Diet and nutrition Archive

A Harvard study of over 159,000 people found that following any of six healthy diets-especially the DASH diet-was linked to significantly better cognitive function in later life, with the strongest benefits seen in those who were following a healthy diet in middle age.

Vitamin B₆ helps with the body's enzyme reactions, immune system health, brain chemicals, and more, but it doesn't get a lot of attention. The body can't synthesize it, so people need to get it from food, and a recent study found that a surprisingly high percentage of people may be deficient in vitamin B₆.

It's possible to overeat and not even realize it until you've finished a meal and doing so does not mean you have an eating problem or disorder. Mindfulness exercises can help you slow down and enjoy eating, making it easier to avoid overeating.

Some people decide to adopt a vegan diet because of concerns about the health effects of eating animal products; for others it's more about concern for animal welfare and the environment. Regardless of the motivation, those who want to make this change should anticipate potential pitfalls and be aware of issues specific to vegan eating.

Meal timing matters less than calorie balance and food quality. For some conditions, though, smaller, more frequent portions may offer advantages.

Portion size, flour swaps, healthy oils, spices, fruits, and nuts can all transform a typical muffin into a healthier treat. Explore simple tweaks that boost nutrition.

Curious which foods can drive up LDL, or bad, cholesterol? Explore the role of saturated fat and how Mediterranean-style eating may protect your heart.

Persistent cravings for nonfood items like chalk can hint at an underlying nutritional problem that needs testing.

Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. Does "extra-virgin" offer special heart benefits beyond what regular olive oil can do?

Learn how vitamin K affects the blood thinner warfarin, and how to keep your diet on track.