Dietary Essentials - Health Digest

A bowl of chia seeds with a wooden spoon on top

Anne Taylor

You Might Be Eating Chia Seeds Totally Wrong

Chia seeds have been around since the Aztecs and Mayans used them as staples in their diets. Here's how to enjoy them safely.

Jay Wilson

What You're Really Doing To Your Body If You Drink Scotch Every Night

We've compiled some of the ways that evening scotch could be impacting your body -- many of which you've likely never considered.

Agnes Erickson

Is Bread Crust Actually Better For You?

Parents have long urged their children to eat the healthy crusts on their PB&J sandwich. But were our parents' concerns over crust possibly based on a myth?

A plate of asparagus sits on a wooden table

Anne Taylor

This Is What Happens When You Eat Asparagus Every Day

Asparagus is a spring vegetable known for its long, slender spears. It's also packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Sarah Hannah Gomez

The Big Difference Between Table And Sea Salt

Too much salt can make you thirsty, while too little can leave a dish lacking in flavor. What looks like a generic pile of granules is anything but simple.

two hungry restaurant patrons giving their lunch order to a server

Agnes Erickson

The Best Time Of Day To Eat Lunch

Lunchtime serves as a much needed break from work. We're not here to focus on what you eat midday, but on when you eat it. When should you eat lunch every day?

Anne Taylor

The Truth About The 80/20 Diet

The 80/20 diet, also called the 80/20 rule, is a popular eating plan because of its simplicity and flexibility.

Top view of several people putting their used empty mugs together in a cluster

A. Sooter

Is It Okay To Skip Washing Your Coffee Cup?

Your boss or coworkers probably encourage you to wash out your coffee cup. It can't be sanitary to drink out of a dirty mug, right? The answer may surprise you.

Zrinka Peters

Why Fat-Free Food Isn't As Healthy As You Think

The bitter irony is that, as much of the population reduced their fat intake, rates of obesity, diabetes, and chronic illness surged.

Amy Boyington

What Olympic Athletes Actually Eat In A Day

Some of your favorite Olympians may have diets that surprise you. Here's a look at what they really eat each day.

Different types of sushi on a black background

Anne Taylor

This Is What Happens When You Eat Sushi Every Day

Sushi is a Japanese dish that comes in many different styles. Here's what happens if you eat it every day.

Agnes Erickson

The Downsides Of Grilling

On hot summer days, it's a common American pastime to light up the grill. But this cooking method can have some serious downsides. Read on to learn more.

A muffin tin with muffins sits on a table

Anne Taylor

Are Muffins Good Or Bad For You?

Muffins are an easy grab-and-go option for hectic days, but they're often filled with refined carbohydrates, processed sugars, and a large amount of oil.

Someone pours olive oil in a bowl of salad

Anne Taylor

Is It Healthier To Cook Without Oil?

Many recipes that do not require oil are rising in popularity, but are these really healthier? Let's break it down.

Michelle Washmuth

The Big Difference Between Coke Zero And Diet Coke

On the surface, Coke Zero Sugar and Diet Coke seem pretty similar. What's the big difference between these two no-sugar, no-calorie sodas?

Michelle Washmuth

The Real Reason You Should Include Rutabaga In Your Diet

Though the rutabaga isn't as popular as some other vegetables, it has health perks that might make it a worthwhile addition to your diet. Find out more here.

Michelle Washmuth

Eat These Foods If You Want To Prevent Gray Hair

Nutritional deficiencies are one way premature hair graying can occur, as well as high stress and smoking. Changing your habits can change your hair.

Michelle Washmuth

Foods That Are Actually Healthier Than You Think

You may think that eating healthy is all salads, no restaurants, and no fun. Not so! Take a look at some foods that are actually healthier than you think.

A. Sooter

Don't Eat Avocado Before Getting This Medical Test

Avocados are a delicious addition to many meals and provide numerous health benefits. But you really want to avoid them if you're taking this medical test.

Catherine Caruso

When You Eat Too Much Garlic, This Is What Happens

Garlic can add flavor to almost any dish, but is it possible to eat too much of it? Find out what happens to your body when you overindulge in this bold herb.

Agnes Erickson

What Is The Duke Diet?

The Duke diet, also known as the Dukan diet, has made a splash in recent years. But what is it, what are the risks, and does it work?

A large spread of foods high in carbohydrates

Anne Taylor

Surprising Health Benefits Of Eating Carbs Every Day

While limiting carbohydrates can be beneficial for people with certain health conditions, most individuals should not cut carbs from their diet.

A woman eat tomatoes, chicken, spinach, and mushrooms

Anne Taylor

Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making With A Low Carb Diet

Low carb diets have been popular for years. While this diet can result in weight loss, there are many mistakes you can make that can give you poor results.

Nicole LaMarco

Why You Should Start Adding Cacao To Your Oatmeal

Cacao adds fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, and protein to already-healthy oats.

Michelle Washmuth

Is It Safe To Eat Apple Seeds?

Many people avoid eating apple seeds due to their bitterness or their purported toxicity. Why is the apple is safe to eat, but not the seeds?

Maria Faller

The Strange Diet Chris Pratt Followed To Lose Weight

For his weight-loss transformation, Chris Pratt followed a diet plan that may surprise you. Here's the scoop on what it is, and what makes it so unusual.

A woman holds a glass of water in her kitchen

Anne Taylor

Liquids You Can Still Drink While You're Fasting

Here are the drinks you can enjoy while you're fasting, whether it's for diet or medical purposes.