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Drinks That Do More. A can of Celsius, a fitness drink that is supposed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat, is shown on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in New York. The frenzy of functional beverages – drinks designed to do more than just taste good or hydrate - has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Eat Well

With 'functional' beverages, brands rush to quench a thirst for drinks that do more than just taste good

Nutritionists say the general trend of consumers seeking out healthier beverages is a good one. But experts also say people should be cautious and read ingredient labels.

By Associated Press

Bowl of sauerkraut in close up on wooden table

Eat Well

Sauerkraut has plenty to offer, from tangy flavor to some health benefits

Although sauerkraut is perhaps the best-known national dish of Germany, and has been a staple of the German diet since the 1600s, it didn’t originate in Germany.

By Environmental Nutrition

Greek yogurt in a ceramic bowl with almonds and honey, oatmeal next to a spoon on a brown wooden background. healthy food. natural yoghurt. breakfast.

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What are the healthiest types of yogurt?

Plain Greek yogurt and Icelandic skyr are among the best options. But look out for sugar content in all types of yogurt.

By Clare Mulroy | USA Today

Springfield

Pritzker pitches grants to open new stores in food deserts

The governor announced the second phase of the Illinois Grocery Initiative, which includes a round of grant funding for new grocers in food deserts.

By Mariah Rush

Tabasco hot pepper sauce with red chili pepper, flat lay

Taste

America's love affair with fiery flavors continues to grow

Obsessive fan bases have formed around spicy condiments like chili paste, Sriracha, harissa paste and chili crisp.

By Food Drink Life

A bowl of ramen noodles with chopsticks and green onions, with steam rising from the bowl. Generative AI

Taste

Simply delicious — The Asian noodles Americans are crushing on

Americans’ appetite for noodles is substantial — to the tune of 5.95 billion pounds of them consumed each year.

By Food Drink Life

Well

Top ‘sick day’ foods include soup, crackers, popsicles, survey finds

By Wealth of Geeks

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Drinking water with meals not only is OK, getting enough each day is essential

Regular and adequate water intake is necessary for good health.

By Environmental Nutrition

Blackhawks

Blackhawks’ Alex Vlasic eating pucks, not bread, as he navigates NHL with celiac disease

The 22-year-old defenseman has not been able to eat gluten since he was diagnosed at 13, which was tougher last season with Rockford but hasn’t been a big challenge this season with the Hawks.

By Ben Pope

Red Delicious apples are the healthiest from an antioxidant standpoint, Crumble Smith says. The darker the color of the apple, the richer it’ll be in antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize the free radicals in our bodies which, when imbalanced, can cause cell damage and lead to disease.

Taste

Best apples to eat? Healthiest varieties from green to red and everything in between

Apples are packed with vitamins and minerals and are an important part of a healthy diet, just like other fruits.

By Clare Mulroy | USA Today

Skinless chicken breast packs a whopping 31 grams of protein per 100 grams of meat.

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Amp up the protein in your diet by adding chicken

To get enough protein, there are many natural and synthetic options available.

By Daryl Austin | USA Today

Consider alternating a cool glass of water with your favorite cocktail or glass of wine to help prevent a hangover.

Eat Well

How to prevent a hangover? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

While the only sure way to avoid a hangover would be to not drink an excessive amount of alcohol, there are some things you can do to reduce the odds of experiencing one.

By Delaney Nothaft | USA Today

Pulses are an adaptable and nutritious addition to any diet.

Taste

Pulses are deserving of a nutritional high-five — and a great addition to your meals, recipes

The word “pulse,” which hails from the Latin word puls, meaning thick soup, specifically refers to legumes that are grown and harvested for their dry seed.

By Environmental Nutrition

Add fresh greens such as spinach leaves or kale to your fruit smoothies for added nutrients.

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Smoothies are more popular than ever, but are they really healthy?

“Some of the healthiest ingredients to put in a smoothie include a mix of fruits, vegetables and other nutritious components,” one expert says.

By Daryl Austin | USA Today

Oatmeal is a healthy source of protein, fiber, iron, folate, copper, zinc and B vitamins.

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Some tips to building a healthier bowl of oatmeal

The healthiest oatmeal is less about the type of oat and more about how you make it.

By Clare Mulroy | USA Today

Although you might feel an initial burst of energy, consuming too many sweet foods and drinks too quickly this Christmas or New Year will inevitably make you feel icky.

Well

Christmas cookies, sweet cocktails and the perils of a ‘sugar hangover’ during the holiday season

Here’s what the science says about sweets binges and how you can still enjoy yummy foods without feeling terrible this holiday season.

By Katie Camero | USA Today

Romaine lettuce is the most nutrient-dense variety, and one of the most versatile for a healthy diet.

Taste

Is lettuce good for you? Do you know the healthiest type?

The CDC recommends thoroughly washing greens or buying ones labeled as “ready to eat,” “triple washed” or “no washing necessary.”

By Clare Mulroy | USA Today

Will your Thanksgiving table feature some healthy side dish options?

Taste

Healthy Thanksgiving side dishes: Will these be on your table?

The healthiest side dishes switch up the flavor, texture and nutritional profile.

By Clare Mulroy | USA Today

Dark leafy greens such as kale are rich in omega-3 nutrients.

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Why healthy fats are essential to your diet and where to find them

Omega-3s are most commonly found in fish, though you also get them from dark leafy greens, flax seeds, hemp seeds and walnuts.

By Clare Mulroy | USA Today

While all whole grains provide nutrients, there are a few that stand out. Farro (pictured), oats and quinoa may be the healthiest grains because of their heavy fiber content.

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Which are the healthiest grains, and why choose whole grains over refined ?

Grains are an important source of fiber, B vitamins, complex carbohydrates and minerals like iron, magnesium and selenium.

By Clare Mulroy | USA Today