With veganism on the rise, there are now more plant-based food options available in supermarkets and restaurants than there ever has been before. Fast food venues are also catching on to the surge in demand for plant-based offerings. As a result, people following a vegan diet can now choose from a wide array of fast food options. Read on to …

The glycemic index is a scale that ranks the number of carbohydrates in foods from zero to 100, indicating how quickly a food causes a person’s blood sugar to rise. Foods high on the glycemic index (GI) can cause harmful blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes. High GI foods also make it more challenging for a person to maintain a …

In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens, citing sufficient evidence that they cause cancer in humans. Now, a new review challenges this blanket classification, having found that the strength of the evidence varies according to whether the meat contains nitrites. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an arm of the WHO, define processed …

During menopause, many people experience hot flashes. A recent review and meta-analysis investigate whether Chinese herbal remedies might reduce the discomfort. Although the authors feel encouraged by the findings, much more data is necessary. Hot flashes affect up to 90% of women during menopause. They have an association with poor sleep, depressed mood, and reduced quality of life. Eventually, hot flashes will stop without medical …

Gluten is controversial these days. Most sources claim that it is safe for everyone except those who have celiac disease. On the other hand, some health experts believe that gluten is harmful for most people. According to a recent survey, more than 30% of Americans actively try to avoid eating gluten. This article explains what gluten is, and how it can affect …

When eating melon, remember that the juicy treat is actually quite nutritious. Try different melon varieties to get the wide range of colors, flavors and nutrients found in the numerous types of melons available today. By Tabitha Alterman| August/September 2013 A variety of different melons.Photo By Tim Nauman Melon lovers are lucky they don’t live in the 15th century. Ken Albala, …

For years, a plant-based diet was seen as dull. But as more and more people embrace it, food stores are upping their game When Tony Bishop-Weston turned vegan 25 years ago, Christmas dinner was a challenge. “I thought I’d do a moussaka, as there were 14 of us,” he said. “I got the last aubergine in the village – there …

Mint or mentha belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which contains around 15 to 20 plant species, including peppermint and spearmint. It is a popular herb that people can use fresh or dried in many dishes and infusions. Manufacturers of toothpaste, gum, candy, and beauty products often use mint oil. Using fresh mint and other herbs and spices in cooking can help a …

Natural treatments and lifestyle changes may help with the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder that affects many females of childbearing age. Though researchers do not know the exact cause of PCOS, they suspect that the body’s regulation of hormones, such as insulin and testosterone, may be responsible. The symptoms vary from person to person but commonly …

The most filling and healthful foods tend to be high in protein, fiber, or both. These two nutrients promote satiety, which is the feeling of fullness. Legumes and soy-based products are examples of foods that are high in protein and fiber, while fibrous, fat-rich foods, such as avocado and almonds, also promote satiety. The satiety of food is an important …