Healthy Eating Archive

Avocados have a mix of fiber, healthy fat, antioxidants, and key minerals that support heart health. But avocados aren't low-calorie foods. They're best added to the diet by swapping them for something else, such as subbing mashed avocado for butter on toast.

Bone broth, made by slowly simmering animal bones with seasonings, offers rich flavor, more protein than regular broth, and amounts of minerals. Choosing low-sodium varieties or making it at home helps limit additives and salt.

Dragon fruit stands out for its striking look, mild sweetness, and a mix of fiber, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. It isn't a magic "superfood," but it's a healthy, colorful way to help people eat more fruit in fun new ways.

The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans are a mixed bag. While their advice to choose whole foods, avoid highly processed foods, and limit added sugars is sound, their promotion of animal-based foods like meat and full-fat dairy products is less supported by rigorous scientific research.

A 2025 study suggests that polyphenols, found in a wide range of plant foods, may have long-term benefits for the heart. Over an average of 11 years, people whose diets contained the most polyphenol-rich foods ranked lowest on scores of heart disease risk.

Stress eating involves using food as a coping mechanism when life is difficult. Persistently high levels of cortisol can increase appetite, and past experiences can lead people to associate eating with stressful situations. The foods people crave may depend on their form of turmoil.

Cutting back on ultra-processed foods that have little nutritional value can help protect your health, but you don't have to make everything from scratch either. Seek out less-processed versions of your favorite foods at your supermarket to turn into healthy meals with minimal effort.

Dietary changes can make a big difference for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Foods to limit or avoid include chocolate, onions, and tomato sauce. Adjusting eating habits-by eating smaller portions, for example-might also help people avoid heartburn and other symptoms.

Muscle loss is common after middle age. To counter muscle loss, it's essential to strength train regularly and consume lots of protein. Whole foods are the best sources of protein, but protein supplements might also be used.