Healthy Eating Archive

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.

Using a vibration plate has become a wellness fad, with proponents claiming it can improve bone and muscle strength, balance, circulation, weight loss, and more. But little research backs up those claims. Only balance appears to improve in certain people who use vibration plates.

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.

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.

People who have trouble sleeping may take dietary supplements to ease their insomnia. Melatonin and magnesium, two popular sleep supplements, work in different ways and have varying levels of scientific support.

From cookware to deodorant, aluminum is everywhere. Most people clear it efficiently from their bodies.

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.

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

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.