Dealing with Changes in Taste and Odor Perception

Part of eating well is enjoying our food. Changes in the ability to taste and smell can interfere with that joy. Unfortunately, these two senses often diminish with age, which can harm our choices of foods, along with our enjoyment. Acknowledging and addressing changes to taste and smell can help bring pleasure back to the plate.

Organic Produce: The Facts

Organic produce is not necessarily more nutritious than conventional, but other factors may influence purchasing decisions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates labelling of organic foods, says organic fruits and vegetables must be grown without the use of most synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, and the seeds cannot be genetically engineered. Surveys done over the years show that organic produce is often (but not always) more costly to grow and thus more expensive than conventional produce.

The Happy, Healthy Holiday Plate

Celebrations often lead to overindulgence, unhealthy choices, and unwanted weight gain. Here are some tips for keeping holiday meals happy and healthy:

Foods, Not Supplements

Getting nutrients from foods, rather than supplements, is linked to better health.

A dietary pattern rich in foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains is associated with better overall health and lower risk of death from all causes. Since the micronutrients in these foods are one of the reasons for their positive health effects, many Americans try to improve their odds for a long, healthy life by taking vitamin and mineral supplements.

Health Harms of Lectins: Hype or Paradox?

Some test tube and animal studies suggest lectins may negatively impact health, but the foods in which they are found are consistently associated with positive health effects.

Lectins are a group of proteins that bind with carbohydrates. The lectins produced by our bodies perform a large number of functions, including roles in the immune system. Lectins are also found in many of the foods we eat. Nightshade vegetables (like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and potatoes), legumes (like beans, chickpeas, lentils, and peanuts), and whole grains are particularly high in dietary lectins.

Squash It!

Winter squash are packed with health-promoting nutrients.

Autumn is here, and with it comes a wide variety of versatile winter squash. This seasonal staple can expand the nutritional profile and brighten the appearance of your fall and winter plate—while also tantalizing your palate.

"Three Sisters" Squash, Corn, & Black Bean Salad