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

A banana’s color can tell you a lot about its nutrition. As it ripens from green to yellow to brown, its starch, sugar, antioxidants, and fiber levels shift. While no stage is “healthiest,” understanding these stages can help you pick the banana that best supports your goals. The Four Stages of Ripeness Banana ripeness can be divided into several stages, but four practical levels matter most for nutrition: Green: Unripe Green with yellow traces: Slightly ripe Fully yellow:

Magnesium plays a vital role in managing blood pressure, strengthening bones, regulating blood sugar levels, and maintaining a steady heart rhythm, among other benefits. While magnesium supplements can help maintain adequate levels, adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet is also helpful, with numerous options available. 1. Nuts and Seeds Several varieties of nuts and seeds stand out for their impressive magnesium levels: Almonds : An ounce of dry-roasted almonds contains 80

Hair loss is a common condition known as alopecia in the medical field. It has many known causes, including: genetics hormonal dysregulation hypothyroidism tension on the hair trauma infection chemotherapy Hair loss can also be caused by diet-related factors, such as nutrient deficiencies and supplement use. This article explains how diet can affect hair loss. Micronutrient deficiencies Hair is made up of two main structures — the hair shaft, which is what you see, and the h

Precooked Whole Grains Whole grains like brown rice and quinoa amp up your fiber intake and lower your risk for heart disease, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. But you don’t have to wait out the long cook time to enjoy their perks. You can find precooked grains in the frozen food case or in ready-to-microwave bowls or pouches -- just look out for added sodium. Serve as a tasty side or mix with veggies or precooked meat for a complete meal. Frozen Veggies Frozen produce, lik

Despite all our 21st-century medical advances, there is no cure to the common cold. This forces us to rely on home remedies to get through the day. One popular option for managing those pesky respiratory symptoms is cough drops. But do these lozenges genuinely help you recover or just drain your wallet and fill you with sugar? Here’s what the experts say. How Do Cough Drops Work? Cough drops contain specific ingredients that decrease the urge to cough and the pain in our thr

Grocery prices are higher than ever, so shoppers need to be even more savvy about what they will and won’t spend money on. Some products are not only expensive but may be harmful to health, while others are just unnecessary and a waste of money. So what’s on the “best to avoid” list right now? Here are six foods you’re better off not buying at the grocery store, for the sake of your health and your wallet. Salad Kits Salad kits are expensive compared to just making a salad yo

Whether it’s date night, lunch with a friend, or a family dinner out, you’re probably eating out more often than you think. In a 2023 US Foods Survey , the average American ate food prepared out of the house, either takeout or dine-in, an average of 7.5 times per month. If you eat out too often or choose the wrong foods when eating out , your health could suffer. A March 2022 review in Nutrients found that a high rate of eating out was associated with poorer diet quality, as

If you were to look in the refrigerator of almost any American, chances are you’d find a carton of eggs. Eggs aren’t just a classic breakfast staple—they’re also used in a variety of savory lunch and dinner dishes and serve as an essential ingredient in many baked goods. Given how common eggs are in cooking, many people likely eat them every day in one form or another. But is this a bad thing, considering the mixed press and research surrounding eggs and the nutrients they co

One is portable. One enjoyed a comeback fueled by TikTok. And they’re both packed with protein. We’re talking about hard-boiled eggs and cottage cheese. But only one can take the crown. OK, not really. When we asked registered dietitians which one is the healthier snack, they agreed that both can fit into a healthy eating plan. The choice really comes down to your personal preferences and your unique health needs. So, it’s not necessary to stick to just one. Here’s the nutr