Healthy Eating Archive

Naturally fermented foods have been getting the attention of health experts because they contain beneficial probiotics that may help strengthen your gut biome — the bacteria and microorganisms in your digestive tract.

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.

“Anti-nutrients” like oxalates, lectins, and phytates are found in leafy greens, beans, and grains. They can slightly reduce absorption of some minerals, but aren’t reasons for most people to avoid these healthy foods. Food preparation and meal planning can help minimize such effects.

The MIND diet combines Mediterranean and DASH diet principles with an added emphasis on brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, whole grains, and fish. Linked in some studies with slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk, it’s a flexible eating pattern with benefits at any age.

The DASH plan is one of the world’s leading heart-healthy diets. While it limits salt, sugar, saturated fat, and alcohol, it doesn’t have to be bland. With some flavor creativity and changes in shopping and meal planning, it can soon become second nature.

A 2026 analysis indicated that among adults ages 50 and older, men were more inclined than women to rely on medical professionals when making health care decisions and less likely to put quality of life ahead of simply living longer.

Every person smells a little different, due to genetics, hygiene habits, and the skin’s microbiome (the microbes that naturally live on the skin), but body odor occurs when someone’s scent becomes foul. It is most noticeable when people are sweating, but body odor changes sometimes signal certain health conditions.

An anti-inflammatory diet may help rein in chronic inflammation. The eating plan is rich in vegetables, fruit, healthy oils, nuts and seeds, and other foods with anti-inflammatory benefits. What’s not included: refined carbohydrates, red and processed meats, deep-fried foods, and other inflammation-promoting foods.

Most Americans need more fiber, but going well beyond recommended amounts offers no proven added benefit and can cause uncomfortable side effects. Instead, boost fiber slowly and spread it out over the day, favor whole foods over supplements, and drink plenty of fluids.

A major study linked high intake of sugary drinks like soda, fruit juices, and sports drinks during teen years and early adulthood with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure in middle age. Replacing sweet drinks with water, milk, or whole fruit may help offset some of those risks.