This could be  grate  news for cheese lovers: A recent study found potential links between cheese and positive health outcomes, particularly when it comes to sleep. The results of the study, published in the December edition of the Sleep Medicine journal, found that eating more cheese may be linked to a reduced likelihood of developing sleep apnea, a potentially serious medical condition that can cause you to stop breathing while you sleep. The study’s researchers pointed out

Most people can meet their daily vitamin C needs—75 milligrams (mg) for women and 90 mg for men—through their diet and don't need a supplement. Eating foods high in vitamin C provides additional benefits from nutrients such as fiber and other essential vitamins and minerals. 1. Acerola Cherry Serving: 1/2 cup Vitamin C: 825 milligrams (mg) Daily value: 1,100% for women, 917% for men Acerola is a small red cherry species that's grown in certain tropical regions. Acerola cherri

Tinned fish has been on the rise in recent years, and we now seem to be in what many are proclaiming ‘Sardine Girl Summer.’ With food costs going up, this canned fish offers a more affordable and convenient protein option. But convenience, cost and craze aside, are sardines healthy and a food you should be eating regularly? What Are Sardines? These small fish grow up to almost 10 inches long, and have soft, oily flesh with a mild, fishy taste. They can be salty or smoky, depe

Twinkie Diet For 10 weeks in 2010, a Kansas State University nutrition professor cut down on their daily calories and ate mostly Twinkies, powdered doughnuts, and other junk food. They lost 27 pounds. This may sound crazy, but they showed the basic rule of weight loss: Burn more calories than you eat, no matter what that might be. Bad news for junk food junkies, though. The lack of nutrition in this diet makes it a lousy idea for your overall health. Ear Stapling Put down the

Ham and Cheese Omelet The Count:  Approximately 512 calories, 37 grams of fat, 1,277 milligrams of sodium This breakfast staple packs plenty of protein, but at half of your total fat and sodium requirements for the day. That’s not including adding hash browns or home fries. If you’re really wanting an omelet, make a smaller one with one or two whole eggs, and add some whole-grain toast and a side of fruit. Chicken and Waffles The Count:  Approximately 1,012 calories, 54 grams

Both green and black tea are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. One difference is that black tea leaves are first rolled and then oxidized (exposed to air), whereas green tea is unoxidized. This reaction causes black tea leaves to turn dark brown while green tea leaves remain green. Black and green tea may have subtle differences in caffeine and antioxidant content but offer similar health benefits. Shared benefits of green and black tea While green and bla

Eating chicken noodle soup when you're sick with a cold or flu won't cure your ailments, but it can help support your body with hydration, nutrients, and mild, potentially anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects. These effects may help your body's healing process and reduce how long you're sick. 1. Sustained Hydration You may have a reduced appetite when you're ill, making it difficult to take in the nutrients and fluids you need to recover. A serving of chicken noodl

If you want to live a long, healthy life, take a good look at what's on your plate. While you don't need to be strict about healthy eating, the food choices you make regularly can affect your long-term health — especially when it comes to one nutrient in particular. While many people just want to live as long as possible, Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, the author of the new book out this month “ Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life, ” tells TODAY.com tha

Lima beans ( Phaseolus lunatus L.) are legumes that provide plant-based protein, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. They may have benefits for weight management and heart health. 1. Supports Your Gut Health Lima beans have 13.2 grams of fiber per cup , which covers 47% of the Daily Value (DV). Fiber is especially important for gut health. Bacteria in the large intestine ferment and break down fiber from foods like lima beans. This process creates short-chain fatty aci

Sick Day Solutions When you're sick with the flu, stomach bug, or even a common cold, what you eat can make all the difference between spending another day in bed and waking up refreshed. The key is eating meals that are comforting physically and emotionally — plus getting a little nourishment. That’s why we asked 10 registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) which foods they turn to when they’re under the weather. Shockingly, chicken noodle soup isn’t on the list! Smoothies

Over the years, extensive research has been conducted on the impact of various foods on physical health and their effects on the body. However, some researchers have been investigating how food may affect mood and mental health. There is a recently developed field of psychiatry known as “.” This specialized branch focuses on examining the relationship between eating habits, dietary factors, and mental health disorders. This is to help form methods of prevention and treatment

As chocolate prices continue to rise, some companies are taking drastic measures to counteract sticker shock. And it's leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of some consumers. With the cost of cocoa steadily ticking up, some brands have begun swapping in different ingredients. But does the end result taste the same as the real deal? NBC News chief consumer investigative correspondent Vicky Nguyen went straight to the source to find out. In the latest segment of “TODAY’s Consum

When you combine milk and honey, you're getting two foods with important nutrients as well as other components that can affect your body in some well-known and some surprising ways. Both honey and milk can help your body know it's time to rest, but these functional foods can do more than that when it comes to having an impact on your health. 1. Promotes Sleep Honey plus milk is a well-known home remedy for sleeplessness. Both contain tryptophan , an amino acid (protein buildi

Peanut butter is as popular as ever — and it’s no wonder why. It’s versatile, delicious and, for many, nostalgic. However, when you peek at the nutrition facts label, you may notice that a serving of peanut butter, typically two tablespoons, contains close to 200 calories and more than 65-percent of those calories come from fat. So you may be wondering, is peanut butter actually good for you? What’s in a jar of peanut butter? Pick up any jar of the stuff and you’ll see the fi

On an island just off the coast of Panama lives an indigenous tribe called the Kuna, who outlive other people in Panama. Despite their relatively high-salt diet, the Kuna tend to have lower blood pressure than do other people in Panama. In addition, they experience fewer heart attacks and they’re less likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or cancer. After much study, researchers determined that what set the Kuna people apart wasn’t what they ate. Instead, it likely stem

Pasta is one of those universally comforting foods that transcends generations. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, noodles are versatile and tasty pantry staples. But traditional pasta contains refined grains, carbohydrates, and gluten. All of those need to be restricted if you follow certain diets for weight loss, diabetes, or celiac disease. Despite all the bad press about pasta, people who eat it may be healthier eaters than those that don’t. A recent study in Fron

Olive oil has long been a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, but its appeal extends far beyond flavor. It has many health benefits that are backed by decades of research. Studies link regular olive oil consumption to a wide range of benefits, from a lower risk of heart attack and stroke to improved erectile function. Why olive oil is healthy Though olive oil’s benefits are often attributed to its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, Mayo Clinic cardiologist Stephen L. Kopecky, M

Some condiments contain unhealthy ingredients like artificial additives and high amounts of added salt and sugar. Healthy condiments are low in added sugar and pack nutritious ingredients like protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Here are 10 healthy condiments that are both tasty and nutritious. 1. Pesto Traditional pesto is a sauce made with fresh basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pesto is a good source of zinc — a mineral essential for immune health, w

Modern society makes getting healthy harder than ever. People are busy trying to balance work, family and other responsibilities. As a result, their health goals are often put on hold. That said, being healthy does not have to be difficult. Here are some simple ways to get healthier with minimal effort. Quick and easy changes to make to your diet Swap refined carbs for whole, unprocessed carbs Refined carbs are commonly known as simple carbs or “empty” carbs. They are rigoro

When you eat may be just as important as what you eat. Research shows that eating dinner in sync with your circadian rhythm (the body's internal clock) can improve digestion, metabolism, and sleep quality. When Is the Best Time to Eat Dinner? The circadian rhythm is the "biological clock" that helps coordinate the timing of daily behaviors such as: Sleeping and waking Feeding and fasting Physiology (such as hormone release and heart function) Melatonin is the hormone that re