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

Protein seems to be on everyone's minds (and plates) these days, with many of us getting our fill from fish, beef, chicken, or plant proteins like beans, avocados, tofu, and tempeh. Another source worth adding to the mix: high-protein nuts and seeds, some of which are so protein-rich they rival eggs in their content. Ahead, nutrition experts share their top picks for getting more of this vital macronutrient. Benefits of Protein Comprised of amino acids, protein helps build an

If you're looking for a salty, crunchy snack that's packed with protein and fiber, nuts have got you covered. But nuts are also high in certain healthy fats, which makes them even better for you — and helps keep you full. All nuts are rich in healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids, says Natalie Rizzo, registered dietitian and TODAY.com nutrition editor. There are so many reasons nuts "are really good for you," she says, "and they do have benefits for heart health and brain

When you think about supporting your metabolism, your mind might jump to intense workouts or specific “superfoods” eaten throughout the day. But the reality is, one of the most impactful habits for your metabolic health happens at the dinner table: eating a balanced meal that contains protein, fiber and healthy fats. Eating this type of meal sets the stage for how your body functions overnight and into the next day, fueling recovery, repair and metabolic efficiency. Let’s div

Feeling tired during the winter season isn’t always about how much or how well you slept the night before. A particularly long workday or a few days of inconsistent meals can also drain you, and what you reach for in the moment can either energize you or keep you dragging. While a quick cup of coffee feels like the obvious fix, there are several healthy snack choices that can give you a steadier, more sustainable energy boost. We spoke with a registered dietitian and chef on

Proper food storage isn’t just about flavor and quality, although storing food correctly does preserve both of these elements. Storing food properly is about safety. Whether you are a meal prep enthusiast, enjoy stocking up on food, or simply want to learn about proper food storage, keep reading to discover different food storage methods and their appropriate uses. Refrigeration Your refrigerator should be set to 40 ° F or lower . Your fridge most likely has a built-in thermo

Food isn’t a cure-all, but it can definitely affect your mood. Yes, food does impact your mood — and it’s possible to eat your way to a more relaxed state. While there isn’t a cure-all food to magically erase frustration, you can get relieve stress with a combination of exercising, eating small meals throughout the day and getting more of these 10 foods. Whole-Wheat Pretzels Carbohydrate-rich foods can give you an energy boost and trigger the brain to release a feel-good chem

A new year offers new beginnings and an opportunity to reset your eating habits after the holidays. Andrea Delgado , a Mayo Clinic dietitian, says it's best to eliminate what you don't need, including party food leftovers.  If your refrigerator is holding onto less-than-healthy holiday leftovers into the new year, it is OK to let them go. Dispose of leftovers or eat them gradually and in smaller  portions , Delgado advises. "You want to slowly regress back to your old healt