Foods in Focus– category –
An evidence-based series examining everyday foods and supplements that readers want to know more about.
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[Foods in Focus] Is Excessive Alcohol Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
If you've held onto "red wine is good for you," the latest evidence has bad news. Since 2023, major institutions have shifted toward "there is no safe level for health." Here's what changed and what a pragmatic stance looks like. Conclus... -
[Foods in Focus] Is the Charred Flavor in Yakiniku and Grilled Foods Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
You've probably heard "the burnt bits cause cancer." The actual story involves heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). We give you the realistic risk picture and the cooking adjustments that meaningfully r... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Sweet Buns and Pastries Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Convenience-store pastries for breakfast or as an afternoon snack are a bigger deal than they look. The combination of refined sugar, refined flour, and fat lands harder than the same calories elsewhere. "Sometimes" and "every day" are v... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Instant Noodles Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Instant noodles are cheap, fast, and convenient. They also carry a sodium and additive load that adds up. How many times per week is too many — and what small habits can blunt the downside? Conclusion: Eating instant noodles two or more ... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Fried Foods and French Fries Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
If you love fried food, this one's for you. We look at how frequency of consumption maps onto cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality in cohort studies — and whether "restaurant fried" and "home fried" really dif... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Energy Drinks Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Energy drinks have moved from niche to daily for a lot of people. How much caffeine compared to coffee, and how serious are the effects on the heart, sleep, and adolescents? Case reports and regulatory shifts included. Conclusion: There ... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Potato Chips and Snacks Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
One-more-handful chips have a way of becoming "oh, the bag is empty." Sodium, refined oils, acrylamide, the ultra-processed food story — several risk vectors stack here. We explain why and how often is realistic. Conclusion: Potato chips... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Trans Fats Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Industrial trans fats are being phased out worldwide for good reason. The case that "Japanese intake is low enough to ignore" is weaker than commonly believed. Here's what to look for on labels. Conclusion: Trans fats are one of the most... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Sugary Soft Drinks Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
If you drink cola, sports drinks, or sweetened coffee daily, this matters. "Liquid sugar" turns out to hit body weight, diabetes risk, and liver fat harder than the same calories in solid form. Numbers and realistic swaps inside. Conclus... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Processed Meats (Ham, Sausage, Bacon) Really Bad for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
WHO/IARC classifies processed meat as a carcinogen. Important context: how big is the actual risk increase per serving? We translate the relative risks into something you can apply, without either panic or denial. Conclusion: Processed m... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Fermented Foods Like Miso and Kimchi Really Good for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Miso, kimchi, natto, yogurt — the fermented-foods story has staying power. The microbiome effects are real, but "good for everything" isn't quite right. We map the genuine wins against the sodium catch. Conclusion: Fermented foods improv... -
[Foods in Focus] Is Turmeric (Curcumin) Really Good for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Turmeric is everywhere thanks to curcumin's anti-inflammatory story. The catch: it's barely absorbed by the body in its native form. We cover what supplemented forms can and can't do, and the case reports of liver injury that you should ...
