Diet and nutrition Archive

Calcium gets most of the credit for healthy bones, but another nutrient quietly controls how much you actually absorb. See why balance matters.

If you have high triglycerides, fruit sugar is only part of the story. Carbs, alcohol, weight, exercise, and healthy fats all influence this number.

Protein supplements promise muscle gains. But your kidneys must handle what your body can't use. Learn how to estimate daily needs and weigh supplement choices.

Carbohydrate intake and other aspects of your diet may impact triglyceride levels. See how everyday choices may nudge this number up or down.

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

Empty calories are calories from foods that give the body energy but almost no helpful nutrients. Sugary drinks and pastries are common examples. They can quickly add lots of calories to someone's diet and make weight gain more likely.

Food noise - persistent, distressing thoughts about food - can interfere with your daily life, but there's a lot you can do to manage it. Strategies include eating regular balanced meals, practicing mindful eating, managing stress and sleep, and seeking professional help if needed.

The foundation of a heart-healthy diet should be minimally processed plant-based foods, which are good sources of fiber, protein, and phytonutrients. People should also limit saturated fat and make sure they consume omega-3 fatty acids.

Pro-inflammatory foods include fried foods, sodas, refined carbohydrates, and red meat. Green vegetables, berries, whole grains, and fatty fish are thought to combat the inflammatory process.

A review of 17 studies found that for people at high risk of heart disease, cutting down on saturated fats may have lowered their risk of major cardiac events over the next five years, but people at lower risk did not see similar benefits.