Dietary Essentials - Health Digest

Jenna Demmer

Is Diet Soda Really Better Than Regular Soda?

What are healthy beverage options that taste just as good as regular soda? For many, this alternative is diet soda. But is diet soda really any healthier?

Catherine Caruso

Are Oats Gluten Free?

Oats are a popular and nutritious grain that can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or even as a topping, but are they gluten-free? Technically, yes —with exceptions.

Michelle Washmuth

What Happens To Your Body When You Forget Your Daily Vitamins

Many experts stress the importance of eating healthy foods in optimizing health, but if your diet sometimes suffers, multivitamins can help compensate.

Catherine Caruso

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Too Much Hot Sauce

How much hot sauce you can handle is a personal preference, but watch out for too much sodium, or negative side effects of thermogenesis.

Molly Hurford

The Real Difference Between Dairy-Free And Vegan Diets

You may be confused about the differences between eating a dairy-free diet, or being a dairy-free vegetarian or a vegan. But the three mean different things.

Maria Faller

The Truth About Lisa Rinna's 'Dirty Vegan' Diet

Rinna is one of the "dirty vegans" who sometimes eat animal products. The other type is those who eat processed food made from meat and/or dairy alternatives.

Catherine Caruso

Why Some Sugars Aren't Actually Vegan

Most people know that meat, fish, and dairy are not part of the standard vegan diet. Learn why some sugars also aren't vegan.

Man preparing to take sleep medication pills

Michelle Washmuth

The Real Reason Melatonin Can Make You Have Strange Dreams

Melatonin can affect your REM cycle, which is when you are most likely to have vivid dreams. Because of this, you might want to experiment with dosage.

Agnes Erickson

The Health Benefits Of Oranges Explained

This in-demand fruit is packed with nutrition and contains 100 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.

a large saute pan of tomato sauce and raw tomatoes surrounding it

Lauren DeMello

Raw Versus Cooked Tomatoes: Which One Is Better For You?

Cooked tomatoes have more of beneficial nutrients like lycopene and naringenin, but don't tend to have as much vitamin C as the raw ones.

Woman holding glass of water and fish oil supplement

Nicole LaMarco

The Real Difference Between Fish Oil And Krill Oil Supplements

Fish oil and krill oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Here's a comparison of other health benefits of each.

Molly Hurford

Surprising Side Effects Of Taking Iron Supplements

Iron supplements can cause stomach troubles and more-serious symptoms. Getting iron via whole foods is one way to avoid these negative effects.

Allaya Cooks-Campbell

Here's Why You Should Start Drinking More Bone Broth

People credit bone broth with all sorts of benefits. It's said to be good for your bones, skin, immune system, and gut health. But how much of that is true?

Sparkling pink raspberry lemonade on dark background

Nicole LaMarco

Here's What "Natural Flavors" Really Means

When you see "natural flavors" on a food label, you're probably thinking about lemons or vanilla, but that is not what it means.

A woman with one arm up inspecting an under arm sweat stain

A. Sooter

Science Says Eating This Can Make You Smell Better

Researchers found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables makes sweat smell better.

Andra Picincu

This Is What Happens When You Eat Too Much Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse, but it could harm your health when consumed in excess. This is what happens when you eat too much broccoli.

Nicole LaMarco

The Real Health Benefits Of Lemons

Lemons are often seen as a superfood because they have some real health benefits. The health benefits of lemon include heart health and kidney stone prevention.

Anne Taylor

The Unexpected Benefit Of Adding Baking Soda To Your Baked Beans

Baked beans are delicious, but they can make some people gassy after eating. Here's how baking soda can help.

Anne Taylor

This Is What Happens When You Eat Too Much Pineapple

Many people enjoy eating pineapple for its sweet flavor. But eating too much can cause adverse side effects that you wouldn't notice with other fruits.

A can of Red Bull next to a pile of ice cubes

Anne Taylor

This Is What Happens When You Stop Drinking Energy Drinks

Energy drinks can give you a kick of caffeine during the day, but they come with a long list of side effects. Here's what happens when you stop drinking them.

Anne Taylor

Does Drinking Water Help You Lose Weight?

While water doesn't have any magical fat-burning properties, yes, it can help you lose weight.

Anne Taylor

Taking These Supplements Might Be Making You Hungry

If you want to increase your appetite, look into these supplements.

Anne Taylor

How Unhealthy Are Chicken Nuggets?

Chicken nuggets are a popular meal for kids and remain a popular meal for many adults, but they aren't always a healthy option.

Anne Taylor

The Surprising Drink You Should Avoid After Working Out

What we eat after we work out can make a big difference in how we recover. Here's a surprising drink you should avoid.

Anne Taylor

The Best Carbs To Eat After Working Out

It's important to eat a combination of both protein and carbs after you work out. Here's what carbs you should eat after hitting the gym.

Ranch dressing in a mason jar with fresh vegetables

Nicole LaMarco

How Unhealthy Is Ranch Dressing?

Is ranch dressing your favorite condiment? If you're eating a lot of it, it may be negatively impacting your health.

Lauren Cahn

You're More Likely To Die Earlier If You Eat These Foods

You're more likely to die sooner if you eat certain foods, science has shown. Learn the risks of some of your favorite foods, and choose your meals carefully.