Sweet potatoes vs. yams. There's no real difference, right? Well, don’t let this statement burst your bubble: sweet potatoes aren’t yams. For some reason, the terms are used interchangeably, but the vegetables are quite different. Sweet potatoes and yams differ in color, texture, and taste. In fact, trying to substitute one for the other can…

Certain foods have caught a pretty bad rap in the past. But many of these “unhealthy foods” are unexpectedly healthy. So today, we're taking a look at eight of the most surprisingly healthy foods. What makes a food good for you? Is it that it fits into a specific regimented diet or features some variety…

Kiwis (Actinidia deliciosa) are tiny fruits known for their fuzzy skin and bright green flesh. They’re packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. Heart-healthy fiber is another feature of these far-reaching fruits. Though virtually synonymous with New Zealand, kiwifruit is grown around the world during the fall though spring months. In…

Beets, also called beetroot, are a nutritious root vegetable that is versatile and healthy. They are part of the same Chenopod family as chard, spinach, and quinoa. Beets offer a unique nutritional makeup, and may offer exclusive health benefits that are not available from other foods. Beets can be consumed in a variety of ways,…

What Are Lentils? Lentils truly are beautiful. It’s not just that these nutritious legumes contribute mightily to a healthy diet. They come in a variety of colors to add some beauty to your plate, while being rather quick and easy to prepare. Top it off that they are affordable and lend themselves easily to a…

The health benefits of bone broth have been heavily touted in recent years. But is it super fad or superfood? It really depends on who you ask. Humans have enjoyed the taste of animal bones simmered in water since prehistoric times, and bone broth has long held a place in traditional medicine. Some say it…

Herbal teas have been used for centuries to help people deal with common illnesses, digestive issues, poor sleep, and more. But what’s interesting is that herbal teas are not what some might call “true teas.” True teas are varieties that come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Green, black, and oolong teas all…

Shredded raw in coleslaw, braised for a Blaukraut side dish, or cooked in borscht, red cabbage is a nutritious, versatile cruciferous vegetable. It’s a member of the Brassica oleracea plant species, making it a cousin of kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Its purple hue makes it stand out from its other family members, and it also…

Inflammation seems inseparable from a host of common chronic health conditions. Whether you're talking about physical ailments like heart disease or arthritis or mental ones like dementia, chronic inflammation is central to the discussion. But did you know that food choices can play a role in how your body copes with inflammation? An anti-inflammatory diet…

The chaga mushroom is a big part of the mushroom resurgence these days. With historical origins in Siberia and other parts of Asia, this traditional medicine boasts a number of potential health benefits. Due to their tough, bark-like exterior, chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus) are a common ingredient in teas and coffees. Grown and used traditionally in…