medphanut-nutrition

As one of the three essential macronutrients — the others being protein and fat — carbohydrates are the body’s primary fuel source. But to many a dietary […]

What are the effects of ketogenic diets on nutrient sufficiency, gut flora, and heart disease risk?  Given the decades of experience using ketogenic diets to […]

As with raw eggs, uncooked chicken can contain salmonella and other disease-causing germs. So should you wash chicken before cooking it? For years, experts have […]

So you’re considering cutting sugar from your diet, or maybe you’re already on your way. Either way, you’ve probably heard about some potential side effects […]

In an effort to slash sugar while still getting a taste of the sweet life, many consumers and food companies have started using stevia in […]

Plant-based, or plant-forward, eating is probably the most inescapable dietary trend. And it’s not necessarily as simple as just forgoing flesh; new factions are forming […]

Might the appetite-suppressing effects of ketosis improve dietary compliance?  The new data are said to debunk “some, if not all, of the popular claims made […]

Skim the ingredient list of many beverages, jams, canned vegetables, or frozen foods and you’re likely to come across one that you can actually pronounce […]

One of the hardest thing about counting macros is that nagging X factor: alcohol. When planning meals for the week, few of us account for […]

When you’re starting a healthy, satisfying eating plan, it’s important to know the outsized role sugar plays in your overall health. It’s in everything. While […]

Let’s dive into ketogenic diets and their $33-billion gimmick.  The carbohydrate–insulin model of obesity, the underlying theory that ketogenic diets have some sort of metabolic […]

Do low-carb and ketogenic diets have a metabolic advantage for weight loss?  When you don’t eat enough carbohydrates, you force your body to burn more […]

What does the science say about the clinical use of ketogenic diets for epilepsy and cancer?  Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the […]

Acorn squash is a kind of winter squash with a dark green rind and golden-orange flesh. It’s shaped like an acorn and might be just as tough! […]

When it comes to achieving flawless skin, many of us think about using products to smooth, hydrate, and clear up acne. However, we may overlook […]

Meet Chef Lois Ellen Frank, Ph.D. We had the pleasure of talking with her about food history, health, and culture. Read on and enjoy her […]

The potential for rapid weight loss put the keto diet on the map, but many struggle with its restrictive rules. Between the dreaded “keto flu” […]

There are lots of diets that promise to help you lose weight, feel better, and get healthier. But there are only a few cultures whose diet is […]

If you crave crunch but not grease, air fryers allow you to enjoy your favorite comfort foods, from fried chicken to fries and tater tots, […]

Many of us reform our wellness routines in order to look and feel better — but it’s possible to take these efforts too far. For some, this […]

There’s been a lot of talk about good vs. bad carbs and plenty of confusion on the topic. Let’s say it once and for all: […]

Why don’t more people take the weight-loss medications currently on the market?  Despite the myriad menus of FDA-approved medications for weight loss, they’ve only been […]

There are disinfection byproducts in tap water. What happened when Brita, PUR, ZeroWater, and refrigerator water filters were put to the test?  Though many distrust […]

Take any food you love, make it out of cauliflower, and it’s magically healthy. Or at least that’s what most people think about pizza. But […]

In the realm of sweeteners, stevia has risen to the top in the past few years. But what is stevia, and is it here to […]

While we absolutely love all the amazing autumnal flavors of Starbucks’ fall drinks, we don’t necessarily love all the excess sugar and calories. Choosing healthier Starbucks […]

Advisories telling pregnant women to cut down on fish consumption may be too late for certain persistent pollutants.  If you intentionally expose people to mercury […]

What are the effects of chewing gum on hunger and appetite?   “Horace Fletcher,” proclaimed one of his obituaries in 1919, “taught the world to chew.” […]

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should probably be advised to either decrease or, when possible, cease cannabis use entirely, and couples trying to conceive may also […]

More than 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed in the world every day, mainly for the benefits that caffeine provides. But what about those looking […]

Unless you’re a diehard vegan, you probably don’t think of tofu as the most appetizing food. But this seemingly basic block of soy is full […]

If extra chewing is effective in suppressing your appetite when it comes to food, what about chewing gum as a weight-loss strategy?  As I discuss […]

By now, most of us know that fiber — like sleep and water — is something we could use more of. It’s been billed a […]

If sugar consumption is considered to be the one and only cause of cavities, can we have any sugar? How much is too much?  Dental […]

We’ve seen countless fad diets that focus on eating one specific food — the cookie diet, the cabbage soup diet, the grapefruit diet. They all […]

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. They are the most common cause of seizures in the elderly, […]

Meet Sylvia Klinger. We had the pleasure of interviewing her about food history and culture. Read on and enjoy her recipe for Jicama Mango Salad. […]

What would happen within just two weeks after swapping the diets of Americans with those of healthier eaters?  Colon cancer is our second leading cancer […]

A low-fiber diet is a key driver of microbiome depletion, the disappearance of diversity in our good gut flora.  We have a hundred trillion microorganisms […]

What can millions of dollars in the hands of the lobbying industry do to shut down efforts to protect children?   For nearly half a […]

Sugar alcohols are sweet organic chemical compounds commonly used as a sugar substitute. Because they don’t impact blood sugar in the same way regular sugar […]

How does Dr. Greger pressure steam his greens?  In a review of more than one hundred articles about the effects of cooking on vegetables, researchers […]

You’ve probably come across some moldy food that looks salvageable: that piece of bread with a spot of mold, or that pepper with mossy seeds. […]

With the galaxy of tech and fad diets that have recently emerged, many of us have become obsessed with “hacking” our nutrition. Along the way, […]

Even those who test negative for cow’s milk allergy may have hypersensitivity reactions to dairy products.  Excessive spitting up and vomiting in infants may be […]

What do cookies, candy, soda, many chips, and sweetened cereals have in common? Sure, they’re all common cravings — but they’re also ultra-processed foods. Here’s […]

The benefits of protein shakes extend to pretty much anybody with fitness goals, whether it’s building muscle, losing weight, or ensuring you get enough protein […]

For the last few decades, fitness fans who grew to love unique and bold beers were left to drink watery, bland light beer from the […]

How good is the evidence that flossing is effective? According to randomized controlled trials, what is the optimal toothbrushing and flossing sequence?  “Over the years, […]

When it comes to healthy snacking, fruit is hard to beat — it’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and filling fiber. But if you’re trying to lose weight, […]

What did double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials on berries and the first clinical study on the effects of berries on arthritis find?  How might berries improve […]

Given their oxalate content, how much is too much spinach, chard, beet greens, chaga mushroom powder, almonds, cashews, star fruit, and instant tea?  There was […]

Even though dietary oxalates may have a limited effect on the risk of kidney stones in most people, there are some predisposing factors that can […]

Whether you opt for the open road or a stationary bike, it’s easy to fall in love with cycling. The sport offers a myriad of benefits […]

If you’re cooking a late dinner or often feel snackish before bedtime, you may wonder, “Does eating at night make you gain weight?” Short answer: When you […]

I’m thrilled to announce that preorders are now open for How Not to Age, my new book coming out in December after three years in […]

What is the best way to prepare dark green leafy vegetables, the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet?  “The main purpose of cooking is to […]

Were the flaxseed studies showing 20 pounds of weight loss just flukes?  Canada now allows a health claim on the labels of products with flaxseeds, […]

Craving sweet food is natural, but consuming lots of added sugar isn’t. Too much of it in your diet can lead to poor digestion and […]

Caffeine has a lot of great qualities: It makes getting through a day easier when you didn’t sleep enough the night before and helps you […]

Why do some experiments show that duct tape is ineffective for treating warts?  In 1978, a new approach for the treatment of warts was described, […]

Viewing a nutrition label, it might appear that protein is simply protein, since that’s the only way it’s ever listed. But there’s a difference between incomplete […]

Duct tape beat out ten other wart treatments for cost and effectiveness, so why isn’t it standard practice?  One of the “unusual, innovative, and long-forgotten […]

Your period just started, and you’re feeling less than awesome. When your belly starts to grumble, you opt for self-care in the form of food. […]

What are the risks of contracting the brain parasite toxoplasma from cat litter or meat?  The brain parasite toxoplasma “is responsible for considerable morbidity and […]

The number one killer on Earth is a bad diet, and high blood pressure is killer number two. The reason it’s so deadly is that […]

Toxoplasma brain parasites can cause personality alterations.  Of all causes of foodborne disease, a brain parasite called toxoplasma is ranked as the fourth leading cause […]

If you spend any time in the kitchen preparing meals, having a basic understanding of the various culinary knife cuts will help you make better […]

Nearly one quarter of Americans have already been infected with the brain parasite toxoplasma.  Toxoplasma is a brain parasite that may infect a million Americans […]

The pursuit of avoiding a hangover is as old as alcohol itself. Ancient Romans swore by fried canary and sheep’s lungs, while the Irish advised […]

You likely already know about the importance of protein. This macronutrient helps your body metabolize and digest food, repair your body tissues (including muscles), and grow and develop […]

  Meet Nisha Vora. We had the pleasure of talking with Nisha about all things spices. How did you learn about spices and their culinary […]

If you’ve tried eliminating added sugar from your diet, you know that it seems to creep its way into everything. One of the biggest culprits? Dressings, marinades, and […]

Nutritional shakes like Shakeology are having a moment right now, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to macronutrients, they often contain a diverse range of […]

The biggest barrier to reducing toxic pesticides in cannabis is, not surprisingly, the cannabis industry itself. California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana. […]

If you decided to add more fish to your diet, you’ve made a great choice. These salty swimmers can be a great source of protein […]

In a worst-case scenario, how much flaxseed is too much?  Flaxseed packs “a nutritional punch,” and, as I discuss in my video Should We Be […]

Your mission — should you choose to accept — is to take the Superfood Dessert Challenge. The Superfood Dessert Challenge is for anyone who wants […]

My Daily Dozen recommends at least one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds a day, but what’s this about cyanide?  Sweden’s dietary guidelines are pioneering in many […]

Protein powder is made to be a convenient, tasty way to get protein you need on the go — simply mix the powder with water, […]

What have more than a hundred studies on Wi-Fi and human brain wave modulation found?  You may recall that I’ve addressed how cell phones may […]

Plastic particles may exacerbate the pollutant contamination of fish.  “Plastic debris in the marine environment is more than just an unsightly problem.” The concern is […]

Can ingested plastic particles from fish get into our bloodstream?  In 1869, a patent was taken out for a new substance to replace elephant ivory […]

If you care more about your net carbs than your net worth, you might want to take a step back and reevaluate. This concept started […]

Beyond nutritional content or composition, the structure of food has a remarkable impact. Food structure, not only nutrient composition, may be “critical for optimal health.” […]

We’ve all been there. You open the fridge, and stare inside at what has become ugly produce: a bag of spinach that’s seen better days, […]

How do you score on the orthorexia “diagnostic” test?  “Orthorexia nervosa is defined as an unhealthy obsession with eating healthy food.” Want to know if […]

So you’ve decided to ditch the booze and lead a healthier life. But you still want to enjoy the complex and intriguing flavors that a […]

For some, a drink is an ideal way to unwind at the end of a long day or celebrate the weekend’s arrival. But sometimes you […]

Get ready to shake up your routine, because something delicious is coming your way from Shakeology. (Hint: It involves cookies!) Meet our new, permanent flavor, […]

A lot is made of the odd dietary combinations that result from cravings during pregnancy, but comparatively little is devoted to how should you eat while breastfeeding. […]

If you’re avoiding kombucha because you don’t think it tastes good — well, you probably haven’t tried the best kombuchas. Sure, “booch” is made from […]

For years, it looked like egg yolks were no longer disinvited from the breakfast table. After decades of warnings over the amount of cholesterol in […]

Antioxidants are one of those compounds you hear about all the time, but their functions, benefits, and sources aren’t always clear. This article is for […]

The case for plant-based eating to reduce the burden of diabetes has never been stronger.  There are all sorts of different scoring systems to rate […]

What if you could eat ice cream to improve your health? Improve your digestion by eating cake? Lose weight and eat brownies and even have […]

While the store is best-known for its variety of irresistible snacks and frozen foods, Trader Joe’s salad dressings are among their most criminally underrated products. […]

Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite vegetables and a delicious way for me to tick off the “other vegetables” boxes on my Daily Dozen […]

Trying to stick to your healthy eating goals, but craving something sweet and decadent? Superfood smoothies might be what you need. Think of them as […]

There are times we could all use a little more energy. And while there’s nothing wrong with sipping caffeinated beverages (up to three or four 8-ounce […]

Genetic differences in caffeine metabolism may explain the Jekyll and Hyde effects of coffee. Three-quarters of American adults drink coffee and about half do so […]

Sitting back after a long day and sipping on a tumbler doused with a fine spirit or drinking an expertly crafted cocktail can be a […]

In the past, if you wanted to indulge your taste for a brew but had sworn off alcohol, your choices were sadly lacking. But with […]

Out of all of the alcoholic beverages, wine tends to have the most ardent and informed aficionados. So when it comes to creating fine non-alcoholic […]

Which foods have the greatest cavity-causing potential?  Nearly half a century ago at a Senate hearing on nutrition, a Dr. Nizel from Tufts suggested that […]

Every month, we publish around eight new videos, four Friday Favorites, eight blogs, and four podcasts on NutritionFacts.org. We are bursting at the seams with […]

Trader Joe’s is a beloved market chain that offers delicious and innovative foods at great prices. Each season, people skip with glee to see what […]

Meet Hannah Che. We had the pleasure of talking with Hannah about food, traditions, stories, and her new cookbook The Vegan Chinese Kitchen. Read the […]

How do we explain dairy consumption’s association with increased risk of prostate cancer but decreased risk of colon cancer?  Studies comparing country-by-country cancer rates “have […]

With 70+ names, sugar is truly the master of disguise. While most of us know to look for common names like sucrose and glucose on food […]

Fat is the enemy — at least that’s what we were told for decades. Low-fat and fat-free foods flew off shelves as people assumed cutting […]

If you’ve been searching for ways to relieve stress, you may have heard about GABA. But what is it, exactly? And can a GABA supplement really […]

Blueberries are put to the test against insulin resistance, oxidation, and DNA damage.  A famous pair of Harvard studies involved so many people over such […]

Quick: Name a few foods high in vitamin D. Stumped? That’s likely because while vitamin D is an essential vitamin with plenty of benefits, it can […]

Whether you’re interested in natural remedies or just looking for ways to support your health, you may have heard about red yeast rice. This dietary […]

Experts have a gut feeling: You should probably start eating more fermented foods. Fermentation involves exposing food to yeast or microorganisms that break down components […]

Tea is the second most commonly consumed beverage in the world, after water. Green tea, black tea, mint tea and chamomile tea highlight a seemingly endless […]

If you’re looking for a dairy-free milk alternative, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from — like soy, macadamia, oat, almond, cashew, and rice […]

Boiling, steaming, microwaving, air frying, and sous-vide cooking are put to the test for nutrient retention. I’ve made videos on how not to die from […]

You probably see cartons of it lined up in the grocery store (and in your fit friend’s fridge), but is coconut water good for you? […]

A cup of hot tea has many healthy benefits, so it’s no surprise that tea trends like yerba mate, golden milk, and detox tea keep popping up. The […]

Sardines have become something of an “it” fish in recent years for their extraordinary protein and omega-3 content, along with their wealth of other nutrients. […]

I discuss the best and worst foods for gum inflammation and bad breath. Yes, saturated fats produce an inflammatory response, and, yes, inflammation is “recognized […]

It’s hard to overstate the importance of hydration. Water is essential to the function of every cell in the body — it helps to transport oxygen and […]

Ground ginger and ginger tea are put to the test for blood sugar control. In a case report of the “successful management of type 2 […]

What are the effects of cell phone radiation on sleep quantity and quality? “Sleep is crucial to the development of physically and psychologically healthy children,” […]

When you need an early-morning caffeine fix or an afternoon pick-me-up, Starbucks might be your go-to spot for a cup of coffee or yummy espresso […]

Every month, we publish around eight new videos, four Friday Favorites, eight blogs, and four podcasts on NutritionFacts.org. We are bursting at the seams with […]

Seven dates a day for three weeks are put to the test in a randomized controlled trial. (I’m talking about the fruit, not a planned […]

You’ve asked, and we’ve listened. Massive thanks to each one of you who wants to help spread our work to disseminate the latest in nutrition […]

What do we need to know about the safety of marijuana edibles? You may recall from my video Smoking Marijuana vs. Using a Cannabis Vaporizer […]

Celebrity diets take on lives of their own. That’s why, even if you don’t watch football or shop at Victoria’s Secret, you’ve probably heard of […]

Are butter and other saturated fats bad for you or not? My video Friday Favorites: Is Butter Really Back? What the Science Says explores the uses and misuses of research on […]

The mineral magnesium doesn’t enjoy the rock (geddit?!?) star status of, say, calcium and potassium, but it’s no less essential. In fact, the nutrient is a […]

Potassium is the nutritional equivalent of HIIT: everyone knows it’s important, but not many people know why. Similar to consuming dietary fiber and healthy fat, eating foods high in […]

Hydrogen water has burst onto the scene in recent years with a slew of purported benefits and a ton of hype. When consumed in beverages, […]

Seed cycling is a holistic, nutrition-based approach that some evidence suggests may help support a normal balance of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Though […]

Oxidized cholesterol, which is concentrated in products containing eggs, processed meat, and parmesan cheese, has cancer-fueling estrogenic effects on human breast cancer. In 1908, the […]

BCAAs (short for branched-chain amino acids) may sound exotic, but you consume them every time you eat any food containing protein, including meat, eggs, nuts, […]

Every month, we publish around eight new videos, four Friday Favorites, eight blogs, and four podcasts on NutritionFacts.org. We are bursting at the seams with […]

What is the relationship between the consumption of eggs and other cholesterol-rich foods and cancers of the colon, breast, endometrium, pancreas, and throat? In 1969, […]

Dozens of lipsticks and lip glosses are put to the test. “Over the past years, using cosmetic products has increased worldwide at an alarming rate […]

Most Americans get less than half the recommended minimum daily fiber intake, which is problematic as the benefits of fiber go way beyond bowel regularity. […]

What is the best source of lutein, the primary carotenoid antioxidant in the brain? “An extensive [scientific] literature describes the positive impact of dietary phytochemicals […]

How do contamination rates for antibiotic-resistant E. coli and ExPEC bacteria that cause urinary tract infections compare in kosher chicken versus organic chicken? Millions of […]

What is low-acid coffee? Does it help those who suffer from acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion? “Dark roast coffee is more effective than light roast […]

When it comes to reducing body weight, dark roast coffee is more effective than light roast coffee. If you drink non-paper-filtered coffee, such as boiled, […]

Every month, we publish around eight new videos, four Friday Favorites, eight blogs, and four podcasts on NutritionFacts.org. We are bursting at the seams with […]

You may already know a little something about the health benefits of ginger. Ever sip on ginger ale when you had a bellyache as a […]

Meet Chef Marie Kacouchia. We had the pleasure of interviewing her about food history, health, culture, and her cookbook, Vegan Africa. Read on and enjoy […]

If you keep up with the latest wellness trends, it might seem like ashwagandha is everywhere these days. This adaptogenic herb is native to India […]

You know not to judge a book by its cover, but what about a cereal box or a bag of potato chips? Can you trust […]

Randomized controlled trials put plant-based eating to the test for athletic performance. Historical examples of successful plant-based athletes range from the gladiators in ancient Rome […]

Meat-eating athletes are put to the test against vegetarian athletes and even sedentary plant-eaters in feats of endurance. “In 1896, the aptly named James Parsley […]

When you hear the letters “GI,” you may think of gastroenterology. But GI has another meaning in the health and wellness world: glycemic index. So […]

I compare the diets of the Roman gladiator “barley men” and army troopers to the modern Spartans of today. The remains of dozens of Roman […]

We can address human health and climate crises at the same time by increasing consumption of plant-based foods, including animal-free meat substitutes, and substantially reducing […]

Does tea tree oil have enough antiviral activity to combat HSV-1 and papilloma viruses, the causes of cold sores and common warts, respectively? “It has […]

How do the meat and dairy industries design studies that show their products have neutral or even beneficial effects on cholesterol and inflammation? Observational studies […]

Dairy is compared to other foods for cardiovascular (heart attack and stroke) risk. When studies funded by industries suggest their products have neutral health effects […]

What is the real story behind the recent studies that show cheese has neutral or positive health effects? In my series of videos on saturated […]

Flour alternatives made from ancient grains, nuts, and even fruit continue to take up shelf space next to all-purpose white and whole-wheat flours. And in […]

Cocoa and nitrite-rich vegetables, such as leafy greens and beets, are put to the test for cognitive function. “The production of NO in the brain […]

Life these days is… a lot. While there’s no way to add more hours to the day or magically erase your to-do list, more and […]

We just re-launched the Daily Dozen Challenge to help more people discover how easy it is to fit some of the healthiest of healthy foods […]

How much does sweating from a sauna or exercise get rid of lead and mercury? In my video Is Henna Safe?, I talk about a […]

What happened when a 5 percent tea tree oil gel was pitted head-to-head against the leading over-the-counter treatment for pimples? “Acne vulgaris remains one of […]

We create more than a hundred new videos every year. They are the culmination of hundreds of hours of researching, writing, animating, editing, and producing. […]

Do the benefits outweigh the risks of acid-blocker drugs, also known as proton pump inhibitors like Nexium, Prilosec, and Zantac? What about baking soda? Dyspepsia […]

What effects do Red Bull and Monster brand energy drinks have on artery function and athletic performance? Given the “global popularity” of the multibillion-dollar energy […]

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who has donated this month. I’m thrilled to announce that we unlocked the $100,000 match, and we are all […]

Red Bull and Rockstar brand energy drinks are put to the test. The first energy drink (ED), Dr. Enuf, was launched in 1949, more than […]

Dutch ovens have been around for centuries. The best Dutch ovens are typically made from enameled cast iron and feature thick walls. They should also […]

Eggs are chart-toppers in the realm of healthy foods — they’re a good source of protein and other nutrients — but for some, cooking with […]

Happy Holidays from the NutritionFacts team! We are excited to share this collection of some of our favorite green-light holiday dishes. These comforting and delicious […]