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1 week ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober |Nick Blackmer
Your favorite bowl of rice can contain heavy metals, primarily arsenic, and to a lesser extent, cadmium. kenta ishizuka / Getty Images Although rice is a great source of nutrients such as magnesium, iron, folic acid, and thiamin, recent research has found that all types of rice are contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium. These heavy metals have been associated with an increased risk of cancer and other negative health effects.
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1 week ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober |Nick Blackmer
Several foods become more nutritious and easier to digest when cooked. Oscar Wong / Getty Images Not only do some foods taste better when cooked and cooled, but certain types of food can also develop additional health benefits when cooled. That’s because cooling certain types of food changes their chemical structure, enhancing health and nutrient benefits. When cooled, some foods develop resistant starch (better for your blood sugar), and their antioxidants are more bioavailable.
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2 weeks ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober |Nick Blackmer
Magnesium is responsible for around 300 biological reactions in your body. Viktoriya Skorikova / Getty Images Magnesium wears many hats: it’s necessary for more than 300 biochemical reactions in your body. It supports your immune system, maintains normal muscle and nerve function, supports strong bones, and ensures a normal heartbeat. Research also shows that high intakes of dietary magnesium may help lower your blood pressure.
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2 weeks ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober
vitapix / Getty Images Retinoids are skincare medications mainly used to help with acne and signs of aging. Chemically, retinoids are a group of molecules derived from vitamin A that speed up cell turnover. This means retinoids help your body shed dead skin cells and generate fresh, youthful-looking skin. There are different types of retinoids, which can be taken by mouth (orally) or applied to your skin (topically). Most retinoids require a prescription.
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2 weeks ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober |Nick Blackmer
Protein from certain sources, such as whey protein powder or beans, can cause some bloating. AleksandarGeorgiev / Getty Images It’s a common scenario: You drink a protein shake or eat a high-protein meal, and all of a sudden, your stomach becomes uncomfortably bloated. But is protein really to blame? Some types of protein, such as dairy-based proteins, are more likely to cause bloating, but sometimes the cause of bloating is another ingredient in your protein shake or protein bar.
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3 weeks ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober |Nick Blackmer
While most protein bars are marketed as "healthy," their nutritional value can vary widely. skynesher / Getty Images In a protein-obsessed world, protein bars have become a popular, convenient way to consume more muscle-building macros. But are these processed bars really a healthy way to get your protein in? While whole foods—like meats, eggs, and beans—will always be healthier protein sources, nutrition experts say there is a place for protein bars in a healthy diet—if you pick the right ones.
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3 weeks ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober |William Truswell
Gravi Films / Getty Images Retinol is a retinoid (a form of vitamin A) that improves wrinkles, fine lines, texture, and skin tone. Retinol and other types of retinoids may also be able to treat skin conditions like acne, whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts that form on the skin. Retinol can cause skin irritation, so it's important to make sure it'll work for your skin before adding it to your routine. Does Retinol Clear Acne?
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3 weeks ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober |Anju Goel
MementoJpeg / Getty Images Up to 20% of people who get COVID-19 experience skin and nail changes. COVID nails is a term used to describe nail changes that may appear after having the virus. They can look like reddish white half-moons, orange nail lesions, horizontal white lines, or horizontal dents that appear across the fingernails or toenails. In rare cases, the body's immune response to getting the COVID vaccine may lead to similar nail changes.
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1 month ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober |Amber Brenza |Nick Blackmer
ToscaWhi / Getty Images Yogurt is one of the healthiest snacks out there—if you choose the right one. Packed with protein, yogurt’s a great source of probiotics, calcium, and vitamin B12, but when you add in flavoring or extra sugars, the breakfast staple can start to look a lot like dessert. Confused about whether your favorite flavored yogurt is healthy or not? Keep reading to see what actually makes a yogurt a good-for-you option—and how to pick the best one.
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1 month ago | 
health.com | Laura Schober |Nick Blackmer
Alberto Dima / 500px / Getty Images Should you load up on red meat during your period to help offset blood and iron loss? That’s the claim buzzing around on social media—some users say eating a more carnivorous diet while they’re menstruating can help them avoid symptoms of iron deficiency like fatigue and dizziness. But does it work? While red meat is a great source of iron, experts say it may take a little more than that to boost iron levels during your cycle. Here’s what to know.
