Does aspartame pose a health risk? Here’s what the science says.
A World Health Organization committee may label aspartame as a possible carcinogen. Health experts say the research behind the review is flawed.
By Anahad O’ConnorProbiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics: The microbe garden in your gut
Is your microbiome flourishing? Or are the good microbes getting crowded out by unwelcome guests? The answer largely depends on how well you’re taking care of them.
By Anahad O’ConnorMelted, pounded, extruded: Why many ultra-processed foods are unhealthy
Industrial processing changes the structure of food. Experts say it can affect how much you eat and absorb, your weight and your risk for chronic disease.
By Anahad O’Connor and Aaron SteckelbergWhy a trendy weight-loss supplement is not ‘nature’s Ozempic’
Berberine is a chemical found in several plants that has been extracted and sold as a supplement, but it's not a cheap alternative to Ozempic.
By Katie CameroAre all calories created equal? Your gut microbes don’t think so.
For weight loss, whether you feed your gut microbiome high- or low-quality calories makes a difference, a new study suggests
By Anahad O’ConnorHow can I avoid eating food with ‘forever’ chemicals?
It’s hard to avoid PFAS, but experts say there are ways to mitigate your exposure to the man-made chemicals.
By Teddy AmenabarHow too much caffeine can lead to sleep deprivation
If you’re using caffeine to stay alert and operate on less sleep, you’re accumulating a sleep debt that will catch up with you.
By Richard A. Friedman, MDThe CDC wants people to stop eating raw cookie dough. But it’s so tasty.
A salmonella outbreak linked to raw cookie dough has sickened at least 18 people across six states, according to the CDC.
By Lindsey BeverWant to improve your mental health? Eat your greens.
Studies show that eating more vegetables can give you a mental boost equal to finding a new job or taking a daily walk.
By Marta ZaraskaShould you stop using sugar substitutes? Answers to common questions.
The World Health Organization wants people to cut back on all sweeteners, not just sugar.
By Teddy Amenabar and Katie CameroThese people can’t burp. It’s painful and embarrassing.
Retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction prevents someone from expelling burps but is often misdiagnosed. A Reddit group is helping to spread the word about RCPD.
By Hannah Docter-LoebDon’t use sugar substitutes to lose weight, WHO says
The agency said non-sugar sweeteners don’t help people lose weight and have been linked with other health problems.
By Tara Parker-PopeAre turmeric supplements safe and good for health?
Research suggests that turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent and an antioxidant, but its instability and poor absorption make it tough to study.
By Marlene CimonsHow ChatGPT can help you meal plan, even with dietary restrictions
The AI program can help you save time and energy in the kitchen, but be sure to double-check its work.
By Tarena Lofton | KFF Health NewsPopular keto and paleo diets aren’t helping your heart, report says
An analysis of diets by the American Heart Association gave low marks to some of the most popular ones for straying from heart-healthy eating guidelines.
By Anahad O’ConnorAn extra 10 minutes at dinner may help kids eat more healthy foods
How do you make kids eat more vegetables and fruits? Extended dinners helped children eat more healthy food, a study says. Bite-sized portions also helped.
By Marlene CimonsPrebiotic sodas claim to boost your health. Experts are skeptical.
Can you boost your gut, brain and immune health by drinking soda? That’s what some beverage companies want you to believe.
By Teddy Amenabar and Anahad O’ConnorNo, moderate drinking isn’t good for your health
Despite beliefs about the benefits of moderate alcohol use, like a daily glass of red wine, a new analysis finds early death risk increases the more you drink.
By Marlene CimonsProbiotic supplements may do the opposite of boosting your gut health
Probiotics, which are live organisms taken as pills or powders, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract of healthy people.
By Anahad O’ConnorAre Skittles dangerous? A California bill aims to ban chemicals in candy.
A proposed bill would ban chemicals used in processed foods, including Skittles and Hot Tamales. Here's what you need to know about red dye No. 3 and titanium dioxide.
By Jennifer Hassan, Helier Cheung and Marlene Cimons