Author: Catherine

With artificial food coloring increasingly under fire, home cooks are turning to pantry staples to tint their Easter eggs instead of relying on synthetic dye kits. Beets, turmeric, blueberries, onion skins, cabbage, and hibiscus can all yield vivid hues when simmered in water, strained, then spiked with vinegar to help the pigment cling to shells. After cooling, the natural dye baths work much like store-bought versions: some eggs color in minutes, others need an overnight soak and multiple dips for depth. Turmeric produces sunny yellows, blueberries deep purples, beets pinks, while red onion skins and purple cabbage create surprisingly intense reds and blues. Not every “natural” colorant performs well—spirulina and matcha barely register on shells—so experiment and keep eggs refrigerated ...

Cutting out added sugar may do far more than trim your waistline. Research compiled by Health.com links high sugar intake to rising rates of obesity, visceral belly fat, and type 2 diabetes, while reducing added sugars can aid weight management and improve insulin sensitivity. Oral health also benefits: bacteria feed on sugar to produce acids that erode tooth enamel, so limiting added sugars to under 10% of daily calories helps prevent cavities and gum disease. Evidence suggests lower sugar consumption may support heart health by reducing triglycerides and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check, and it could even calm inflammation that contributes to acne and fatty liver disease. Experts stress you do not need to eliminate natural sugars in fruit, vegetables, and milk—only to rein...

A growing body of evidence suggests that what people eat can powerfully influence the course of fatty liver disease, a condition marked by excess fat buildup in the liver. Researchers and clinicians now emphasize patterns such as the Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, as a cornerstone of care alongside weight management and exercise. At the same time, they warn that ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive saturated fats may accelerate liver damage and related metabolic problems. For patients, the message is shifting from isolated “superfoods” to long-term, sustainable eating habits that protect liver function. A detailed discussion of these dietary strategies appears in an overview on fatty liver disease and diet published by Liv...

Bloating may be common, but nutrition experts say your grocery list can make a real difference. Drawing on research and registered dietitians’ advice, a new Women’s Health roundup highlights 20 foods that may help ease gas and water retention, from probiotic-rich yogurt and ginger to potassium-packed bananas and avocados. Hydrating produce like cucumber, tomatoes, and asparagus may help the body flush excess fluid, while high‑fiber picks such as oatmeal, lentils, and artichokes support more regular digestion. Enzyme-rich fruits, including kiwi, papaya, and pineapple, are also flagged for their potential to speed up the breakdown of food and reduce discomfort. The story stresses that simple habits—like eating slowly, cutting back on ultra‑processed foods, and skipping fizzy drinks—remain es...