Turmeric root is a widely available and well-studied plant due to its potential to reduce inflammation, treat joint pain, and its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, a plant in the ginger family, and has been used in cooking for hundreds of years. Recently, in Western medicine, there has been significant focus on the active compound curcumin, as research suggests it may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

What it is: Phytonutrients, also called phytochemicals or bioactives, are naturally occurring compounds found in food that can influence biological processes in the human body. Plants produce them to protect themselves from threats such as damage, disease, and pests. Their effects can be beneficial or harmful depending on the compound, dose, and overall dietary pattern. Around 10,000 different phytochemicals have been identified, although detailed scientific understanding cur

What it is: Risk may emerge when: There is already cardiac vulnerability Dose is high (>1g/day) EPA is disproportionately elevated to DHA Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, DHA, and DPA, have traditionally been associated with cardiovascular benefit, but their relationship with atrial fibrillation (AFib) is more nuanced than previously understood. AFib is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and involves disorganized electrical activity in the atria of the heart, whi

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury, infection, or irritation. When something harmful occurs, the immune system sends signals that increase blood flow and activate protective cells in the affected area. This leads to common signs like redness, warmth, swelling, and discomfort. While it can feel unpleasant, this process is necessary for healing and helps the body recover from damage. There are two main types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammat

What it is: When it comes to olive oil, olives, and inflammation, the short of it is: consume 20 g (1.5–2 tablespoons) of high-phenolic extra-virgin olive oil daily. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), this will help achieve the antioxidant effect required to protect blood lipids from oxidative stress, with a minimum intake of 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and other phytonutrients. Phytonutrients balance inflammation, and olives / olive oils are full of them. Oli

The new 2025-2030 dietary guidelines for Americans (DGA) were released on January 7, 2026, by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA). The guidelines are released every five years to update the nutrition recommendations based on the latest science and new understandings. Today, we are delving into the most recent changes and our take on which recommendations to follow more closely. Previously, the 2020-2025 guidelines used the MyPlate v

A recent study found that individuals whose drinking water came from areas with golf courses had nearly double the odds of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) compared with those from regions without golf courses. Golf courses use relatively large amounts of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides to manage greens and fairways. Numerous pesticides, such as paraquat, maneb, glyphosate, and rotenone, have been linked through experimental or observational studies to mechanisms

A connection between skin health and liver function that is often overlooked is dietary fiber. The skin is a metabolically active organ that responds to systemic inflammation, hormonal signals, and the body’s ability to process and eliminate metabolic byproducts. While many factors shape skin health, such as genetics, UV exposure, stress, and skincare, supporting digestion and elimination with sufficient fiber intake is one way to create more favorable internal conditions for