Nutrients

Your favorite fruits and vegetables get their color and much of their health-boosting power from compounds called polyphenols. One of the most abundant and best-studied of these compounds is quercetin. Known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, quercetin may help with heart, brain, and gut health. But where can you find quercetin in food? And are food sources enough, or should you be supplementing?

Polyphenols are compounds that give many plant foods their vibrant colors and distinctive tastes. They not only protect plants from disease and sun damage, but when you eat those plants, you’re getting similar benefits. So what does the evidence say about how polyphenols can fight chronic disease, and what the best sources are?

Copper is one of those quiet, essential nutrients that you don’t hear much about. Without it, though, you can’t survive. And both too little, and especially too much, can damage your heart, brain, bones, skin, and immune system. So how much do you really need? What are the best sources? How easy is it to get enough on a plant-based diet? And how can you avoid copper toxicity?

The word “antioxidant” is thrown around a lot in the health and wellness space. But what does it really mean? Why are antioxidants good for you? Are there any you should avoid? And which foods and beverages pack the most beneficial antioxidant punch?

Selenium, once thought to be poisonous, is now recognized as an essential nutrient. It plays a key role in many aspects of your health, including metabolism, immunity, and protection against various diseases. But can you get too much of this nutrient? What are the best food sources of selenium, and can you get enough from a plant-based diet?

Electrolytes are more than just ingredients in colorful sports drinks. They play a crucial role in hydration, and they’re also necessary for nerve function and muscle contractions. In this article, we explore the many ways electrolytes are essential for bodily functions and how to maintain a healthy electrolyte balance with your food and beverages.

Rutin is a natural compound found in various fruits, vegetables, and grains that offers an impressive range of health benefits — from improving vascular health to reducing inflammation to managing type 2 diabetes to fighting cancer to supporting heart and brain health. But where can you find rutin in your diet? And given how beneficial it is, should you consider supplementation?

Strong muscles aren’t just for athletes, bodybuilders, and actors in superhero movies. Building and maintaining muscle mass as you age is critical for your overall health. Aside from the obvious benefit of being able to move your body, strong muscles can protect against metabolic disorders and even lower the risk of dementia. So what are the best ways to build muscle? What’s the role of exercise and food? And is it really possible to get and stay strong if you don’t eat animal products?

Potassium is an essential nutrient for health, participating in every biological process that relies on electrical signals, including heartbeat, muscle firing, and nervous system activity. But many people in the modern world are potassium deficient, which has contributed to an epidemic of high blood pressure and other chronic diseases. So why is this? Is potassium hard to obtain from food or necessary to supplement? Get the facts on this critical mineral and electrolyte.

Lysine is an essential amino acid that’s crucial for optimal health and well-being. It possesses antiviral properties and also contributes to muscle building, bone health, skin vitality, and brain function. But there’s some debate about whether plant-based eaters get enough of this vital nutrient. How much lysine do you need? And is it possible to meet this requirement on a plant-based diet?

Goitrogens are compounds found in certain foods that can interfere with iodine absorption and affect thyroid function. Some health influencers argue that foods containing goitrogens are harmful and should be avoided. However, many of the foods that are highest in goitrogens also offer important health benefits. So should you avoid goitrogens, or enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet? And are there ways to reduce goitrogen levels in foods?

The nutrient choline is essential for human health. But most people understand very little about this crucial compound. In this article, we’ll examine what choline is, how much you need, and what the best sources are. We’ll take a look at the controversies over whether plant-based eaters are at risk of choline deficiency, explore whether supplements are needed, and find out what might happen if you get too much choline.