Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Greens powders have long been a fixture on supplement shelves. With a little help from social media, their popularity has exploded. The market for greens powders is estimated to reach nearly $400 million in the US—that’s double its value since 2018! A lot of us are giving them a try, … Read More
Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Selenium may have caught your attention, as it’s one among many supplements that has been studied for its potential to treat a variety of conditions ranging from asthma and dandruff to infertility. While it’s true that our bodies need this essential to function properly, it takes very little to do … Read More
If you want to lower LDL naturally, the answer may lie in your spice rack. Turmeric is the Indian spice that gives curry its golden color. While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind for cholesterol health, research indicates turmeric's benefits include that it is one … Read More
Can what you eat affect your eyesight? And which foods protect your eyes? Research shows that three particular carotenoids, each of them antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, play a role in good vision: lutein, zeaxanthin, and astaxanthin. Studies verify that astaxanthin protects the eyes against damage and daily wear-and-tear[1], decreases eye … Read More
Plums and prunes are probably best known for their mild laxative properties, and they can be used for keeping digestion on track for mild constipation. But if you are wondering why plums are good for you, there is more than one answer. It turns out that this tasty fruit offers … Read More
Nuts and seeds are great additions to salads, yogurts, or on their own as a quick snack. But are sunflower seeds healthy? These tasty seeds are quite good for you – they are a good source of nutrients like vitamin E and they have protective effects in your body. Just be sure … Read More
I take zinc when I feel a cold coming on and find that it definitely helps to keep me from getting sick. Many people use zinc for this immune-boosting purpose, but zinc benefits can do more for your body than just that. The benefits of taking zinc include lowering your … Read More
In the summer, I love rubbing the leaves of herbs from our garden under my nose to breathe in the various, pleasant aromas. One of my favorites has always been lemon balm, which releases a nice, fresh lemon scent. While many of us might recognize lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) from … Read More
I’ve always loved the taste of coriander in my cooking, but I recently learned that coriander uses aren’t limited to flavoring foods. There are many coriander benefits that earn this plant a starring role in both the spice and medicine cabinets. Coriander refers to the plant Coriandrum sativum. The leaves … Read More
People around the world spread this metal on their underarms; cook and store their food in it; receive vaccines containing it; and treat their heartburn, color their lips, and protect their skin from sunburn with it. Aluminum, the most widely distributed metal in the environment, is extensively used in modern … Read More
