flavonoid foods, according to a 2025 study.

A heart disease diagnosis may trigger a bout of depression. But having depression can also leave people more vulnerable to heart disease. Some of the overlap stems from shared lifestyle factors, such as inactivity and an unhealthy diet. In addition to addressing those issues, other safe and effective ways to ease depression include working with a therapist, using a light box, and taking medications.

Meatless burgers-which include plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Burger and Impossible Burger and veggie burgers-are healthy replacements for traditional hamburgers. Those with the lowest amounts of saturated fat and sodium are the best options.

Increasing potassium levels while lowering sodium may be more effective in lowering high blood pressure than reducing dietary salt alone, particularly for men, according to a 2025 study.

A 2025 study found that replacing butter with plant-based oil such as corn, canola, soybean, or olive oil is associated with significantly lower risks of dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer.