The Healthiest Pastas—From Worst to Best, Ranked

White Pasta: The Classic Staple with Hidden Downsides White Pasta: The Classic Staple with Hidden Downsides (image credits: wikimedia) White pasta might be the most familiar option in grocery stores, but recent studies make it clear why nutritionists aren’t singing its praises. Made from refined wheat, this pasta loses much of its fiber, vitamins, and minerals during processing. According to the USDA, a typical serving contains just 2 grams of fiber, which is way less than what whole grains offer. That means it spikes blood sugar faster and offers less satiety, making you hungrier sooner. Research from Harvard in 2024 … Read more

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The Healthiest Yogurts—Ranked from Worst to Best

Flavored Dessert Yogurts Flavored Dessert Yogurts (image credits: unsplash) Flavored dessert yogurts are often the least healthy option you’ll find in the dairy aisle. These products are usually packed with added sugars, sometimes containing as much as 18-25 grams per serving according to the latest USDA data. Even when they boast fruit pieces or sweet swirls, the fruit content is minimal and the sweeteners can spike blood sugar quickly. Many of these yogurts also use artificial flavors and colors, which add nothing to nutrition and can be concerning for some consumers. The American Heart Association has warned that added sugar … Read more

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The Healthiest Cereals—From Least Healthy to Most

Frosted Flakes Frosted Flakes (image credits: unsplash) Frosted Flakes have been a breakfast staple for decades, but their shiny coating of sugar is hard to ignore. According to the USDA, a typical serving contains about 12 grams of sugar, which is nearly half the daily limit for children recommended by the American Heart Association. While they are fortified with vitamins and minerals, the high glycemic index means they can spike blood sugar quickly and leave you hungry soon after. A 2024 Consumer Reports review found that most sugary cereals like Frosted Flakes contain minimal fiber, usually under 1 gram per … Read more

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The Healthiest Breads—Ranked from Worst to Best

White Sandwich Bread White Sandwich Bread (image credits: unsplash) White sandwich bread is often the first kind that comes to mind, but it’s also the least healthy option according to nutritionists and recent studies. This bread is made from refined white flour, which means most of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals are stripped away during processing. As a result, it can cause blood sugar spikes due to its high glycemic index, which is a concern for people with diabetes or anyone trying to maintain stable energy levels. Research published in 2023 by the British Nutrition Foundation found that diets high … Read more

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6 Common Foods That Spike Blood Sugar—and 3 That Help Control It

White Bread and Refined Grains White Bread and Refined Grains (image credits: unsplash) White bread and other refined grains are notorious for sending blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster ride. Made from processed wheat flour stripped of fiber and nutrients, these foods are digested rapidly, causing a quick surge in glucose. A recent study published in 2024 in the journal Diabetes Care confirmed that eating refined grains regularly is linked to higher blood sugar and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The glycemic index (GI) of white bread is often over 70, which means it’s absorbed almost as fast as … Read more

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8 Low-Risk Carbs Diabetics Can Eat Without Guilt

Steel-Cut Oats Steel-Cut Oats (image credits: pixabay) Steel-cut oats have become a favorite among people with diabetes because of their slow digestion and low glycemic index. Unlike instant oats, steel-cut oats are less processed, which means they cause a slower rise in blood sugar. Recent studies, including a 2024 review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, show that eating steel-cut oats leads to a lower post-meal glucose spike compared to other breakfast cereals. They’re also rich in soluble fiber, which helps improve insulin sensitivity and keeps you feeling full longer. One serving provides essential minerals like magnesium and zinc, … Read more

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The 10 Healthiest Grains—Ranked Worst to Best

White Rice White Rice (image credits: wikimedia) White rice might be a staple in many diets, but it falls short when it comes to nutritional value. During processing, the bran and germ are removed, stripping away most fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, white rice spikes blood sugar levels quickly because it’s mostly simple carbohydrates. While it provides quick energy, it lacks the antioxidants and nutrients found in whole grains. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has linked high white rice consumption with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, especially in … Read more

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6 Popular Drinks That Hurt Your Liver—And 3 That Heal It

Soda—The Sugar Bomb Your Liver Fears Soda—The Sugar Bomb Your Liver Fears (image credits: unsplash) Sugary sodas are everywhere, but behind the fizz lies a real danger for your liver. Multiple studies from 2023 and 2024 show that people who drink just one or two cans of regular soda each day have a much higher risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The reason is simple: your liver has to process all that extra sugar, especially fructose, which gets converted into fat. Over time, this process can cause fat to build up in the liver, leading to inflammation and … Read more

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The Healthiest Beans—From Worst to Best, Ranked

Lima Beans Lima Beans (image credits: wikimedia) Lima beans, often called butter beans, are a classic side dish but aren’t the healthiest pick in the legume family. While they provide protein and fiber, they’re relatively low compared to others, with just 7 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per cup cooked. Lima beans also contain linamarin, a compound that can produce cyanide if not cooked properly, though commercial beans are generally safe when prepared according to guidelines. Their glycemic index is higher than most beans, making them less ideal for blood sugar control. According to USDA data, lima … Read more

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The Most Overhyped Superfoods—And the Ones That Actually Work

Acai Berries: Marketing Hype Outpaces Reality Acai Berries: Marketing Hype Outpaces Reality (image credits: unsplash) Acai berries exploded onto the scene with claims of being a miracle food for weight loss, anti-aging, and even cancer prevention. But when researchers examined the evidence, the results were underwhelming. According to a 2024 review published by Harvard Medical School, acai berries are rich in antioxidants, but so are plenty of other fruits like blueberries and strawberries—often at a much lower price. No major clinical studies have shown acai to offer unique health benefits beyond other common berries. The supposed fat-burning effects are not … Read more

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