Nutrition
Articles on nutrition.
- Is Stevia Safe? What the FDA and WHO Actually Say — Stevia is plant-derived and calorie-free — here's what the FDA and WHO actually concluded, the daily limit, and who should pay attention.
- Monk Fruit: Is This Natural Sweetener Actually Safe? — Monk fruit is calorie-free and FDA-recognized as safe — here's what the review actually found, why there's no daily limit, and what to watch on the label.
- Erythritol: What the Science Says About This Sugar Alcohol — Erythritol is FDA-recognized as safe and carries an EFSA daily intake of 0.5 g/kg — here's the real caveat, and what those cardiovascular headlines actually mean.
- Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): What the Daily Limit Actually Means — Ace-K is FDA-approved with a daily intake of 15 mg/kg — here's what that means in practice, and why it's usually blended with other sweeteners rather than used alone.
- Xanthan Gum: What That Thickener Really Does — Xanthan gum is an FDA-permitted thickener with a JECFA rating of 'not specified,' meaning no numerical limit was set — here's what it is, and the one real exception to know.
- Added Sugars: How Much Is Too Much? — Real guidance on added sugar limits, why it matters for blood sugar, and where to find it hiding in everyday foods.
- Is Aspartame Safe? How Much Diet Soda the FDA Limit Really Allows — Aspartame's FDA limit is 50 mg/kg of body weight — far more diet soda than most people ever drink. Here's what that means in cans per day, where the WHO differs, and who should actually be cautious.
- Where's the Sodium Really Hiding? A Practical Guide — Most of your daily sodium doesn't come from the salt shaker—it's quietly hiding in packaged and restaurant foods. Here's how to find it and cut it without sacrificing flavor.
- Carrageenan: What the Science Actually Says — It's in your plant milk and yogurt. Here's what you need to know about this seaweed thickener—and whether you should worry.
- Sodium Benzoate: What That Preservative Really Does — It stops mold and bacteria in your dressing—here's what the science actually says, and why the FDA considers it safe.
- How Much Protein You Actually Need — Skip the hype. Here's what the science says about protein intake for your body, your goals, and your meals.
- Why You're Probably Eating Half the Fiber You Need — Most of us eat about 15g of fiber daily—half the recommended amount. Here's why it matters and how to add more without the bloat.
- Omega-3 Fats Explained: Why Your Body Needs Them — Your body can't make omega-3s on its own. Here's where to find them, how much you need, and why they matter for your heart.
- Potassium: The Electrolyte You're Probably Missing — Most of us eat half the potassium we need. Here's why it matters for blood pressure and where to find it beyond bananas.
- Vitamin C: Skip the Megadose, Master the Meal — One orange has all the C you need—here's what it actually does, why supplements mostly flush away, and the one trick that makes it work harder.
- Iron: How Much You Need and Why Deficiency Is Easy to Miss — Iron deficiency is sneaky—but knowing your daily target and how to absorb it better makes it avoidable.
- Calcium Beyond Dairy: Where Else to Get It — You need 1,000–1,200 mg of calcium daily—and dairy isn't your only option. Here's where to find it.
- Red 40 and Food Dyes: Reading the Actual Research — FDA-approved and safe for most people, but here's what the science actually says about artificial dyes and who might want to limit them.
- MSG: Separating the Myth From the Evidence — MSG gets a bad rap—but science shows it's safe, it's natural, and it's already in your kitchen.
- Meal Tracker: When You Actually Need One (And When You Don't) — An honest guide to meal trackers — what they're good for, where they go wrong, and how to use one without it taking over your relationship with food.
- Healthy Meal Planning for Beginners—No Diet Required — Eat better without counting calories, eliminating food groups, or following complicated rules. Just simple, sustainable improvements.