The first artificial sweetener was developed in 1879, and despite being some of the most scientifically studied food substances on the market, their use remains controversial. [1] "Diet," reduced sugar, and sugar-free foods and beverages manage to maintain sweetness with the help of sugar substitutes like artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners don’t raise blood glucose (also called blood sugar) levels and have been promoted as a way to reduce excess sugar intake and better manage chronic ...

Though a variety of lifestyle factors play a role in mental health, emerging research suggests that dietary patterns and food choices play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of brain-based disorders, specifically depression. No single nutrient or eating plan can cure depression, but the creators of the Antidepressant Food Score have aimed to classify foods and eating patterns best suited to alleviate its development and symptoms. 

It’s no surprise: Eating plants is good for health. Multiple studies have demonstrated that following a vegetarian or vegan diet not only promotes healthy aging, but is also protective against certain chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. [1-4] And there is an increasing sector of the population focused on simply reducing their consumption of animal foods. This shift towards a more plant-focused diet can specifically benefit amateur and elite athletes, as such an eating ...

I think our definition of success in sports is incomplete. We watch athletes reach top podium spots and break records, but we pay no attention to how long these winners stay in the sport. How many years do their bodies let them show up to start lines and reach finish lines? Longevity, right now, doesn’t count enough towards our measure of success. In March 2020, I finally admitted to having an eating disorder. Many have spoken up before me. I've read stories from athletes who I thought had ...

When you think of soy, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the nutrient dense food or the “health risks” that accompany it? In the nutrition realm, particular foods get a bad rep that they don’t necessarily earn. A single study with a controversial finding can dominate headlines—even if 100 other studies conclude the contrary! Soy foods are an unfortunate example of this. Here's how soy became linked with an increase in cancer risk, how the research has panned out since then, and ...

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. 

Chicken has long been considered a healthy alternative to red meat. And it is indeed low in saturated fat, contains higher amounts of omega-6 fatty acids than other animal meats, and is high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as B6, B12, iron, zinc, and copper. However, there is a widely-held misconception that chicken and other poultry meats have been shown to improve health. The truth is, it's quite neutral overall. 

Shellfish, especially shrimp and squid, is naturally higher in cholesterol than other foods but does this mean it increase one’s cholesterol? We reviewed the research, and the simple answer is no. The cholesterol in shrimp does not have a direct impact on plasma (blood) cholesterol.