Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Protein has been the buzzword in every food conversation for a few years now. As more and more people are trying on a plant-based eating pattern, the demand for vegan protein sources has never been higher. If the thought sounds less than exciting, or you’re looking to venture beyond tofu … Read More
Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
What was once a simple decision between whole, low-fat, or skim milk, the list of choices now has a variety so vast, it’s dizzying. Whether made from nuts, seeds, legumes, or grains, plant-based milk has skyrocketed in popularity. Cow’s milk still tops retail sales, but nondairy “milk” brought in nearly … Read More
When you think about gut health, you are thinking about the last part of your digestive system, called your colon. Both the foods you eat and the foods you avoid affect your gut health. Eating for a healthy colon can help you avoid gut problems like colon cancer, inflammatory bowel … Read More
Inflammation is a hot topic these days. With so many people suffering from chronic diseases, we are all looking for ways to reduce our risk. It turns out that diet is a major risk factor for inflammation and chronic disease. This fact has many people asking, “What anti-inflammatory foods should … Read More
Estrogen in men plays an important role in the regulation of testosterone, several brain functions, bone health, skin health, sexual function/libido, cardiovascular function, and cholesterol regulation. Normally in men, testosterone and estrogen are maintained in the correct balance. When estrogen levels in men increase, testosterone levels tend to decrease, so … Read More
Whether you have access tomatoes fresh from the garden, the grocery store, or even canned tomatoes, there is so much potential for this healthy, delicious ingredient. Tomatoes are a very versatile ingredient, but a favorite recipe that can be used for a multitude of dishes is tomato sauce. This easy … Read More
There are many reasons why a diet that includes whole grains benefits your health. Nowadays, you can find the label “whole grain” almost everywhere. This overused label can be confusing. Is it really a marker of a healthy product? How do you know which products actually contain true, healthy whole grains and … Read More
It's not a promising trend: Between 34 and 51 percent of young adults are regularly using energy drinks, as reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Although this topic rarely gets mentioned when medical researchers report on the dangers of energy drinks, consuming them daily—or using energy "shots" … Read More
Cumin may well be my favorite spice. It is a staple flavor in my favorite quinoa salad, I use it in all my Mexican-inspired cooking, and it is also delicious in Indian cooking. I was thrilled when I learned that cumin isn’t just a tasty addition to flavor a dish, … Read More
Acne is a bothersome problem most people have been familiar with at some point in their lives. Affecting adolescents and young adults the most, this skin disease can persist for years and can even lead to scarring if not treated. In severe cases, doctors prescribe both topical and oral antibiotics. … Read More
