Magazine

Tart Cherries Pack a Natural Melatonin Punch Tart Cherries Pack a Natural Melatonin Punch (image credits: pixabay) Tart cherries have become the superstar of sleep-promoting snacks, and for good reason. They have melatonin, which is a hormone produced in the brain that helps manage the body’s sleep-wake cycles. Tart cherries or their juice can make an ideal late night snack since studies suggest they may help you sleep better. Eight ounces (240 mL) of 100% tart cherry juice or 1/4 cup (40 g) of dried tart cherries has less than 160 calories. The combination of natural melatonin and manageable calories … Read more

Eggs Keep Your Morning Steady and Strong Eggs Keep Your Morning Steady and Strong (image credits: flickr) When that 3 PM sugar crash hits, you might wish you’d started your day differently. Eggs are a high protein food that may help keep your appetite and cravings in check. In fact, research has shown that having a high protein breakfast like eggs may reduce hunger and help people eat less throughout the day. The science behind this is pretty fascinating too. Protein suppresses the hunger hormone ghrelin and increases some of the hormones that make you feel full, including peptide YY … Read more

Skip the Morning Bagel Skip the Morning Bagel (image credits: flickr) Think your breakfast might not matter before that afternoon cholesterol test? Think again. Eating a high-fat meal before the test can raise triglyceride levels and skew the lipid profile, and sugary and fatty foods can cause drastic spikes in triglycerides, making the test results hard to interpret. High-fat foods like butter, cheese, and full-fat dairy products should be avoided, as should sugary foods like desserts, candy, and soda which can affect your results. Your doctor needs accurate numbers to assess your heart health properly, and that seemingly innocent cream … Read more

The Magic Garlic Aioli Revolution The Magic Garlic Aioli Revolution (image credits: pixabay) Picture this: you’re sitting there with a boring piece of grilled chicken, and suddenly you remember you’ve got roasted garlic in your fridge. This creamy roasted garlic aioli recipe is bright, tangy, and so refreshing! It combines a roasted garlic bulb, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. That’s it— it is as simple and satisfying as can be, and oh so dippable! What makes this sauce absolutely brilliant is how nothing is better than the mellow, deep flavor once garlic is roasted, each clove caramelizing in its little sleeve, … Read more

The Sugar Industry’s Big Fat Lie That Shaped Decades of Diet Culture The Sugar Industry’s Big Fat Lie That Shaped Decades of Diet Culture (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: it’s the 1960s, and the sugar industry quietly paid Harvard researchers around $50,000 in today’s dollars to dismiss concerns about sugar and point the blame at fat instead. This wasn’t some conspiracy theory – it actually happened, and we’ve got the documents to prove it. The manipulation worked so well that for decades, Americans bought into the idea that fat was the enemy while sugar slipped under the radar. Since the … Read more

The Fiber Foundation That Transforms Your Health The Fiber Foundation That Transforms Your Health (image credits: unsplash) Let me start with something that might shock you: fewer than 1 in 10 U.S. adults meet their daily recommendations for fiber intake. That’s right, more than 90% of us are walking around fiber-deficient without even realizing it. Fiber isn’t just some boring nutrient your grandmother preached about. Adequate intake of dietary fiber is associated with digestive health and reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, hypertension, certain gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Think of fiber as your body’s cleaning … Read more

The Sweet Deception of Sports Drinks The Sweet Deception of Sports Drinks (image credits: unsplash) Picture this: you’ve just crushed an intense workout, sweat dripping, muscles burning, and you reach for that bright blue sports drink thinking you’re doing your body a favor. Think again. While sugary sports drinks are marketed as essential for rehydration, their high sugar content can actually impede muscle recovery by increasing inflammation, which slows down the repair of muscle fibers. Studies comparing bananas to sugary sports drinks found that bananas matched the sports drink when it came to replacing nutrients and preventing post-workout inflammation. The … Read more

Greek Yogurt with Nuts: The Probiotic Powerhouse That Outshines Protein Bars Greek Yogurt with Nuts: The Probiotic Powerhouse That Outshines Protein Bars (image credits: flickr) Greek yogurt paired with nuts is quietly becoming the go-to snack for people who want more than just a protein hit. Greek yogurt packs twice as much protein and about half the amount of carbs and sugar as regular yogurt. Unlike most protein bars that rely on processed ingredients and artificial sweeteners, Greek yogurt delivers around 20 grams of high-quality protein per cup along with live cultures that support your gut health. The increasing demand … Read more

Fresh Food Markets at the Heart of Daily Life Fresh Food Markets at the Heart of Daily Life (image credits: pixabay) Across Europe, open-air markets are more than just a tradition—they’re a way of life. In France, Spain, and Italy, residents often shop daily for local fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and meats. This focus on freshness means food is less processed and contains fewer preservatives, a fact supported by the European Food Safety Authority, which notes lower rates of artificial additives in European diets compared to North America. Because Europeans value seasonal produce, their meals are naturally more varied and nutrient-rich. … Read more

Chicken Chicken (image credits: unsplash) Chicken is notorious for being tricky to reheat safely, and getting it wrong can be more than just a taste issue—it’s a health risk. According to the CDC, improperly reheated chicken is a common source of foodborne illnesses like salmonella. Most people stick chicken in the microwave, but this method often leaves cold spots where bacteria can survive. The USDA recommends reheating chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any lingering bacteria. For best results, use an oven or stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist while ensuring even … Read more