Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Sulfites are commonly blamed as the culprit behind wine-drinking headaches. While that hasn’t been confirmed, sulfites can be the cause of some other serious problems. These food additives have long been used to preserve freshness and are ingredients in many foods, beverages, cosmetics, and medications. They also occur naturally in … Read More
Known as America’s favorite vegetable, potatoes are beloved for their versatility, their compatibility with other foods, and their ability to be transformed into two of America’s favorite junk foods. And although sweet potatoes aren’t as popular, they’re perceived to be a healthier alternative to white potatoes because of their lower … Read More
If you're a fan of Korean cuisine, you might already be familiar with kimchi, a mixture of salted and fermented vegetables, because it has been a staple for centuries. But if it's your first time reading about it, you'll be glad to discover that kimchi may benefit not only those at … Read More
Although clean, filtered water is the best choice for hydration, carbonated beverages can offer a nice change from the ordinary. To spice up your fluid intake, there are many seltzer water options on the market. But is seltzer water good for you? Seltzer water in the traditional sense is simply plain water … 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
Shingles—officially known as herpes zoster—is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin supplied by the nerve. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, a virus in the herpes family that also causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, some virus particles remain inactive in the nerve … Read More
As technology advances, the world continues to search for ways to make life just a little more convenient for the next generation. And over the past century, food has been at the center of this mission. From canned and frozen foods in the 1920s to frozen pizzas in the 1980s, … Read More
The nutritional value of some of your favorite foods—like french fries, soda, and chips, for example—puts them into the category of junk foods to avoid. They’re filled with too much fat, salt, and/or sugar to be part of a healthy diet. Other foods, however, can straddle the line. If your … Read More
Many of us can recall the excitement of opening our lunch box at school and discovering that Mom packed our favorite sandwich—peanut butter and jelly. That classic combination of creamy, sweet, and sometimes crunchy flavor is an American childhood favorite. And even if you’re no longer eating PB&J sandwiches for … Read More
If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine, you’re probably already familiar with the creamy deliciousness that is hummus. And even if you aren’t familiar with those cuisines, you’ve probably seen it served at parties or in restaurants and were somewhat curious about how it tastes and what … Read More
