Skip to main content

Health

Image of meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains on a cutting board

Fuel for the Future

March is National Nutrition Month. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created the annual campaign in 1973 (50 years ago), and it includes a new theme each year. This year’s theme is “Fuel for the Future.” But what exactly does that mean? Food is the fuel that our bodies need to keep our system...
Finish this story
An array of whole fruits and vegetables around a circular wooden cutting board, including carrots, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, oranges, and strawberries. Contains an orange I block logo and Illinois Extension workmark.

The fuel to fight cancer

Most of us know at least one person who has been affected by cancer. As we age, the risk of getting cancer increases. In fact, eighty percent of those diagnosed with cancer are 55 years of age or older. While we may not be able to prevent every cancer, we can help lower our risk. Our diet and food...
Finish this story
Three cinnamon sticks stacked over a pile of ground cinnamon on a dark table. Contains an Illinois Extension wordmark and orange I logo.

Enjoy the delectable taste of cinnamon

Cinnamon is my absolute favorite spice; it’s my go-to candle scent, my favorite flavor of gum, and it’s generally the largest spice container in my spice cabinet. Cinnamon comes from the inner bark of various species of Cinnamomum trees. Ceylon cinnamon is known as “true cinnamon” but the cinnamon...
Finish this story
Pomegranates, oranges, and grapefruits cut in half

Fueling the immune system

This blog post was written by Illinois State University graduate student and dietetic intern, Kristi Brougher.  Have you ever heard the saying, “you are what you eat”? Well, this can be true. What you eat can play a role in the health of your body. Now more than ever,...
Finish this story
Shelves stacked with boxes and bags of food

How to support your local food pantry this holiday season

There are many things to be thankful for this time of year, and one of them is having enough food to nourish our bodies and fill our appetites. However, the harsh reality is that nearly 20 million U.S. adults reported that in the last seven days, their household sometimes or often didn’t have...
Finish this story
A wooden spoon full of wheat germ with text

Add valuable nutrients to the diet with wheat germ

If you’ve ever heard of adding wheat germ to your foods, you may have wondered what it is and why you would add it. Wheat germ is simply a component of the whole grain wheat kernel. In fact, all whole grains are composed of the bran, the endosperm and the germ. Each component contains valuable...
Finish this story
Sliced zucchini on a cutting board with text

Squash the rumors about zucchini!

This blog post was written by Illinois State University graduate student and dietetic student, Shelby Holt. With the rising trends surrounding ‘zoodles, this famous squash is growing more popular every day! Zucchini is a low-calorie summer squash, free of sodium, cholesterol, and fat. It...
Finish this story
A row of tacos with text that says, 'taco time'.

Tacos are an easy meal for the whole family

Americans have a love for tacos. Whether they’re served at the family dinner table, a business meeting, or as a late-night snack at a local bar, tacos have made their way as being one of America’s most adored food. Afterall, any time of the day is the right time of the day to eat tacos! There are...
Finish this story
A beach with a surfboard propped up in the sand

Packing food for the beach

Many people are longing to get away this year, and what better way to pursue happiness than a trip to the beach? The silky sand and gorgeous water views are perfect for relaxing in the sun. But a day on the beach requires some planning to keep yourself nourished and hydrated. For a long day at the...
Finish this story
A spoon scooping ghee out of a glass jar. Flowers on the table around the jar.

Is ghee healthier than other fats?

You may have heard about a type of fat, often used in Indian and Asian cuisine, called ghee. It’s been touted as having many health benefits, including decreased inflammation and improved digestion. However, is there any evidence to support these claims? Ghee is clarified butter made by slowly...
Finish this story
Two cups of coffee on platers with a leaf design in the foam.

How much caffeine is too much?

Do you start your day with a cup of joe? My children now ask me if I’ve remembered my coffee as we pile into the car to drive to school and work. They know how important this cup of goodness is and how it can send me into a frenzy when I don’t have it. But is this everyday caffeine intake good for...
Finish this story