Healthy Eating Archive

The gut microbiota contains trillions of microbes, including both good and bad bacteria. Good bacteria help digest food and absorb nutrients, regulate appetite, synthesize vitamins, and support the immune system. When the gut microbiota becomes unbalanced because of an increasing number of bad bacteria, problems can arise. Keeping the gut balanced and healthy involves eating more probiotics (foods containing good bacteria) and prebiotics (foods that help existing good bacteria grow).

Culinary salts such as Himalayan pink salt, kosher salt, fleur de sel, and flaky sea salt can lend a delightful crunch or flavor to foods. However, they consist largely of sodium chloride, just like table salt, and are no healthier. Consuming too much sodium is tied to increased risks for damage to the heart, kidneys, and brain. Dietitians advise using only a small pinch of a fancy salt, perhaps as a garnish or condiment, to satisfy taste buds without going overboard with the salt shaker.

In a 2025 study, skipping breakfast was associated with a 10% increased risk for metabolic syndrome, a disorder defined by having three or more of the following: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol.

A 2025 study suggested that following a green-Mediterranean diet — which includes walnuts, green tea, and the aquatic plant Mankai — may be linked with slower brain aging.

A 2025 study that included 97,000 people found that those who ate the most cruciferous vegetables—between 20 and 40 grams per day—had a 17% lower risk of developing colon cancer, compared with people who ate the least.

Circadian rhythms, which are hardwired into nearly every cell of the body, regulate the heart and blood vessels. Disruptions to this rhythm—from shift work, poor sleep, or unhealthy habits—can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, heart attacks are more likely to occur on Mondays than any other day of the week. That’s because people tend to stay up later than usual and then sleep in the next day. On Monday morning, when they have to wake up early again for work, the change may cause subtle changes in blood pressure, hormone secretion, and metabolism that raise heart attack risk.

Many spices inhibit damaging inflammation that can cause or worsen a variety of chronic diseases. Four beloved holiday spices—cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and turmeric—boast a variety of health benefits, but need to be used liberally to maximize the effects. People can challenge their palates to use more spices all year long by trying new recipes, testing spices in restaurant or ready-made meals, and bringing spice-laden dishes their ancestors once enjoyed to their own tables.

Being mindful of how various factors affect blood sugar levels can help people avoid fatigue, curb cravings, boost mood, and manage weight. Blood sugar spikes after people eat carbohydrate-heavy foods, soon dropping again. Eating balanced meals and snacks that include protein, fat, and carbohydrates can maintain more stable blood sugar levels. People can keep blood sugar levels consistent by timing meals, practicing portion control, prioritizing healthy foods, staying active, avoiding smoking, and keeping a food log.

A 2025 study suggests that consuming higher amounts of flavonoids such as berries, apples, oranges, and black tea may promote healthier aging, particularly in women.

A 2025 study suggests that eating higher amounts of ultra-processed foods such as chips, frozen pizza, cereal, and other prepackaged items high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium is linked to a host of health problems.