smartfoodrx

Legumes: Small Beans, Big Benefits           Legumes have been a cornerstone of traditional diets for thousands of years. There is a lot of versatility in how they are used in recipes, but they also play a powerful role in disease prevention and metabolic health. How legumes are prepared can influence how […]

Autoimmune Diseases: Can Diet Help with Symptoms?         Autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect millions of people and can significantly impact their daily lives. These conditions differ in how they affect the body: MS targets the central nervous system; RA primarily affects the joints. However, both have a

Seedy Business: From Chia to Flax     Seeds are one of the most overlooked components of the food system. Ancient civilizations would grind sesame seeds into pastes. Modern home bakers sprinkle sunflower seeds across warm loaves. Today, seeds appear in everything from artisan bread to smoothie bowls.   History of Seeds in the Diet Gatherers: Early

Feeling Snacky?                     Nuts have long been praised as one of nature’s most nutritious snacks. Whether you enjoy almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, or pecans, these tiny nuggets pack a big punch of flavor and healthy fats.    Health Benefits of Nuts Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats Most nuts

Gut Check: The Gluten Mystery    In recent years, gluten has become a controversial topic in nutrition and health. From gluten-free diets to debates about wheat intolerance, understanding gluten’s true impact is more important than ever. The Evolution of Gluten in the Human Diet Gluten is a general name for the proteins found primarily in

Feed Your Microbes with Fiber    Fiber is one of the most critical yet often overlooked components of a healthy diet. Despite its simplicity, fiber plays a profound role in disease prevention, digestion, and overall wellness. The History of Fiber in Human Diets Ancient Civilizations: Early humans were hunter-gatherers who consumed plenty of fibrous plant

Tea: A Healthy Hot Drink              Legend has it, the ancient Chinese Emperor Shen Nong stumbled upon tea when some leaves from a camellia bush blew into his boiling water.  The aroma and refreshing taste led him to believe that tea had qualities of vitality and healing.  Millenia have passed

The Truth About Sweeteners          Artificial sweeteners are one of the most debated topics in nutrition and health. Once hailed as miracle ingredients that could satisfy a sweet tooth without the calories, they have become controversial, with concerns over their safety and metabolic effects. Accidental Discoveries 1879: Saccharin, the first artificial sweetener,

Chocolate and Health: A Sweet Balance    It’s a rare person that doesn’t enjoy a bite of creamy milk chocolate or the more bitter taste of semi-sweet. Chocolate’s reputation as a stress-reliever is well founded. There is science behind the little chocolate nibble that helps to melt away your worries. As with most foods though,

Berries: Nature’s Nutrition Nuggets     Berries are superstars when it comes to nutrition and flavor. These colorful, sweet fruits hold a plethora of health benefits in a convenient little package. We’ll explore the overwhelming benefits, but also some things to keep in mind when consuming berries to benefit your overall wellness. How do Berries Grow?