When you hear the term “superfood,” do beans come to mind? If not, they should—beans pack a serious nutritional punch. They are loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation, fend off chronic diseases, contribute to weight loss, improve gut health, and promote satiety. Here are just some of the ways beans make a great addition to your diet. 

It’s no secret that we love oatmeal at InsideTracker. It really is the ultimate superfood when it comes to your metabolism—packed with soluble fiber, the impact on glucose and cholesterol can’t be beat! With these recipes in hand, you’ll be well-prepared for breakfast with five distinctly delicious varieties.

Soluble fiber is a key factor of metabolic health. Unfortunately, it has been thrown to the wayside recently with the re-emergence of low-carb diet trends such as the Paleo Diet. But beware: its absence has a number of adverse effects.

  Are you getting your greens? The USDA recommends that adults should eat 1 ½ - 2 cups of dark green vegetables each week, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly three-quarters of Americans miss the target for vegetables. This is a major problem because these green, leafy veggies provide a bonanza of phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals that help provide the nutrients that you need to stay healthy and perform at your peak. An InsideTracker blood analysis can ...

  Whether you enjoy a hot bowl of soup in the winter or a cool soup on a summer night, many people open a can of soup for a quick meal when they’re in a hurry. But how nutritious is that canned soup? 

  When you think of chia seeds, you may think of chia pets, those clay figurines with sprouts of chia that resemble green fur. But did you know that chia seeds can be a healthy addition to your diet? Chia seeds are from the desert plant Salvia Hispanica, which is a member of the mint family. They’re an unprocessed, whole-grain food that your body can digest as whole seeds. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. An InsideTracker blood ...

  As explained in our previous blog post, sugar is a carbohydrate used by your body for fuel. In this article, we’ll discuss the glycemic index, a method of distinguishing between different types of carbohydrates by measuring their effect on blood sugar, or glucose.

  Avoiding foods with gluten has become a lot more common. You can find gluten-free breads, cereals, pastas, and crackers at most supermarkets, and an increasing number of restaurants offer gluten-free dishes. When you remove gluten from your diet, though, which nutrients might you be missing?