Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
Pumpkins mark the fall season with decorative flair on front porches and tabletops as well as in our favorite fall flavors—pumpkin spice has quite a following! It’s boosted pumpkin’s pizazz beyond pies and lattes to hummus, pasta, and even facial scrub. The most popular winter squash—pumpkin and pumpkin seeds—has a … Read More
Liquid vegetables oils—for example, olive oil and soybean oil—are celebrated as healthy unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fatty acids, when substituted for saturated fats, support general heart health. But for cooking, baking, or dressing salads, what is the healthiest cooking oil? Many people would probably give the answer that olive oil is … 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
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
If you’re looking for a food that lowers cholesterol naturally, is exceptionally nutritious, packed with protein and phytochemicals, and will boost your immune system and give you energy all while tackling your cholesterol and triglycerides, Spirulina is it! A rich, deep-green powder, Spirulina is an ancient food source that is … Read More
Rosehips are the beautiful red berries that form on rose plants after successful pollination of the flower in summer. These fruits, from the plant Rosa canina, commonly known as wild briar rose or dog rose, has been used as a traditional medicine for centuries to treat ailments such as diarrhea … Read More
Almonds are one of my favorite snacks, but they’ve gotten a bad rap as a high-fat food over the years. The truth is that you can forget their high fat and calorie content, the data on nuts are now indisputable. If you’re still asking, “Are nuts good for you?” you … Read More
Dates are often used as alternative sweeteners because of their natural sweetness. It turns out that these sweet foods contain more than just carbohydrates and sugars: they are packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other health-promoting nutrients that can help you stay healthy. Learn about the health benefits of … Read More
“Antioxidant” is a word that gets thrown around so frequently that it can sound meaningless when you hear it: “Yeah, yeah, another antioxidant (yawn).” But antioxidants are not boring! On the contrary, antioxidants are nature's strongest defense system. They protect your cells from dangerous free radical damage, which can play … Read More
