“Garlic belongs in the allium family,” explains Sudha Raj, PhD, RDN, a teaching professor at Syracuse University’s Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics in Syracuse, New York. Allium refers to a class of plants that also contains onions, scallions, leeks, and shallots. “It contains phytochemicals such as allicin and organosulfur compounds,” Dr. Raj adds. These phytochemicals (or plant compounds) are responsible for the plant’s heart-healthy, immune-supportive, anti-inflammatory, and nutritional properties....

“From helping to reduce blood pressure and increase oxygen to providing a generous dose of antioxidants, there are quite a few reasons to include beets in your diet,” says Jenna Volpe, RDN, who’s based in Austin, Texas. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), raw beets pack a nutritional punch. They’re a rich source of fiber, manganese, copper, and folate. Beets even offer a surprising amount of protein while being naturally low in fat and free of cholesterol....

In 2017, the American Academy of Cardiology (ACC) and AHA issued new guidelines for high blood pressure, which define hypertension as 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher. The standard used to be 140/90 mmHg. Under the new guidelines, nearly half of Americans meet the definition for high blood pressure. What’s more, only about a quarter of adults with high blood pressure in the United States have their condition under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)....

“Pizza, when you think about it, is composed of carbohydrates from the crust, protein from the cheese, and fat from the cheese and toppings, and these are all the components of what a meal would typically contain,” says Amy Kimberlain, RD, a Miami-based spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Not to mention that it provides energy and flavor, and overall can really hit the spot.” Though some people believe pizza is an indulgence, that isn’t always the case....

But it’s not always easy to make the call on whether you should stick with that sweat session or give your body a break for the day. If you didn’t sleep well last night, you’re feeling slightly under the weather, or you just got your COVID-19 vaccine, here’s what experts advise doing: 1. You Have a Cold, and Your Nose Is Running Like a Faucet The Verdict Sweat it out The Rationale As long as you don’t have a fever and you feel like doing it, you’re cleared to exercise, says Susan L....

How Often? Heather Milton, CSCS, a board-certified clinical exercise physiologist with NYU Langone Health in New York City, recommends starting with one or two Pilates workouts a week. For a balanced exercise regimen, think of these as add-ons to other cardio and strength-training workouts you might do throughout the week, Milton says. Pilates will complement these other workouts but doesn’t exactly qualify as a strength-training or aerobic exercise because it doesn’t generally involve enough resistance or raise your heart rate enough....

Often affectionately referred to as the “PSL,” this popular Starbucks drink can be served hot or cold, and typically becomes available at the end of August each year. That’s when the pro–pumpkin spice and anti–pumpkin spice camps resume their annual debate on social media. With CNBC estimating that 424 million PSLs have been sold worldwide since it was introduced, in 2003, it seems people may be more “pro” than “no” when it comes to the PSL....

The trial, Vaccine Against Lyme for Outdoor Recreationists (VALOR) will investigate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of the investigational Lyme disease vaccine candidate, VLA15. “We are extremely pleased to reach this important milestone in the development of VLA15. Lyme disease continues to spread, representing a high unmet medical need that impacts the lives of many in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Juan Carlos Jaramillo, MD, chief medical officer of Valneva, in a release....

Like many people, you may be left wondering, What exactly are adaptogens, and can they really help me? The scoop: “Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms known for their ability to help your body better handle physical and emotional stress,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, a Chicago-based dietitian in private practice. “When you’re not stressed, you have a better memory, less fatigue, more endurance, can stick with tasks longer, and have sharper focus and attention,” says Blatner....

Here’s what you need to know about kale, including its nutritional facts, health benefits, health risks, and more. Defining Kale: What Exactly Is This Green, Leafy Veggie? Kale is a cruciferous vegetable in the same family as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and collard greens. It is easily distinguishable from its family members with its purple and green leaves. As a winter vegetable, kale is a delicious choice in the cold months when other cruciferous options are less available....

What Is Tofu, Exactly, and What Is It Made of? Tofu is processed soybean curd. It’s a popular plant-based protein option that’s eaten around the world, particularly in East Asia. (1) If you’ve enjoyed it in dishes like stir-fries, curries, or vegetable rice bowls, you may be curious about what you’re really eating and how it’s made. Tofu is made from soybeans that are ground in water, heated, and coagulated with minerals like calcium or magnesium salt....

To make good use of these gorgeous red fruits, you have more than a few options at your disposal, including whipping up a recipe that makes an unexpected pairing — strawberries and vinegar! The result: a sweet and tangy sauce you can enjoy in a variety of dishes all throughout the warmer months of the year. The recipe below shows you how these two play together beautifully in the kitchen....

Everyday Health: What is ankylosing spondylitis (AS)? Dr. Suleman Bhana: AS, or ankylosing spondylitis, is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. Autoimmune means a condition where the immune system is overactive, hyperactive, and instead of doing what we want, which is to help fight infections, the immune system is attacking its own body. In this case it could attack the joints, causing back pain and stiffness, but it may in fact even attack other body systems besides the back, such as the eyes, the skin, or the intestines, and may be part of a spectrum of disorders that are inflammatory....

What Is Remission? While there is currently no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, the ultimate goal is to remain in remission for as long as possible. Remission is a period of time during which your ankylosing spondylitis symptoms subside. You may experience a low level of disease activity, with little inflammation or physical limitation caused by joint pain and stiffness. “We want to get each person with ankylosing spondylitis to a place where he or she can maintain remission and possibly lower the use of medications,” says Anca Askanase, MD, an associate professor of medicine and director of rheumatology clinical trials at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City....

It’s estimated that at least 1.4 percent of adults in the United States have BPD, but the rate may be higher due to misdiagnosis, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). While it’s often reported that women suffer more than men — and as many as three-quarters of those diagnosed may be female — both women and men may have the disorder in equal numbers. (1) Because BPD is a personality disorder, it will likely impact many areas of a person’s life, from their romantic relationships to friendships and their work life....

Contrary to popular belief, people with type 2 diabetes can, in fact, eat bread — the right kinds, in moderation. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) puts it this way: “Starchy foods can be part of a healthy meal plan, but portion size is key. Breads, cereals, pasta, rice (whole-grain options are better), and starchy vegetables like potatoes, yams, peas, and corn can be included in your meals and snacks.” If you’ve been nervously avoiding the bread aisle at the supermarket until now, fear not....

For years now, athletes and bodybuilders have relied on casein supplements to build and strengthen their muscles. And with good reason. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says casein is a granular protein precipitate that comes from skim milk and is used as a protein supplement. Research also says casein protein can help fortify certain muscles in the chest, legs, and shoulders. “Casein is known as a time-release protein because it has a slower absorption rate in the gut, meaning it releases smaller amounts of amino acids over a longer period of time,” says Amy Shapiro, RD, who is in private practice in New York City....

Fitness trackers have become ubiquitous in the last few years as they can help people monitor their health, form better habits, and foster fitness goals. Whether you’re a self-described couch potato who wants to move more, or you’ve just won the New York City Marathon, these trackers have features designed to benefit people at every fitness level. Factors to Consider Prior to Purchasing a Fitness Tracker Design Most fitness trackers on the market are designed as bracelets or watches....

While the flu barely caused a blip last season, thanks to COVID-19 precautions like stay-at-home orders, masking, and social distancing, experts say that’s not likely to be the case for the 2021–2022 flu season. With children returning to school and adults going back into offices, doctors are expecting to see a significant uptick in flu cases this fall and winter. In fact, last winter’s lack of flu may have set us up for a particularly early, and potentially severe, flu season, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)....

Human growth receptor, abbreviated as HER2, is found on the surface of breast cancer cells. It’s presence in high or low amounts suggests how responsive the tumor will be to certain treatments. In the past, HER2 status was based upon a score, with a number 3 or above indicating HER2-positive disease, which is known to be more aggressive and difficult to treat. A score below 3 was categorized as HER2-negative disease....