Finding yourself confused by the seemingly endless promotion of weight-loss strategies and diet plans? In this series, we take a look at some popular| The Nutrition Source - Harvard Chan School
Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in many foods, as well as added to foods and supplements. Pyridoxal 5’ phosphate (PLP)| The Nutrition Source - Harvard Chan School
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is naturally found in animal foods. It can also be added to foods or supplements. Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and| The Nutrition Source - Harvard Chan School
The name chickpea comes from the Latin word cicer, referring to the plant family of legumes, Fabaceae. It is also known by its popular Spanish-derived name,| The Nutrition Source - Harvard Chan School
Intuitive eating (IE) is not so much a diet plan as an approach to eating based on one’s internal needs, whether physical, emotional, or other influencers.| The Nutrition Source
Finding yourself confused by the seemingly endless promotion of weight-loss strategies and diet plans? In this series, we take a look at some popular| The Nutrition Source
Finding yourself confused by the seemingly endless promotion of weight-loss strategies and diet plans? In this series, we take a look at some popular| The Nutrition Source
Finding yourself confused by the seemingly endless promotion of weight-loss strategies and diet plans? In this series, we take a look at some popular| The Nutrition Source
Once just a buzzword, "clean eating" is now a popular eating style. What it means will depend on who you ask. The terms clean eating and clean diets are not| The Nutrition Source
A healthy weight is a number that is associated with a low risk of weight-related diseases and health issues. Although healthy weight guidelines have been| The Nutrition Source
No introductions are needed for this highly treasured food that dates back to 2000 BC. At that time, the Maya from Central America, the first connoisseurs of| The Nutrition Source
Foods like salmon, lobster, and shrimp, are often categorized as “seafood.” But how might you classify these foods when including a freshwater fish, such as| The Nutrition Source
When heart experts talk about prevention, they usually refer to one of three types: secondary, primary and primordial prevention. All three have similar| The Nutrition Source
A Digest on Healthy Eating and Healthy Living “The apple in your hand is the body of the cosmos.” – Thich Nhat Hanh Happy New Year, and welcome to the fourth edition of the Healthy Living Guide! 2023 was an exciting year in the Department of Nutrition, as we celebrated the launch of the Thich […]| The Nutrition Source
Harvard experts say most recommendations are well-supported, but guidance on total fat intake omits decades of evidence The World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated guidelines for defining healthy diets, with particular attention to carbohydrates, total fat, and specific types of fat such as saturated and trans fats. The guidelines are an addition to their […]| The Nutrition Source
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a new guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS)—often referred to as artificial or low-calorie sweeteners—that advises against use of NSS to control body weight or reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases. After conducting a research review, they concluded that replacing sugar sweeteners with NSS did not promote weight loss in […]| The Nutrition Source
A Digest on Healthy Eating and Healthy Living Throughout 2022, food and nutrition were often in the spotlight, perhaps most notably with the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The national strategy that emerged from the event (the first of its kind since the original conference in 1969) aims at ending hunger and […]| The Nutrition Source
Infant formula shortages in the U.S. have occurred in the past two years largely due to widespread pandemic-related supply-chain problems. A national shortage of infant formula is undoubtedly alarming for families since infants require formula when human milk is not accessible or not available in adequate amounts. Although breastfeeding is encouraged, it is not always […]| The Nutrition Source
A Digest on Healthy Eating and Healthy Living Over the course of 2021, many of us continued to adapt to a “new normal,” characterized by a return to some pre-pandemic activities mixed with hobbies or habits that have emerged since 2020’s lockdowns. On the topic of food and eating, according to one U.S. consumer survey […]| The Nutrition Source
A Digest on Healthy Eating and Healthy Living As we transition from 2020 into 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect nearly every aspect of our lives. For many, this health crisis has created a range of unique and individual impacts—including food access issues, income disruptions, and emotional distress. Although we do not have concrete […]| The Nutrition Source
The 9th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 is out, with the tagline to Make Every Bite Count. Intended for policy makers, healthcare providers, nutrition educators, and Federal nutrition program operators, the new edition has expanded to almost 150 pages, providing nutrition guidelines for even more age groups throughout the life cycle. As […]| The Nutrition Source
This page will be updated as new information becomes available. Last update: 10.24.20| The Nutrition Source
We have known for a long time that nutrition is intricately linked to immunity and to the risk and severity of infections. Poorly nourished individuals are at| The Nutrition Source
Plant-based alternatives to animal-based foods are not a new phenomenon. Tofu, for example, has often been treated as an alternative to meat for centuries. In| The Nutrition Source
Consuming higher amounts of unsaturated fats was associated with lower mortality, according to a study from researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public| The Nutrition Source
Our expert examines a recent paper (1) based on 1960’s data that challenges current guidelines on the benefits of replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated| The Nutrition Source
I’m confused about whether canola oil is healthy. I know that it’s a polyunsaturated fat, which I’m told is good, but then I also hear that I should stay away| The Nutrition Source
Since 1980, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been advising Americans on what to eat| The Nutrition Source
Mindful eating stems from the broader philosophy of mindfulness, a widespread, centuries-old practice used in many religions. Mindfulness is an intentional| The Nutrition Source - Harvard Chan School
The quick answer is that it can be either, but it all depends on the individual.| The Nutrition Source - Harvard Chan School
Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9, water-soluble and naturally found in many foods. It is also added to foods and sold as a supplement in the form of| The Nutrition Source - Harvard Chan School
When our country embraced low-fat diets, we also unwittingly committed ourselves to carbohydrates. As nutrition research has advanced, however, we’ve learned| The Nutrition Source - Harvard Chan School
Zinc is a trace mineral, but a major player in the growth of cells, building proteins, healing damaged tissue, and supporting a healthy immune system.| The Nutrition Source
Phosphorus is a mineral that naturally occurs in many foods and is also available as a supplement. It plays multiple roles in the body. It is a key element of| The Nutrition Source
From bookstores to social media to blogs, there's no shortage of information on diet. So how to differentiate what "works" from an overhyped fad?| The Nutrition Source
Iron is an important mineral that helps maintain healthy blood. A lack of iron is called iron-deficiency anemia, which affects about 4-5 million Americans| The Nutrition Source
Jump to:–What is heart disease?–Types–Risk factors--Calculating risk–Prevention is possible| The Nutrition Source
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. Its fiber-like structure is used to make connective tissue. Like the name implies, this type of tissue| The Nutrition Source
Sleep is as essential to our daily needs as food and water. Although we may feel that sleep simply rests our tired bodies, our brain remains active throughout| The Nutrition Source
“Ch-ch-ch-chia” may be a familiar jingle if you grew up during the 1980s. Little did we know that those popular ceramic pets sprouting grass “hair” were a| The Nutrition Source
Who hasn’t left work late with a growling stomach but little energy to shop and cook? A busy schedule is one of the top reasons why people choose quick| The Nutrition Source
Cheese is an age-old staple, beloved for its richness, creaminess, flavor, and satiating qualities. It was discovered in ancient civilizations during the rise| The Nutrition Source
Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) is a type of edible seed that comes in various colors including black, red, yellow, and white. The plant has been| The Nutrition Source
You're probably familiar with Vitamin B6 and B12, but did you know there are actually eight B vitamins?| The Nutrition Source - Harvard Chan School
Is a glass of OJ or vitamin C tablets your go-to when the sniffles come? Loading up on this vitamin was a practice spurred by Linus Pauling in the 1970s, a| The Nutrition Source
"Superfoods," "power foods," "top 10 foods"—do these titles catch your attention? For those of us seeking to improve our health, the notion of a superfood can| The Nutrition Source
Potassium is an essential mineral that is needed by all tissues in the body. It is sometimes referred to as an electrolyte because it carries a small| The Nutrition Source
Jump to: What is the microbiome? How microbiota benefit the body The role of probiotics Can diet affect one’s microbiota? Future areas of research| The Nutrition Source
Legumes, which include beans, peas and lentils, are an inexpensive, healthy source of protein, potassium, and complex carbohydrates, including dietary fiber.| The Nutrition Source
The takeaway: The pros and cons of anti-nutrients on long-term human health is an area of active research. Though certain foods may contain residual amounts| The Nutrition Source
Lectins, or hemagglutinins, are an “anti-nutrient” that have received much attention due to popular media and fad diet books citing lectins as a major cause| The Nutrition Source
Did you know that references to yogurt and health date all the way back to 6000 BCE? Or that before its dramatic rise in popularity, kale was more often used as a garnish? What makes food so enjoya…| The Nutrition Source
Use the Healthy Eating Plate as a guide for creating healthy, balanced meals—whether served at the table or packed in a lunch box. Click on each section of| The Nutrition Source
In the U.S., people eat an average of 126 pounds of potatoes per person each year. [1] However, potatoes don’t count as a vegetable on Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate because they are hi…| The Nutrition Source
Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy diet, and variety is as important as quantity. No single fruit or vegetable provides all of the nutrients you need to be healthy. Eat plenty…| The Nutrition Source
Pumpkins may attract much attention as an official sign of cooler weather, but they are just one of dozens of seasonal squash varieties in the Cucurbitaceae (gourd) family. “Winter” squ…| The Nutrition Source
Who knew a vegetable could be so cool? Although kale has early roots in Greek and Roman culture, it remained a relatively minor commercial crop in the U.S. until recent years. This leafy green reac…| The Nutrition Source
Choose whole grains instead of refined grains. Whole grains offer a “complete package” of health benefits, unlike refined grains, which are stripped of valuable nutrients in the refining process. A…| The Nutrition Source
Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients required by the body to carry out a range of normal functions. However, these micronutrients are not produced in our bodies and must be derived from the foo…| The Nutrition Source
Many people think of nuts as just another junk food snack. In reality, nuts are excellent sources of healthy fat, protein, and other healthful nutrients. One surprising finding from nutri…| The Nutrition Source
Milk is the liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals, including humans. Breast milk is the preferred food for infants, as it is well-tolerated while their digestive tracts develop and matur…| The Nutrition Source
The Fabaceae or Leguminosae (commonly known as the legume, pea, or bean) family is the third largest family of flowering plants, consisting of over 20,000| The Nutrition Source
Finding yourself confused by the seemingly endless promotion of weight-loss strategies and diet plans? In this series, we take a look at some popular diets—and review the research behind them. What…| The Nutrition Source
Moderate drinking can be healthy—but not for everyone. You must weigh the risks and benefits.| The Nutrition Source
Yogurt is a staple food in several cultures, originating from countries in Western Asia and the Middle East. The word yogurt is believed to be derived from| The Nutrition Source
Rice is a main staple in more than 100 countries worldwide. [1] In some households, rice is included with more than one meal a day. This starchy high-calorie grain is generally low cost, making it …| The Nutrition Source
Oats, formally named Avena sativa, is a type of cereal grain from the Poaceae grass family of plants. The grain refers specifically to the edible seeds of oat grass, which is what ends up in our br…| The Nutrition Source
There’s a bit of confusion surrounding bananas. Some people consider this iconic golden fruit a healthy choice while others avoid it, after seeing it on Internet lists of “5 Worst Foods.” Unfavorab…| The Nutrition Source
Jump to:–What is diabetes?–Types and risk factors:––Type 1 diabetes––Latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA)––Gestational diabetes––Prediabetes––Type 2 diabetes–Type 2 diabetes (and prediabetes…| The Nutrition Source
Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is about 40% sodium and 60% chloride. It flavors food and is used as a binder and stabilizer. It is also a food| The Nutrition Source
Finding yourself confused by the seemingly endless promotion of weight-loss strategies and diet plans? In this series, we take a look at some popular| The Nutrition Source
Seaweed may bring to mind the slippery green, red, and brown plants that curl around your toes when walking in the ocean, or mounds of dried tangles washed up on shore. It may be less recognized as…| The Nutrition Source
Fears of contaminants make many unnecessarily shy away from fish. Fish is a very important part of a healthy diet. Fish and other seafood are the major sources of healthful long-chain omega-3 fats …| The Nutrition Source
Calcium is a mineral most often associated with healthy bones and teeth, although it also plays an important role in blood clotting, helping muscles to contract, and regulating normal heart rhythms…| The Nutrition Source
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body can’t digest. Though most carbohydrates are broken down into sugar molecules called glucose, fiber cannot be| The Nutrition Source
Long-vilified for their high cholesterol content by well-meaning doctors and scientists researching heart disease, eggs now seem to be making a bit of a comeback. So what changed? While it’s true t…| The Nutrition Source
When it comes to dietary fat, what matters most is the type of fat you eat. Contrary to past dietary advice promoting low-fat diets, newer research shows that healthy fats are necessary and benefic…| The Nutrition Source
Often used as a marketing buzzword, learn about the role of antioxidants beyond the hype, and some of the research on health and disease prevention.| The Nutrition Source
What’s most important is the type of carbohydrate you choose to eat because some sources are healthier than others. The amount of carbohydrate in the diet –| The Nutrition Source
When people eat a food containing carbohydrates, the digestive system breaks down the digestible ones into sugar, which enters the blood. As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas produces insulin, …| The Nutrition Source
Protein is an essential macronutrient, but not all food sources of protein are created equal, and you may not need as much as you think. Learn the basics about protein and shaping your diet with he…| The Nutrition Source
It’s only a semi-myth that eating carrots will help you see in the dark. A carrot’s main nutrient, beta-carotene (responsible for this root vegetable’s| The Nutrition Source
Magnesium is naturally present in a variety of foods, available as a supplement, and an ingredient in antacids and laxatives. The mineral plays an important| The Nutrition Source
El distanciamiento social y el lavado de manos son los métodos más eficaces y comprobados para reducir el riesgo y la propagación de la enfermedad del| The Nutrition Source