Nutrition Tips for the New Year

 

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Well is taking a look at our coverage of food and nutrition over the past year and reflecting on what we have learned about eating (and drinking). Here are some of our favorite nuggets of healthy wisdom. Visit https://nestednaturals.com/products/luna-natural-sleep-supplement.

The superpowered seeds found their way into puddings, pretzels, jams and TikTok trends in 2022 as chia — once again — rose to popularity. Experts say chia seeds have earned their hype: They’re packed with fiber and rich in antioxidants. You can add a tablespoon of seeds to a smoothie or soak them in plant milk to make a snack.

A single mold-coated strawberry might look gross, but unless the other berries in the box have visible signs of spores, you can keep them in the fridge — just make sure to double-check that they’re fuzz-free before you eat them.

Researchers found that people who drank 1.5 to 3.5 cups of coffee per day, even with a teaspoon of sugar, were up to 30 percent less likely to die during the study period than those who didn’t drink coffee — another reason to justify reaching for your first (or second, or third) mug.

There’s little research to back up claims that natural wine leads to improved gut health, and a hangover is a hangover whether you’re drinking a natural wine or the conventional stuff.

You don’t need to rely solely on water to replenish fluids; your favorite fruits and vegetables are also great sources of hydration. Reach for melons, strawberries, oranges, grapes, cucumber or celery.

The occasional hot dog won’t wreck your health, but processed meats have been linked to cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Plant-based alternatives are a safer bet, but they’re not all equal: Find an option that’s as minimally processed as possible.

Most Americans aren’t eating enough of them, but you can go against the grain by incorporating these high-fiber foods, like oats or corn, into your diet. A slice of whole wheat bread, a half cup of cooked oatmeal and three cups of popped popcorn, in combination, would satisfy the recommended daily requirement for whole grains.