Health & Diet Medical Reference
Eating as an Adult With a Chronic Condition
- Can You Mix Protein With Your Coffee?
WebMD users who drink coffee and want to learn if there are benefits or risks to adding protein to their coffee.
- What Are Health Halo Foods?
Health halo foods are foods that seem nutritious but might be a bit misleading. Learn how to recognize these food types and groups in the grocery.
- Is Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) Safe?
An ingredient that makes some citrus drinks good to the last drop may soon get the boot. Learn why the FDA is finally banning BVO.
- Cortisol Belly: Causes and Symptoms
What is cortisol belly? Find out myths and facts behind this popular diet term.
- Chia Seed Water: Is It Good for You?
Ever heard of chia seed water? Learn more about this trendy drink, including benefits, how to make it yourself, and when to drink it.
- Energy Drinks: Side Effects, Ingredients, and Alternatives
Are energy drinks safe? Find out more about your energy drink, including their ingredients, side effects, and other options to explore.
- Magnesium for Constipation: How to Use It So It Works
Magnesium for constipation comes in several forms. Learn the right dosage for each and how to use them safely and effectively.
- Acheta Powder (Cricket Flour)
Acheta powder is a protein-rich flour made from crickets, known for its high nutrients, sustainability, and use in smoothies, baked goods, and protein bars.
- Health Benefits of Licorice Root
Find out what nutrients are in licorice root and learn how it can help everything from cancer to ulcers.
- How to Lower Your Blood Sugar
To lower blood sugar quickly, drink water, exercise, eat fiber-rich foods, avoid sugary foods, and manage stress.
- What Is Annatto?
Annatto is a natural food coloring and flavoring derived from the seeds of the achiote tree, commonly used in cheese, butter, and snacks for its yellow to orange hue.
- Health Benefits of Fonio
Learn about how fonio, an ancient grain native to West Africa, can give your diet variety and a boost of whole-grain nutrition.
- Flexible Dieting: Everything You Need to Know
Flexible dieting allows you to eat with fewer limits. Learn more about how to count your macros, what foods are a part of this diet, and more.
- Carnivore Diet: Meal Plan, Food List, and What You Should Know
The carnivore diet is based mostly on red meat, chicken, eggs, and fish while excluding fruits and vegetables. Learn more about whether this diet is right for you.
- What Can Cause a B12 Deficiency?
Most people have enough B12, but a deficiency can happen. Learn about the most common causes, from what you eat to other health conditions you have.
- B12 Deficiency in Children: What to Know
Children need vitamin B12 to help their brains and bodies develop and grow. When they don’t get enough of the vitamin, they can feel weak and tired, and it can cause other health problems.
- Health Benefits of Loquat
Find out how loquat helps everything from cancer to diabetes.
- Eating Out With Hyperkalemia
If you have hyperkalemia, you may find it hard to manage your potassium when you eat out. Here are ways to dine successfully.
- General Guidelines to Lower Your Potassium Intake
Follow these simple tips to lower your potassium levels through your diet.
- Can These Popular Diets Lower Potassium?
Need to keep your potassium in check? Read on to see how these popular diets may (or may not) help.
- Health Benefits of Wine Cap Mushrooms
Find out what health benefits you can get from wine cap mushrooms.
- Food Deserts: What to Know
Learn about these areas with limited access to nutritious and affordable foods, along with what causes them and what to do if you're affected.
- What Is Culinary Medicine?
Culinary medicine is a new field taught in some medical school programs. It looks at the ways we can use food as medicine. Learn more here.
- What to Know About Sea Vegetables
Learn about sea vegetables. Discover the types of edible seaweed and their associated health benefits.
- Cheddar Cheese: Are There Health Benefits?
Find out what the research says about cheddar cheese, who should avoid it, and how it may affect your health.
- What to Know About Ramen Noodles
Find out what ramen noodles are, how to make ramen noodles, and if they are healthy.
- What to Know About Banana Spiders
There are several species of spiders that have earned the nickname "banana spiders." Learn what those are, what they look like, and which ones are venomous.
- What to Know About Absinthe
What is absinthe? Learn about absinthe effects, whether absinthe is legal and safe, and the history of absinthe.
- What to Know About Dietitians vs. Nutritionists
Find out what you need to know about dietitians vs. nutritionists, their educational qualifications, professional roles, and more.
- What Is the 1200-Calorie Diet?
Learn what you need to know about the 1200-calorie diet, and find out if it’s a healthy and effective way to lose weight.
- Cottage Cheese: Health Benefits and Nutrition
Find out what the research says about cottage cheese, who should avoid it, and how it may affect your health.
- Coconut Sugar: Are There Health Benefits?
Find out what the research says about coconut sugar, who should avoid it, and how it may affect your health.
- What to Know About Pine Needle Tea
Learn about pine needle tea. Discover how it’s made and the health benefits that it can provide.
- What Are Genetically Modified Foods?
Genetically modified foods (or GM foods) are bioengineered foods that contain genetically modified organisms (or GMOs). Why are scientists changing food, and is it safe?
- What Are Simple Sugars?
Simple sugars are the most basic types of sugar, and your body uses them for energy. Learn where simple sugars are found, how they are different from complex sugars, and the impact that both can have on your body.
- Is Stale Food Safe? How to Tell When Stale Food Is Safe to Eat
Stale food has lost some of its texture and taste, but is it safe to eat? Learn why food goes stale, if it's still safe, and how to prevent staleness.
- What Are Natural Preservatives?
Find out what you need to know about natural preservatives and how they may be better for your health.
- Understanding Food Emulsifiers and Their Effects
Is eating emulsified food good or bad for you? Read on to learn about the different emulsifiers and how they can impact your health.
- What Are Saskatoon Berries?
Saskatoon berries are edible berry-like fruits. Learn about their nutrition, health benefits, and more.
- Apple Cider: Are There Health Benefits?
Find out what the research says about apple, who should avoid it, and how it may affect your health.
- Benefits of Chicken of the Woods
Find out how more about chicken of the woods, its health benefits, and how to eat this mushroom.
- Health Benefits of Salmonberry
Find out how salmonberry can be beneficial for your health.
- Health Benefits of Shaggy Mane Mushroom
Find out what you need to know about shaggy mane mushrooms, including their benefits, downsides, and more.
- Health Benefits of Pheasant Back Mushroom
Find out how pheasant back mushroom can be beneficial for your health.
- Health Benefits of Giant Puffball
Find out how giant puffball mushrooms are beneficial for your health.
- Health Benefits of Bolete Mushroom
Find out how Bolete mushrooms can be beneficial for your health.
- Health Effects of Droughts
With increases in climate change, droughts are growing larger and worse. What are droughts, and how do they affect your health?
- What Is Palmitic Acid?
Curious about palmitic acid, its uses, and its health effects? Read our guide to curb your curiosity!
- Health Benefits of Pawpaw Fruit
While they’re native to the U.S., pawpaws look and smell like mangoes. Here’s more about a rare and nutritious fruit you don’t often see in stores.