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] 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 ... -
[Foods in Focus] Is Garlic Really Good for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Garlic carries a reputation as a near-universal remedy. How much of that survives the trials? We look at what the human studies say about blood pressure, cholesterol, colds, and cancer — including where the effect is real, and where it i... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Seaweeds (Kelp, Wakame, Nori, Hijiki) Really Good for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Konbu, wakame, nori, hijiki — staples of Japanese cooking. The fiber, iodine, and fucoidan stories are well-known, but so are the warnings about overdoing it. Both sides, honestly weighed. Conclusion: Eating seaweed at least three times ... -
[Foods in Focus] Is Dark Chocolate Really Good for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
"Dark chocolate is good for you" is a headline you've probably seen many times. We separate the part that's real (effects on blood pressure, endothelial function, cognition in independent RCTs) from the part that's marketing. Conclusion:... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Mushrooms (Shiitake, Maitake, and King Oyster) Really Good for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Mushrooms are casually labeled "healthy" — but the basis for that claim is rarely spelled out. We look at the actual RCT and cohort evidence behind beta-glucans, ergothioneine, and vitamin D, and what a sensible weekly serving looks like... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Legumes and Lentils (Chickpeas, Black Beans, etc.) Really Good for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are protein and fiber powerhouses, central to both Mediterranean and DASH eating patterns. How much, how often, and what changes in cardiovascular risk, type 2 diabetes risk, and weight management when you m... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Broccoli) Really Good for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
We've all been told to "eat your vegetables." But what does the evidence actually show about how much of an effect leafy greens have, and on which outcomes? Daily targets, cooking method differences, and why supplements don't substitute ... -
[Foods in Focus] Are Whole Grains (Brown Rice, Whole-Grain Bread, Oatmeal) Really Good for You? — A Thorough Evidence-Based Review
Should you really swap white rice and white bread for brown rice, whole-grain bread, and oats? The meta-analyses say the effect on glycemia, cholesterol, and mortality is bigger than most people realize — but "whole grain" on a label doe...
