Flavonoid-rich foods like berries, apples, pears, and wine appear to have a positive effect on blood pressure levels. This association is also partially explained by characteristics of the gut microbiome, according to a recent study published in Hypertension. [1] Past studies have provided strong evidence that the composition of the gut microbiome can partly explain the association between dietary flavonoids and cardiovascular health, but the present study is the first to provide data ...

Many people enjoy a drink now and then. But how is that alcohol affecting your body? The liver is where a lot of your metabolism lives. It filters out harmful substances, like alcohol and toxins, from your blood. But its duties don't end there. It processes what you eat and drink into energy and nutrients for your body, produces bile to help you digest those nutrients, stores blood sugar in the form of glycogen, and performs many other essential functions. So a healthy liver is critical to your ...

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 ...

A new study finds that consuming chocolate may positively affect blood sugar and other health markers.[1] So, what’s the key to chocolate’s health benefits? Researchers chalk them up to a favorable nutrient profile and, surprisingly, the time of day the chocolate is consumed. 

Though genetics certainly play a role, recent research shows that modifiable lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can actually influence someone's risk of developing age-related cognitive diseases like Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia. In recent years, investigators have explored the role of the gut microbiome in the connection between lifestyle and disease risk. Emerging evidence shows that dementia patients have significantly higher pro-inflammatory ...

Research shows that a healthy gut microbiome can be beneficial for many aspects of overall health, wellness, and longevity. Optimizing gut health can promote immune system health, reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and improve the digestion and absorption of food—all actions that are also important components of being a healthy athlete. So, is there a connection between gut health and performance? Here's a synopsis of what the science says about the connection between a healthy gut and ...

Being in the information era, various "health and wellness" trends have taken off in popularity thanks to the reach of social media. This boom has resulted in widely-held (but scientifically-inaccurate) beliefs on the effects of various foods, compounds, and supplements on health. Though lectins, apple cider vinegar, bone broth, collagen, and biotin have all become web buzzwords, only a few have scientific evidence backing the common claims about them.

Your body is your home. It’s also home to trillions of other living organisms. Trillions of microbes that is. And the composition of this microscopic community can have major implications on your wellness and performance. Fortunately, there are multiple steps you can take to support gut health and reap related benefits. Numerous habits, from meal timing, to sleep habits, to antioxidant consumption, can influence the makeup of your microbiome and its relationship with the rest of your body.