Health

Known as the ‘second brain’, the gut plays many roles in the body from controlling functions like swallowing to impacting mood. A huge part of it is the gut microbiome. Thought of as a virtual organ because of its importance, the gut microbiome is a complex system of over a 100 trillion living microorganisms. These microscopic organisms can reflect not just the stomach’s health, but the health of the entire body ( Feed Your Gut , 2021) . Figure 1. A diagram of the various phy

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is indigestible. Unlike other carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose, fiber passes through the body mostly intact (The Nutrition Source, 2022) . But if we can’t break down fiber, then what does it do? Furthermore, if our own digestive system cannot metabolize fiber, then what does? Types of Fiber There are two different types of fiber, each with its own purpose in the body. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and becomes a gel, slo

In the early 20th century, America was plagued. Not with disease but with nutritional deficiency, specifically iron deficiency. The population, at the time, had been suffering from widespread cases of iron deficiency anemia (Mitchell, 2024) , which is a condition where one's body cannot produce enough hemoglobin because of the lack of iron, leading to reduced oxygen delivery throughout the bloodstream and symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, and shortness or breath. With high rat

Some of the most consumed herbs and spices were popularized due to their medicinal  properties. Turmeric, for example, was first used in India over 4000 years ago in a system of holistic medicine called Ayurveda. This versatile spice was used to improve digestion, relieve arthritis, to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, etc. It was uncovered in its chemical composition that turmeric contains the compound curcumin, which is known to inhibit signal transduction pathw

As soon as the clock strikes 2 p.m., time seems to slow, my movements appear more sluggish, energy levels plummet, and all I want to do is go to sleep. To many people, especially other high school students around me, the usual afternoon crash or post-lunch drowsiness may seem typical. But, what if I told you that recent research has demonstrated the lack of a single molecule called butyrate may be responsible for these dips in energy, and increasing its production can lead to

High cholesterol levels are associated with illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. This has caused a negative stigma around consuming cholesterol, with many diets and health regimens focusing on specifically cutting out this molecule. Yet, it is present in and essential for animal cells; the body produces cholesterol to help regulate the functions of many organs. So, what is cholesterol and why is too much of it dangerous? Foods with high levels of chol

As people become more conscious of what food is going into their body, measuring macronutrients, micronutrients, and calories has become...

Have you ever felt bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable after enjoying a scoop of ice cream or an extra cheesy pizza? These are all common...

Everyone has heard the saying "breakfast is the most important meal of the day," and there is truth behind it. In fact, people who regularly skip breakfast are 21% more likely to suffer from a cardiovascular disease event (Ofori-Asenso et al., 2019) . Meal-skipping has become more prominent over the last 40 years, as the average person has become increasingly busier. There has been a transition away from 3 set meals a day to snacking and varied mealtimes (Kant and Graubard, 2

Artificial flavoring is ubiquitous in most food products on the food market. Originating from the high consumer demand for consistent...

How did the calorie become the standard unit to measure the energy of food? Originally used by scientists, it made its way onto...

What’s in Your Pre-Workout? Pre-workouts are a potent mix of supplements that boost performance before exercise. Most contain a blend of...

Protein powder has gained immense popularity within the past decade. Coming in all different shapes, sizes, and strange flavors (like...

Everyone’s heard that Vitamin D is important and spending more time in the sun is good. But why exactly? This article will explore the...

Acne and blemishes are common, natural skin conditions that can appear on one's skin after puberty that can be influenced by various...

Many health and fitness influencers hype up high-protein diets for muscle tone and overall health. While there may be some benefits to...