Why are some food additives allowed in the United States but banned in other countries? Several controversial ingredients are still permitted in the US food supply, despite being restricted or banned elsewhere. Here are the top additives you'll want to avoid and look out for in our food supply and where they're commonly found.

# 1 Artificial Food Dyes

Linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects [1]. These food colors are banned or labeled with warnings in the...

As Memorial Day approaches, the excitement of summer begins! How can you make the most of this three-day holiday weekend while staying healthy and enjoying yourself? We've got you covered with these simple tips:

Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you're spending time outdoors in the sun[1].
• Opt for refreshing, non-alcoholic beverages like infused water or iced tea to keep you cool and hydrated.

Choose Healthy Grilling Options

• Opt for lean meats, such as...

Understanding European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Guidelines

Synthetic fibers are common in many packaged foods and supplements in the United States. However, Europe is more cautious, with the safety of synthetic fibers remaining under scrutiny. Ovvia® refers to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines as the FDA is still updating its regulations.

Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers

Natural fibers originate from whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole...

Struggling to find genuine extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)? 

In this shopping guide, discover the key factors to look for and certifications to trust when shopping for authentic EVOO. Last week, you learned how to "Spot Genuine EVOO: Unveiling the Truth Behind Counterfeits." Here's a quick and easy guide:

What Matters in EVOO

1. Harvest Date: Choose EVOO within 24 months of harvest for optimal freshness [1].
2. Ignore Buzzwords: "Fresh pressed," "cold pressed," and "Non-GMO" labels can be...

Are you Overpaying for a Counterfeit?

Just because you're shopping at a specialty grocery or high-end supermarket doesn't guarantee that the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) you're buying is the real deal. The olive oil industry is notorious for lacking regulation, which allows fake EVOO to infiltrate the market [1]. So, what's the difference between real and fake EVOO, and why should you care?

Real vs. Fake EVOO

• Authenticity: Real EVOO meets stringent chemical and sensory standards, ensuring...

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and it's time to prepare for a fun-filled holiday! While festivities often involve delicious food and drinks, enjoying the celebration without compromising your health is possible. Here are five tips to help you maintain your wellness goals during the holiday weekend:

1. Opt for Fresh Veggies Over Chips: Instead of reaching for high-fat chips, choose vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots for snacking. These fiber-rich and nutrient-dense...

Fast-food chicken, particularly grilled chicken, is often considered healthy. However, this is not always the case. You may want to avoid fast-food chicken altogether; I stopped eating it.

Top Five Reasons Why:

#1: High-Fat Content: Fast-food chicken is often fried, coated with flour, breading, and cooked at high temperatures in unhealthy oils. This cooking process causes extra fat to accumulate in the meat. Even grilled and crispy chicken versions contain high amounts of fat due to the...

Do you eat at the same time every day, regardless of whether you're truly hungry?

Do you reach for food when stressed or emotional? You're not alone. Many of us fall into the trap of routine eating, where we eat out of habit rather than responding to our body's actual hunger signals [1]. But why do we behave this way?

As humans, we have evolved to seek out food to survive. In the past, we didn't always have easy access to food, so eating when it was available was important. This has led us to...

Looking for a unique way to break your regular eating routine on the weekends?

Brunch is the perfect meal to enjoy a combination of sweet and savory flavors without compromising your health. Here are three brunch favorites that you can enjoy guilt-free!

Ricotta Toast Bar

Instead of a taco or salad bar, make a ricotta toast bar and combine these ingredients to make all three savory and sweet favorites featured in the video!

Why's it Healthy?

Whole Milk Ricotta is a healthy option that...

Starting a new exercise routine can trigger an increased appetite and hunger, but is it real or just a decoy? Let's explore the science behind post-exercise hunger and how to distinguish between real and decoy hunger signals.

Leptin and Fat Storage

Leptin is a metabolic hormone that manages your appetite and fat stores. When you start an exercise program, Leptin thinks the stored fat on your body is there intentionally and that you've been saving and keeping it as future energy. This leads to...