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Foodborne illness Archive

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Whole grains may improve several heart risk factors at once

An analysis of 87 studies found that eating more whole grains may provide modest improvements in cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, weight, blood pressure, and inflammation. Benefits rose as consumption increased to at least four to six servings of whole grains daily. The heart-health benefits of a whole-grain-rich diet may add up over time.

What are some nutritious breakfast options for busy mornings?

Busy mornings do not have to mean skipping balanced nutrition. These quick food combinations offer satisfying alternatives to breakfast shakes.

2 easy, affordable, plant-centered dinners

Shifting your diet to eat more plant-based foods and less meat and dairy products is a smart choice for your health, wallet, and the planet. These two easy, affordable and adaptable recipes are a good way to give plant-based eating a try.

Are certain types of sugars healthier than others?

A high intake of sugar is linked to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. But whether some sugars are healthier (or worse) than others remains a question of interest to many.

Carb cycling: What is it, and does it work?

Carb cycling—alternating high- and low-carb days—may help athletes with fat loss and body composition when paired with structured exercise. But for most everyday exercisers, the regimen likely doesn’t offer benefits over simply following a healthy, balanced diet.

Salmonella, E. coli, Cyclospora, and other germs that cause food poisoning: What you need to know

Bacteria, parasites, and viruses can all cause food poisoning. Proper handling, cooking, and storage of food help reduce the chances of an infection. If you get food poisoning, it usually can be treated at home by replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes.

Understanding orthorexia: Have your healthy eating goals gone too far?

Orthorexia is an obsession with “pure” or “clean” eating that goes beyond healthy habits—marked by rigid food rules, anxiety around imperfect eating, and feelings of superiority. Though not a formal diagnosis, it’s treatable with help from a multidisciplinary team that includes various specialists in diet and mental health.

Naturally gluten-free foods

While gluten-free packaged foods offer convenience, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and naturally gluten-free grains often provide better nutrition at lower cost. Building meals around these staples, rather than relying solely on specialty products, makes gluten-free eating easier to sustain.

What should people with thyroid nodules know about kelp?

Kelp contains a nutrient that affects thyroid function, making supplement choices important for people with nodules or other thyroid concerns.

Nitrates in food and medicine: What's the story?

Nitrates are found in both leafy greens and processed meats. But it’s unclear how much these molecules matter compared with other components of those foods, as dietary nitrate levels have no proven link to heart disease risk.

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