Eating healthier is important for several reasons.

• A balanced and nutritious diet can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancers.
  
• It can help boost your energy levels and improve your overall mood, leading to increased productivity and a better quality of life.
• Eating healthy can aid in weight management, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues.
• Can also improve your mental health, as studies have shown a link between diet and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Making healthier food choices and adopting a balanced diet can have a positive impact on both your physical and mental wellbeing.

Prunes, also known as dried plums, are a nutrient-dense food that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. This makes prunes a great food to consume to help boost overall health and well-being.
Prunes are also an excellent source of fiber, which is important for maintaining digestive health and regularity. They help to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which can improve immunity and overall health. Additionally, consuming prunes can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.
One specific benefit of prunes is their potential to support bone health. They are a particularly rich source of vitamin K, which plays a key role in bone health and helps to prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, they are high in other nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can also aid in bone health.

In addition to their nutritional benefits, prunes have also been found to have potential health benefits for cardiovascular health. Research suggests that consuming prunes can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, which is important for reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, prunes are also high in potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure levels and is another key factor in maintaining cardiovascular health.
Overall, prunes are an incredibly nutritious food that can offer many potential health benefits. They are easy to incorporate into diets and can be eaten as a snack or added to recipes. For those interested in maintaining or improving their overall health and well-being, prunes are a great food to consider incorporating into their diet.

Ultra-processed foods, as the name suggests, are foods that have undergone a high degree of processing and contain a large number of added ingredients. They are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium. Several studies have shown that a diet high in ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems.

One of the reasons for this is that ultra-processed foods often contain high amounts of added sugar, which can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels and contribute to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, many ultra-processed foods are high in unhealthy fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Another issue with ultra-processed foods is that they tend to be low in fiber and nutrients. Consumption of these foods can lead to a lack of essential vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health. This is a significant problem, as a large proportion of the population relies on ultra-processed foods as a major source of their daily caloric intake.

Some studies suggest that the processing itself may contribute to the negative health effects of ultra-processed foods. For example, the use of high heat and pressure in the manufacturing process can lead to the development of harmful by-products such as acrylamide, which can increase the risk of cancer.

It is important to limit intake of ultra-processed foods in order to maintain optimal health. A diet that is high in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases and should be prioritized. Education and awareness campaigns around the negative impacts of ultra-processed foods could assist in reducing consumption of these products and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Jacquelyn Cafasso writes for Healthline Nutrition to help us understand how honey wins out:
But both honey and agave nectar are caloric sweeteners and offer little added nutritional value. Honey is better than agave nectar because it is:

• higher in antioxidants
• lower in fructose-content
• less processed
• has other health benefits

Agave nectar is marketed for its low glycemic index, but its high fructose content cancels out its potential upsides. If you don’t like the taste of honey, or you’re a strict vegan who doesn’t eat honey, the differences between the two aren’t significant enough to warrant making the change.

Read Cafasso's article, in its entirety, on Healthline's website.

The National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements has a bit to say about vitamin A too.  Check out their Vitamin A and Carotenoids Fact Sheet for Consumers.

• Aid in growth and development: Snacks that are rich in nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron help with the growth and development of children. For example, yogurt, cheese, and hummus are all healthy snacks that provide protein and calcium.
  
• Help maintain a healthy weight: Eating healthy snacks can help maintain a healthy weight in children. Kids who snack on healthy foods are less likely to consume too much sugar and fat, which can lead to obesity.
  
• Boost brainpower: Healthy snacks can help keep kids sharp and focused. Foods like nuts, seeds, and avocados contain healthy fats that can improve cognitive function.
• Promote healthy habits: Encouraging healthy snacking habits in kids can lead to a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Children who snack on healthier foods are more likely to continue making healthy choices as they grow older.

Check out 28 healthy snacks your kids will love by clicking the button below.

Vitamins have different jobs to help keep the body working properly. Some vitamins help you resist infections and keep your nerves healthy, while others may help your body get energy from food or help your blood clot properly. Most older adults can get all the nutrients they need from foods. Here are a few examples of important vitamins and their food sources:

• Vitamin D: Eat fatty fish, fish liver oils, fortified milk and milk products, and fortified cereals.
• Vitamin B6: The richest sources of vitamin B6 include fish, potatoes and other starchy vegetables, and fruit (other than citrus).
• Calcium: Eat milk and other dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, soybeans, canned sardines and salmon with bones, and calcium-fortified foods.

National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created 50 years ago in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
Visit AND’s website for more information, including this year's theme, 50 Ideas to Get Involved and campaign resources available in multiple languages.
Join us in congratulating the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics on their 50th Anniversary of National Nutrition Month®!

Overall there is no denying how wonderful pancakes are - especially during colder months when we need some extra warmth (and yumminess!). And since so many cultures from all over the globe have their own versions of this classic dish it really shows how versatile these little treats really are - perfect for anyone who loves good food on chilly days.
Grace Linden's recent article A Brief History of Pancakes, published on Smithsonian Magazine online, might just be enough to get some ideas going for a diversion from the ordinary.  Click below to check out a collection of 18 pancake recipes from around the world.

Regularly under-eating can lead to a number of mental, physical, and emotional health issues. Healthline's Franziska Spritzler gives these nine signs to help you know if you may need to eat more.

Sucrose, glucose, and fructose are three common types of sugar that are absorbed differently and have slightly different effects on the body. Whether they occur naturally in foods or are added to them also makes a big difference in how they affect your health.

Save money when food shopping! View the U.S. Department of Agriculture's resources and tips for eating healthy on a budget.

Here's an article we had a hard time opening.  But we did.  And because we all want to be healthy, we know you will want to open and read it too.

This article explains why commercially fried foods are bad for you and provides some healthier alternatives to consider (thankfully).

Preliminary findings from an NIA-funded study found that a daily multivitamin might improve cognition in older adults or protect cognitive health with age.

Check out Kaitlyn Berkheiser's article on the health benefits of vitamin B12, based on science.  She starts by writing that Vitamin B12 plays a key role in many aspects of health and may support bone health, red blood cell formation, energy levels, and mood.

Then read Melissa Grove's article on Vitamin B12 dosage.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis, free help is immediately available.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, via phone, text and online chat, offering people compassionate care and support from trained crisis counselors for individuals, families or their loved ones. One does not have to be suicidal to call 988 but can reach out when experiencing any behavioral health crisis. 988 call services are available in English and Spanish, along with interpretation services in more than 150 languages. Texting 988 and online chat are currently available only in English. Veterans and military service members can call 988 and press “1” to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS) researchers explore how regular protein consumption can ward off disability in older adults.
Read what ARS Office of Communications writer Kathryn Markham has written about it.

• Pancakes
  
• Pudding
  
• Muffins
  
• Smoothie
  
• Soup
  

That's something to delve into! 

Click the link below to dive a bit deeper into these five foods and learn how to incorporate pumpkin into them.

Ever wonder, if there is Good Nutrition what is it? Click below to read Healthline's take on what Good Nutrition is...

A properly stocked pantry is the key to preparing better-for-you meals at home. Having the right ingredients on hand lets you put together tasty meals in a hurry. Build your pantry over time by stocking a variety of the below items.

Balance of oils: canola and olive oil

• Use less expensive olive oil for cooking and more expensive extra-virgin olive oil for salads and finishing a dish. You won’t notice the difference in flavor when cooking with less expensive oil.
  

Variety of vinegars, citrus juices and fresh citrus

• Stock white, red, sherry and balsamic vinegars for salads, sauces and cooking.
  
• Lemons, limes and oranges have great flavor and acid, so they can be used as vinegar substitutes.
  
• Vinegars and citrus’ have unique flavors. Experiment to discover what you and your family like!
  
• Try vinegar on raw onions and garlic to cut the strong flavor but still maintain the powerful benefits.
  

Low-sodium stocks and broths

• These are useful for a soup, sauce or stir-fry base.
  
• Stocks and broths come in beef, chicken and vegetable flavors. Choose the unsalted or low-sodium varieties.
  
• Try stock or broth to thin homemade mashed potatoes instead of butter.
  

Herbs, spices and ethnic items
Herbs and spices add lots of flavor without adding fat. However, they should be used in moderation as they can be high in salt. Try a variety of the below items to add zest to your meals.

• Basil
  
• Cardamom
  
• Cinnamon
  
• Fish sauce
  
• Hoisin sauce
• Hot sauce
• Kosher salt
• Nutmeg
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Pesto
• Sage
• Sea salt
• Soy sauce
• Sriracha sauce
  

Assortment of whole grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of nutrients and fiber. Grains differ in their uses and flavors, so experiment to find the ones you and your family like best.

• 100% whole-grain breads
• 100% whole-grain oatmeal
• Variety of whole-grain, low-sugar cereals
• Brown, white or wild rice
• Brown or white rice pasta
• Whole-wheat pasta or couscous
• Quinoa
• Cellophane noodles or vermicelli
• Barley
• Flaxseed
• Quick cook, traditional or steel-cut oats
• Rice paper
• Wheat berries
• Wheat farro pearls
  

Thanks! to yumPOWER for these tips.