Magazine

Chicory Root: The Gut Microbiome’s Superstar Chicory Root: The Gut Microbiome’s Superstar (image credits: unsplash) Chicory root stands out as the most concentrated source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that has been proven to nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Recent research published in 2024 found that chicory root can increase Bifidobacteria populations by over 30% in just three weeks of daily consumption. This prebiotic not only boosts microbial diversity but also improves stool frequency and consistency, with multiple clinical trials showing significant relief for people struggling with mild constipation. Chicory root extract is now commonly added to functional foods, and its … Read more

Olive Oil: The Mediterranean Darling with Delicate Limits Olive Oil: The Mediterranean Darling with Delicate Limits (image credits: pixabay) Let’s be honest—olive oil is probably sitting on your kitchen counter right now, and chances are you’ve heated it more times than you’d like to admit. While olive oil typically has a smoke point between 374-405°F (190-207°C) and all olive oil has relatively high smoke points, the real issue isn’t the heat itself—it’s what happens when you reheat it repeatedly. When vegetable oils are reheated, they form aldehydes, which are toxic and carcinogenic, and prolonged consumption of food cooked in reheated … Read more

Flavored Yogurt Flavored Yogurt (image credits: unsplash) Flavored yogurt lines the dairy aisles with promises of gut health and protein, but many brands pack more sugar than a candy bar. A 2024 study by the American Heart Association found that some popular yogurts contain up to 19 grams of added sugar per serving—almost five teaspoons. That’s nearly half the recommended daily limit for adults in just one snack. Many people reach for yogurt thinking it’s a smart breakfast or snack, not realizing the fruit at the bottom or blended flavors are loaded with syrups. The World Health Organization has warned … Read more

Bhutan’s High-Value, Low-Impact Philosophy Faces Growing Pressures Bhutan’s High-Value, Low-Impact Philosophy Faces Growing Pressures (image credits: unsplash) Nestled high in the Himalayas, Bhutan imposed a Sustainable Development Fee of 1,200 rupees on Indian nationals per person, per day in September 2022, which severely impacted tourist footfall, with arrivals dropping to just over 100,000 in 2022-2023. In 2023, Bhutan collected around $26 million in revenues from the Sustainable Development Fee alone, marking the highest earnings from the SDF in Bhutan’s history and exceeding revenues collected before the pandemic. The Department of Tourism sets a $100 per person, per night fee for … Read more

The Crowds Have Officially Taken Over Paradise The Crowds Have Officially Taken Over Paradise (image credits: unsplash) Imagine trying to find a peaceful spot on the beach only to realize you’re competing with 16.68 million international tourists and 8.53 million domestic tourists who’ve also decided to visit this year. That’s the reality of Cancún today. The destination that once felt like a hidden gem has become something of a victim of its own success. Walking through the Hotel Zone now feels more like navigating Times Square than escaping to a tropical paradise. The beaches that were once spacious enough for … Read more

Fat Content Makes a Big Difference Fat Content Makes a Big Difference (image credits: flickr) Cheese is often criticized for its fat content, but the reality is that not all cheeses are created equal in this department. For example, fresh cheeses like mozzarella and cottage cheese generally contain less fat than aged varieties like cheddar or brie. According to the USDA, part-skim mozzarella contains about 4.5 grams of fat per ounce, while cheddar has nearly 9 grams per ounce. This difference matters, especially for people watching their saturated fat intake, which has been linked to heart health concerns. A 2024 … Read more

Deep Frying: The Worst Culprit for Your Wellbeing Deep Frying: The Worst Culprit for Your Wellbeing (image credits: wikimedia) Let’s start at the bottom of our list with a cooking method that makes food taste amazing but does terrible things to your health. Deep-fat fried foods are often high in calories and may contain unfavorable compounds formed during the process of deep frying, with increased consumption linked to various adverse health conditions. It’s best to avoid frying fatty fish and minimize the frying time of other foods, as there are concerns about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are potentially cancer-causing … Read more

The Plain Water Power Move The Plain Water Power Move (image credits: pixabay) The most effective drink you can reach for after a salty meal isn’t fancy, but it sure does the job. Water supports kidney function and helps flush out excess sodium, so cardiologists recommend drinking two to three glasses of water after a salty meal. When you consume too much salt, your body holds onto extra water to maintain the proper sodium-to-water balance, which can spike blood pressure temporarily. Drinking sufficient amounts of water helps your body regain its desired sodium-to-water ratio and can help compensate for a … Read more

Your Digestive System’s Best Friends: Bananas and Potassium-Rich Foods Your Digestive System’s Best Friends: Bananas and Potassium-Rich Foods (image credits: pixabay) When you’re standing in the produce section wondering what actually helps with bloating, grab a bunch of bananas first. One medium-sized banana contains 9% of the recommended daily amount of potassium. Foods rich in potassium prevent water retention by regulating sodium levels in your body and can thus reduce salt-induced bloating. Think of potassium as your body’s natural water pill—it helps flush out excess sodium that makes you feel puffed up like a balloon. Potassium is the main reason … Read more