Food & Diet, features and articles | Educational Science

Nov 11, 2022

Do probiotics help with bloating?

Do probiotics help with bloating? If you’ve ever overindulged at a meal and experienced an uncomfortable sensation of fullness or a distended stomach, it’s a question you may have found yourself pondering. Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit the host and are found in foods like yogurt and the best...

Nov 12, 2022

Why does chocolate turn white (and is it safe to eat)?

Imagine you are about to finally enjoy the chocolate you got from trick-or-treating on Halloween, from your darling on Valentine's Day or during an egg hunt on Easter, only to unexpectedly find it covered with pale spots. Are they bad for you? Can you still eat the chocolate? Rest assured:...

Nov 28, 2022

Stock up on protein supplements for less with the Cyber Monday protein powder sale

Missed this year's Black Friday deals? No need to panic, there are still great savings to be made in the Cyber Monday protein powder sale. The Live Science team has scoured the Internet to find the best Cyber Monday deals, so you can enjoy up to 50% on best protein...

Dec 6, 2022

What is carb loading?

Carbohydrate loading, commonly known as carb loading or carbo-loading, is a nutrition strategy that’s often used by endurance athletes to improve their performance by increasing the amount of fuel stored in the muscles. Carbohydrates serve as the body's main source of energy. The carbs we consume are broken down into...

Dec 16, 2022

Gut health: What is it and how does it affect your body?

The gut contains trillions of microorganisms, including beneficial and harmful varieties. Collectively, these make up what is known as our gut microbiome. Maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms within the microbiome is crucial. Factors like diet, exercise, medications and even genetics can affect its composition and diversity, impacting various aspects...

Dec 20, 2022

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a family of short and long chain fatty acids that play an important role in the proper functioning of our bodies. They help to support brain health, reduce inflammation and promote good cardiovascular health. Here, we've dived into the role of omega-3 fatty acids in the...

Dec 23, 2022

Gut-brain axis: How it works and its link to mental health

Whether it’s a nervous sensation in the stomach before an important presentation or butterflies at the sight of a loved one, many people are aware of the connection between the gut and the brain. But the gut-brain axis is a real phenomenon, describing a two-way communication between the central nervous...

Jan 2, 2023

Does tea really help with digestion?

Digestive issues like bloating, stomach cramps and constipation can be difficult to deal with. So in the search for relief, does tea help digestion? There's certainly some health benefits to a humble cup of tea. For one, it's a rich source of antioxidants. These compounds may reduce the risk of...

Jan 4, 2023

What are superfoods?

Superfoods are foods — mostly plant-based but also some fish and dairy — that are nutritionally dense, containing lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are good for one's health. However, superfood isn't a scientifically recognised term, with no set criteria to determine what is and isn't a superfood, according...

Jan 6, 2023

Why do we crave comfort food?

Swathes of people turn to comfort foods when they're feeling down, stressed or just need a little pick-me-up. Comfort foods are often associated with carefree memories and can, to some extent, provide a sense of warmth and reassurance. But why do we crave these foods time and time again? And,...

Jan 11, 2023

Why fad diets don't work, according to experts

People who want to lose weight are often tempted to try one of the latest fad diets that are popular for a brief time and claim to help people shed pounds fast. But what is a fad diet? And do they actually help people lose weight long term? Kara Burnstine,...

Jan 19, 2023

What is mindful eating, and is it good for you? We explore the science behind it

Mindful eating is a practice that encourages people to focus on enjoying food while utilizing all of the senses, according to a 2015 review published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. Unlike so-called mindless eating, which usually involves consuming meals quickly and without paying attention, there are some basic...

Feb 1, 2023

Does coffee really give you an 'energy boost'?

Many of us want (or should I say need?) our morning coffee to give us our get up and go. Altogether, the people of the world drink more than two billion cups of coffee each day. You might think coffee gives you the energy to get through the morning or...

May 16, 2023

Non-sugar sweeteners don't help with weight loss and may come with health risks, WHO says

Non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) shouldn't be used to reduce body weight, according to newly released guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO). The United Nations (UN) health agency's report also suggested that long-term use of such sweeteners may come with health risks. Announced Monday (May 15), the new recommendations are based...

May 23, 2023

Why do people like spicy food?

Not everyone likes it hot. That's because eating spicy food can literally be a painful experience, which raises some questions: What makes certain foods spicy, and why do only some people like them? Spiciness is related to temperature sensation, which is why it doesn't make the list of classic tastes...