Special Reports

Trillions of microbes live in our bodies, most in the lower part of our gut. Scientists are just beginning to understand the complex and important role they play in our health—and how the dietary choices we make can influence their makeup.

Your Microbial Partners: The Gut Microbiome and Your Health

We share our bodies with trillions of microorganisms. This community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites is known as the microbiota. “Previous estimates have...
Many questions remain regarding the usefulness and safety of most dietary supplements. Get the facts before you buy.

Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know

More than half of American adults take dietary supplements—oral products containing at least one vitamin, mineral, herb or other botanical, amino acid, or enzyme—in...
There is a seemingly endless supply of supplements marketed to combat aging. So far, there is no good evidence any of them work.

Anti-Aging Dietary Supplements: Fact vs. Marketing Fiction

Our quest for the fountain of youth is a big business. It has been estimated that the anti-aging products market in the U.S. was...
We get vitamin D from sun exposure and a few foods (fatty fish, mushrooms, egg yolk, and fortified milk and juices).

Vitamin D and Your Health: Unanswered Questions

If you take supplements in an effort to raise your blood levels of vitamin D, protect your bone health, or boost your immune system,...
Change habits

Top 10 Swaps for Good Health

We asked Tufts experts for one small change they would recommend for the biggest benefits. Here’s what they said: 1. Try Barley, not White Rice...
If reports of foodborne illness or contaminants have you concerned about eating some healthy foods, a little knowledge and simple actions can ease your worries.

To Worry…or Not to Worry?

Making healthy food choices is hard enough without worrying about the additional potential health impact of things like pesticide residues, environmental contaminants, and rogue...
No pill (or collection of pills) can replicate the healthful nutrients in whole foods.

Dietary Supplement Myths You Need to Know

In a 2019 poll, 86 percent of Americans surveyed said they took some kind of vitamin, mineral, or other dietary supplement. Ironically, data are...
We eat more when we’re hungry. The right food choices can help us feel happily satisfied longer—and support our health.

Staying Satisfied while Losing Weight

Hunger matters: research suggests we have an easier time eating less if we feel less hungry. Scientists have learned a lot in recent years...
You don’t need expensive specialty foods to build a healthy dietary pattern. A little planning and minimal effort add up to big savings.

Mythbusting: The Cost of Healthy Eating

Let’s face it, checking out with a real or virtual cart full of fresh, organic produce, gluten-free and organic snacks, wild-caught fish, and grass-fed...
Whole grains come in all different shapes and sizes—but they are all simple to cook, delicious, and healthy choices.

The Ultimate Guide to Whole Grains

Eating more minimally processed whole grains and whole-grain foods is a good choice for your health. Beyond oatmeal and brown rice, there’s a wide...