Dietary Essentials - Health Digest

Three people holding a paper colon illustration in their hands

A. Sooter

A Surprising Vitamin Might Reduce Colon Cancer Risk

New research from the University of California San Diego points to one small lifestyle change that may dramatically lower one's risk for colon cancer.

Jenna Demmer

Why You Should Think Twice Before Eating Dairy If You're On Antibiotics

While some antibiotics are absorbed better when taken with food, food can be detrimental to the absorption of other types of antibiotics, especially dairy.

An individual serving of Quaker oats with brown sugar and maple syrup

Agnes Erickson

Is Instant Oatmeal Actually Good For You?

Although instant oatmeal is made from healthy oats, with such a quick cook time, the question begs to be asked -- is the instant stuff actually good for you?

Michelle Washmuth

You Might Be Eating Too Much Pasta. Here's Why

It's no secret that pasta is a big no-no for low-carbohydrate diets, but even if you aren't dieting, you may be carb-loading without even realizing it.

Anne Taylor

Do Artificial Sweeteners Cause Weight Gain?

Artificial sweeteners are commonly used as a way to enjoy sweet foods without the negative effects of sugar. But these sweeteners come with some controversy.

Molly Hurford

This Is What IU Means When It Comes To Vitamins

When you're reading the label on a vitamin container, you may see the amount of the vitamin that a capsule contains listed as IU rather than milligrams.

Molly Hurford

When You Eat Carbs Before Bed, This Is What Happens

Eating carbs before bed can have different effects, depending on your metabolism, the type of carb you're consuming, and how you eat throughout the day,

Jay Wilson

Always Check The Label Before Buying These Foods

Do you know what's in your food? Even you aren't already in the habit of checking nutrition labels, you should at least give these items a quick scan.

Molly Hurford

The Nordic Diet Vs. The Mediterranean Diet: Which One Is Better For You?

The Nordic and Mediterranean diets are more similar than they are different.

Molly Hurford

What Is The Day-Off Diet?

The Day-Off Diet might be the best option for anyone who's tried and failed to stick to a strict diet in the past.

A man breathing into his hand to check his breath

A. Sooter

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Coffee Breath

A busy day calls for a much-needed morning caffeine buzz. Unfortunately, a cup of java often comes with a rather undesirable aftereffect: coffee breath.

coffee with coffee beans on wooden plank

Maria Faller

The Real Benefits Coffee Has On Your Hair

Coffee lovers rejoice! There is yet another health benefit you can add to the list of why giving up your beloved morning latte is simply not an option.

healthy bowl of Mediterranean diet and satiating diet-friendly food

Molly Hurford

The Difference Between The Satiating And The Mediterranean Diets

A satiating diet is similar in many ways to a Mediterranean diet, with a few critical small differences.

Molly Hurford

What Happens When You Drink Hot Water Every Day?

Sipping hot water — plain, with a twist of lemon, or even as an herbal tea — can have some surprising benefits, from improved digestion to smoother skin.

Karen Veazey

The Real Difference Between Vitamins And Minerals

Many foods advertise their vitamin and mineral content, but what exactly are they selling? Are these nutrients the same thing? And which ones do we need most?

Molly Hurford

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Cereal Every Day

Eating cereal as an every day breakfast is not uncommon. But whether or not this is a healthy morning meal choice depends on what kind of cereal you're eating.

raw potatoes in an isolated white background

Agnes Erickson

Is It Safe To Eat Raw Potatoes?

You probably haven't seen raw potatoes on the veggie and dip platter at parties. Because potatoes are often served cooked, does that mean we can't eat them raw?

hands holding a sunflower and sunflower seeds

Robin Rothstein

The Real Health Benefits Of Sunflower Seeds

Consider trying sunflower seeds as a healthy snack in place of your favorite salty potato chip. With all their health benefits, it will be worth the adjustment.

Kimberly Smith

What Is The Healthiest Type Of Rice?

Rice is a common staple in many meals. It's versatile and simple to prepare. With so many types of rice, you might be wondering, which kind is the healthiest?

Nicole LaMarco

Why You Should Think Twice Before Eating Nutella

Nutella's ingredients are sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, skim milk, cocoa, lecithin, and vanillin, listed in order of amount.

Molly Hurford

What's Really In Protein Powder?

Protein powder seems like a simple, healthy addition to your diet, but not all containers of protein powder are created equal.

Sandy Masinter

When You Eat Fast Food Every Day, This Is What Happens To You

Can a regular menu of a burger, fries, and soda, or a similar fast food meal, really do the body harm? As it turns out, the answer is a resounding yes.

Molly Mortimer

Is It Safe To Drink Unpasteurized Milk?

It wasn't uncommon for milk to be unpasteurized before the 1900s, so it might seem like if we did it then, it's safe to do it now. But is that actually true?

Lauren Cahn

You're Not Getting Enough Protein If This Happens To You

When you don't get enough protein, there are a ton of things (none of them good) that can happen to you.

Kimberly Smith

What Is The Healthiest Kind Of Bread?

With dozens of loaves lining store shelves, what are the healthiest bread choices? To find them, you'll need to do some research and read some labels first.

Robin Rothstein

Side Effects Of Taking Vitamin C You Never Expected

Vitamin C helps with a number of important bodily functions, but did you know that intaking too much vitamin C can potentially have some negative side effects?

Kimberly Smith

You're Drinking Too Much Kombucha If This Happens To You

Kombucha tea is loaded with antioxidants and probiotics. However, it is possible to drink too much, which can lead to several troublesome side effects.