Nutrition

Nutrition Articles

Avoid drowsiness after holiday feasts

People may feel sleepy after consuming foods rich in tryptophan (such as turkey and dairy products) or foods with melatonin (such as tart cherries or bananas). More »

Free services to help your health

There are many free services that can help improve health. Grocery store workers can point shoppers toward fruits and vegetables that are in season and the freshest cuts of meat. Pharmacists may be able to dispense free prescription medications or free advice about how to use medications, and even take a person’s blood pressure at no charge. Some universities offer free online academic classes. Some nonprofit organizations provide free food to people who are too sick to shop or cook for themselves. And many organizations offer free exercise classes for older adults. More »

Plant-based diets that protect your heart

People who follow a healthy plant-based diet that features mainly whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables are less likely to develop heart disease than people who eat a plant-based diet that includes more refined grains and sugary beverages. For heart health, completely avoiding animal products like meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy (a vegan diet) may be less important than limiting foods made with refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, white pasta, white rice, cookies, cakes, and other desserts, and sugar-sweetened beverages). More »

Protein at every meal may help preserve muscle strength as you age

Eating protein throughout the day, instead of just at dinner, may help preserve muscle in older people. More »

Sodium in groceries on the decline

It appears that from 2000 to 2014, the amount of sodium in purchased packaged foods declined from about 2,300 milligrams (mg) per person per day to about 1,900 mg per person per day. More »

Trending now: Sprouted grains

Sprouted grains are whole-grain seeds that have just begun to grow and aren’t quite plants yet. They have more available nutrients than regular grains. Sprouted grains can be cooked as a side dish or mashed into a paste for used in baked goods. In grocery stores, sprouted grains can be purchased raw or in products such as sprouted-grain flours, breads, muffins, and even pizza crust. Just because a product contains sprouted whole grains, it doesn’t mean it has more nutrients than a regular whole-grain product. It’s important to read the Nutrition Facts label to compare nutrition content. More »

Does drinking coffee offer health benefits?

Drinking regular coffee is linked with lower rates of diseases and a longer life span, although science still cannot provide solid evidence for its potential benefit. Still, enjoying a daily cup or two does not present any major risks, although a person should be careful about consuming too much caffeine from coffee, as high amounts can lead to acid reflux and a rapid heart rate. More »

Does drinking java lengthen your life?

Coffee drinking is associated with longevity among racially and ethnically diverse groups of people. More »

Harvard study: It’s not too late to start a healthy diet

Changing to one of three scientifically developed healthy eating programs is associated with improved longevity. More »

Is seltzer a better option than soda?

Replacing soda with seltzer water is a good swap for your health. More »

Get health information and advice from the experts at Harvard Medical School.

Daily Health Tip

Learn the warning signs of depression

Depression can come on suddenly, or creep in over a long period. Warning signs include loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, lack of energy, loss of appetite, feelings of worthlessness or irritability, and a loss of interest in sex.

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