What Is Mango? If you’ve never had mango before, now is the time to try it. Named the most widely consumed fruit in the world, mango (Mangifera indica) is the perfect fruit for summer. Its refreshing and tasty flavor makes the fruit a perfect dessert on its own, or as an addition to smoothies, salsas, and…

What Is Vegan Cheese? Put simply, vegan cheese is a plant-based substitute for animal-based cheese. It’s typically consumed by people who are dairy-free; have lactose intolerance; or subscribe to a plant-based, vegetarian, or vegan diet. There is no single way to make vegan or plant cheese, and a number of options exist. Some common ingredients…

Fatty liver disease affects close to a third of American adults and is a leading contributor to liver failure. Although the condition was initially closely tied to alcoholism, an increasing number of cases are being linked to diets high in processed food and sedentary behavior. Many are choosing to adopt what's called a fatty liver diet…

What Is the Carnivore Diet? The carnivore diet is virtually an all-meat diet. Unlike other popular low-carb diets, the carnivore diet aims for followers to eat zero carbs. It does not allow room for any plant-based foods, even leafy greens, and suggests eating only low-lactose/no-lactose dairy products. (Lactose is a sugar found in dairy.) It’s…

Sea vegetables, or seaweed, are nutrient-dense forms of algae that grow in saltwater. The marine vegetation grows along shorelines around the world, but is commonly used in Asian countries as food. If you’ve ever eaten sushi or had Japanese, Korean, or Chinese cuisine, you’ve likely had it. Seaweed is very versatile and can be used…

What Is Poke? Poke has been all the rage in recent years. In around 2012, poke restaurants started popping up on the West coast and moved east shortly after. Pronounced “p’okay,” it means to “slice or cut” in Hawaiian. The poke bowl originated in Hawaii and usually features raw chunks of sushi-grade ahi tuna (typically…

What Is Acai? Two of the most-hyped foods of the past decade have to be quinoa and acai berries. For a while, it was a sin to not have a berry blend smoothie with at least a hint of acai berry. These Brazilian berries also prompt two major questions: What makes them so super, and how…

What Is Black Seed Oil? Black seed oil is derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, a small bush with purple or white-dyed flowers. The seed of the flowering herb has been used medicinally for centuries, predominantly for beauty and skincare purposes. But did you know its uses extend to the kitchen? Also called…

What Is Arugula? Love it or hate it, arugula (Eruca sativa) is a leafy green veggie that can pack a hefty nutritional punch. A member of the cruciferous family, arugula claims cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale as cousins. That’s a pretty impressive family tree and should tell you something about arugula nutrition. It’s entirely…

Is meat off the menu for you? Vegan Memorial Day recipes abound, so don’t worry about feeling left out as you gather with family to honor the fallen men and women of our armed forces this long weekend. A meatless Memorial Day can get the family together, pack lots of flavor, and leave the non-believers…