Food is one of the strongest predictors of how your body and brain will function over time. Some choices steady your energy, protect your neurons, or support long-term memory. Others do the opposite: There are several common foods that, when eaten in excess, can spike blood sugar, drive inflammation, and disrupt sleep.

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy and one of three macronutrients. Cutting them out can lead to big changes in how the body runs and possibly do more harm than good.

If you're on a mission to enhance the nutritional quality of your diet, look no further than the benefits of kale. The leafy green is brimming with key nutrients and powerful compounds, making it one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Furthermore, kale packs plenty of nutrients in a small amount, so you'll get the most bang for your buck. Curious to learn more? We asked dietitians for a deep dive on the benefits of eating kale, and why it's worth adding to smoothies, soups, and more.

If you follow a plant-based diet or enjoy meatless meals, you've likely incorporated veggie burgers into your rotation. But are veggie burgers healthy, like many people think? The patties have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they're often touted as "better" alternatives to traditional beef burgers. Yet, some veggie burgers are also highly processed, making it difficult to know which type of patty is best.

Watermelon is considered a healthy fruit, but it can cause blood sugar spikes when eaten in large quantities.

When it comes to foods high in protein, many people reach for meat, eggs, and legumes. But you're not limited to these options; there are plenty of high-protein grains to enjoy. These ingredients provide a plant-based alternative to animal foods, which is helpful if you're trying to eat less meat. They're also a good source of fiber, which works with protein to enhance satiety and reduce hunger. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, making them some of the healthiest foods you can eat.

The term superfood has a murky etymology. Some say it was first used by the United Fruit Company to promote bananas back in 1915. Other word geeks believe it started with the marketing of apparently very nutritious Canadian muffins in 1949. Whatever, it eventually exploded in popularity thanks to modern advertising and influencing, largely via the internet and social media, but also with the help of research scientists. Lately the buzzword has gotten a little out of hand.

By the time late afternoon rolls around, so does that lethargic and unproductive sensation you’ve worked all day to avoid. The feeling is more commonly known as a ‘midday slump,’ or the dip in energy we experience halfway through the day. It’s easy to wonder if afternoon slumps show up like clockwork, but it’s actually the food we eat that helps drive (or curtail) our energy levels. That means there's a solution.