A lot of people think that oranges are the best sources of vitamin C. While oranges and other citrus fruits tend to receive a lot of attention for vitamin C, other sources, including Brussels sprouts, kiwis, and peppers, have a higher vitamin C content. In fact, one cup of Brussels sprouts contains 85 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, which covers the needs of most adults. Although Brussels sprouts are highly nutritious, they are not the only vitamin C superstars.

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid in supplement form, is an essential vitamin that you have to get via your diet. The human body does not make any vitamin C on its own. It is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. That means that it can support cellular health, healthy aging, and support immune function. Although supplementing is an option, you can easily find vitamin C in many fruits and vegetables. The following fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, so eat up!

Guava

Guava happens to be one of the richest dietary sources of vitamin C. One small guava contains 228 mg of vitamin C, which is more than double the amount you need in a day. Guava also provides fiber, which aids digestive health and promotes feelings of fullness. The high potassium and soluble fiber levels may also aid blood pressure management and reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. You can eat guava on its own, blend it into smoothies, incorporate it into desserts, or even sauces for savory dishes. 

Red Bell Peppers

Although they don’t contain as much vitamin C as guava, raw red bell peppers are excellent sources. Red bell peppers contain almost double the amount of vitamin C as Brussels sprouts, offering 121 mg per cup. In addition to the vitamin C content, red bell peppers offer valuable carotenoids, which act as antioxidants to support cellular health and skin integrity. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, which are the carotenoids in red bell peppers, work to protect the retina against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Just like the other foods in this article, the high vitamin C content aids the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. 

Kale

Kale is a valuable leafy green that offers more vitamin C by weight than Brussels sprouts, especially if you enjoy it raw. Not only does kale offer 23.4 mg of vitamin C per cup, but it also offers vitamin K (70% of the daily value per cup), magnesium, and other plant compounds that support heart and bone health. Kale is also rich in sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol, two compounds that help block cancer growth at a cellular level. Just like red bell peppers, kale also provides lutein and zeaxanthin, making it a great vegetable for eye health. 

Broccoli

Just like kale, broccoli provides a healthy amount of both vitamins C & K. In a cooked cup, broccoli provides over 90% of the daily value of vitamin C and about 92% of the daily value of vitamin K. Broccoli is also a close relative to Brussels sprouts and offers fiber, potassium, and antioxidants that work to fight inflammation and aid LDL cholesterol reduction. Studies suggest that it is better to eat broccoli raw or lightly steamed to maximize your benefits, as overcooking can destroy myrosinase, a valuable enzyme needed for sulforaphane production.

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Root vegetables have been enjoyed by many cultures for hundreds, even thousands, of years. These vegetables are defined as edible plants that grow underground. Popular root vegetables include turnips, beets, potatoes, carrots, and ginger, among many others. Each vegetable comes with a distinct set of nutrients and health benefits, some of which we’ll explore in this article. Continue reading to learn about some healthy root vegetables to enjoy this fall and winter. 

Radishes

Radishes have a peppery flavor, which comes from the sulfur-containing compounds, isothiocyanates. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body. Radishes are also rich in vitamin C, which encourages optimal immune function and aids collagen synthesis. Additionally, radishes provide coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, all of which aim to protect the cells in the body. 

Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant from China and is closely related to turmeric, another root vegetable. It contains gingerol, the primary antioxidant to which researchers attribute many of ginger’s health benefits. One study involved 1,278 pregnant women, and study authors noted that ginger was effective at reducing morning sickness and nausea. Other studies have found ginger to be effective at reducing pain and inflammation. 

Beets

Beets may be one of the most nutritious root vegetables available. They are naturally rich in folate, fiber, manganese, and nitrates, which help dilate blood vessels, potentially lowering blood pressure levels. According to research, consuming beets may help improve exercise performance and increase blood flow to the brain. Take advantage of these benefits by roasting, steaming, juicing, pickling, or boiling these blood red vegetables. 

Rutabaga

This root vegetable is not in your average grocery store. It isn’t the most attractive vegetable, but it does offer lots of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and several B vitamins, including thiamin and niacin. These B vitamins are necessary for energy metabolism, cellular function, and growth. One cup of mashed rutabaga, which can serve as a potato substitute, satisfies nearly 50% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. 

Carrots

Carrots are packed with provitamin A carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene colors carrots and is largely responsible for their many health benefits. Carrots also contain vitamin K, vitamin B6, and potassium, which is a mineral necessary for blood pressure regulation. Because of the impressive amount of antioxidants, carrot intake has been linked to numerous health benefits, the primary of which is a reduced risk of multiple cancers, including pancreatic, leukemia, breast, and prostate. 

Onions

It would be hard for many recipes delicious without the addition of onion. They provide integral flavor and offer an impressive nutritional profile to boot. Onions are particularly rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Research shows that including onions in you daily diet may significantly reduce blood sugar levels, specifically in people with diabetes. Other research indicates that onions offer potent anticancer properties. Some observational studies note that a higher intake of onions may reduce the risk of common types of cancer.

Purple Potatoes

Unlike yams, which are naturally rich in beta-carotene, purple potatoes contain anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that give the potatoes their signature color and health benefits. Anthocyanins exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to researchers, a diet rich in anthocyanin-rich foods, such as purple potatoes and blueberries, is especially beneficial for heart health. One study found that consuming 200 grams of cooked purple potato per day for two weeks improved arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness increases the risk of heart attack and dementia. Purple potatoes may help enhance arterial health with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Celeriac

This root vegetable may be the ugliest one on this list, but don’t let the appearance steer you away. Celeriac belongs to the same plant family as parsley and celery and even tastes like celery. It provides lots of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Because of its low carbohydrate content, celeriac makes a great lower-carb swap for other potatoes and root vegetables. Additionally, this unique root vegetable offers a variety of antioxidants, including flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, which exhibit cellular-protective properties.

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Allow us to introduce you to your new favorite pasta sauce. It is a hidden vegetable pasta sauce, which is a clever way to add more vegetables to a classic dish you know and love. Don’t worry, though, the flavor is exactly what you’d expect from a traditional marinara. This sauce contains zucchini, bell peppers, leeks, carrots, garlic, and onions, and you blend the vegetables into a smooth base, so they disappear into the sauce. Even though the sauce contains a generous mix of vegetables, the dominant flavor is from the tomato sauce and Italian herbs.

To build that familiar marinara flavor, you slowly cook the vegetables until they are soft and aromatic. The classic combination of garlic and onion creates the savory foundation, while carrots and bell peppers add a hint of natural sweetness, complementing the acidity of the canned tomato sauce. Zucchini and leeks add body and mild flavor without overpowering the sauce. Once everything is tender, blend the mixture until completely smooth. You want to create a sauce with a velvety texture, so you are not biting into big pieces of vegetables while enjoying your pasta.

What you are left with is remarkably like a traditional marinara sauce—rich, balanced, and tomato-forward. This is a great sauce to enjoy if you feel like you do not consume enough vegetables on a regular basis. It is also a great way to sneak more vegetables into your children’s meals. It’s the comforting character of a familiar pasta dish with an added nutritional flair.

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Statins are prescription drugs that people take to lower their levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Health experts refer to LDL cholesterol as “bad” because of the fact that it builds up inside the arteries, making it harder for blood to move through them. Statins work by interfering when the liver produces cholesterol. They also help to lower triglycerides and may even increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. Unlike LDL, HDL brings cholesterol to the liver, which gets it out of the body. 

Before getting on statins, some people want to see if they can lower LDL cholesterol with lifestyle changes. We encourage that decision and although diet and exercise may not lower cholesterol for everyone, a lot of people can benefit from healthier habits, some of which we detail in this article. If your cholesterol levels are already in normal range, you can help maintain them with the Dherbs Cholesterol Formula. To help lower cholesterol before statins, consider the following tips. 

Consider The Portfolio Diet

The Portfolio Diet is a plant-based eating plan that emphasizes foods that are naturally rich in fiber and healthy fats. Conceived some 20 years ago, the diet has a proven ability to lower LDL cholesterol, but none of the trials proving this lasted more than six months. For this reason, more long-term studies are necessary. When followed consistently, though, research suggests that the Portfolio Diet may lower LDL cholesterol by up to 30%, an effect comparable to a first-generation statin for some people. 

Move Your Body Every Day

Exercise is a powerful and easily accessible tool that may help lower cholesterol levels naturally. Ideally, engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, in addition to two days of strength training. Physical activity helps to elevate HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and reduce visceral fat, which is metabolically active fat stored around internal organs that contributes to cardiovascular risk. People who lose between 5% to 10% of body weight can significantly improve cholesterol levels. 

Prioritize Fiber

Fiber is an often overlooked nutrient, with many people not getting enough every day. In fact, more than 90% of women and 97% of men do meet the recommended daily fiber intake. Not all fiber works the same regarding cholesterol, though. Soluble fiber exhibits the strongest LDL-lowering effect. It forms a gel-like substance in the gut, binding to cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and escorting it out to prevent reabsorption. Great sources of soluble fiber include:

• Apples
• Barley
• Beans
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseed
• Lentils
• Oats
• Psyllium husk

Build Your Plate Around Whole Plant-Based Foods

If you want to lower cholesterol levels in a meaningful way, eat more whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. All of these foods contain plant sterols, which are natural compounds that resemble cholesterol, which helps block the body’s absorption of it in the digestive tract. The sterols in vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, and certain fortified foods can all help lower cholesterol. In fact, getting two grams of plant sterols daily can lower LDL cholesterol by up to 12%. 

Reduce Intake Of Refined Carbs And Added Sugars

Health experts always suggest people to steer clear of saturated and trans fats if they are concerned about LDL cholesterol. Avoiding these types of fats can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Refined carbs and added sugars are just as dangerous, as they can raise triglycerides and increase cardiovascular risk. Sugary drinks, white bread, packaged pastries, and ultra-processed snacks contribute to insulin resistance, which affects cholesterol levels. It is better to consume whole grains and limit your consumption of added sugars to help improve triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels. 

Some Natural Supplements May Help

Before you decide to take supplements to help naturally lower cholesterol levels, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. Some products can come with side effects or may interact with other medications or supplements that you already take. Certain supplements, though, have some proven ability to lower cholesterol. For example, psyllium supplements can lower LDL cholesterol by about 7%. Omega-3 supplements can also help reduce triglycerides, but they don’t significantly lower LDL levels.

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Most of you know how integral fruits and vegetables are to your overall health. The compounds in fruits and vegetables work to enhance immune function, improve heart health, decrease inflammation, etc. As readily available as this information is, people choose to purchase and eat unhealthier food options in an attempt to save money. 

In reality, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to boost your fruit and vegetable intake. Eating healthy foods does not have to break the bank. Rather than harming your health with convenient fast food that you think will save you money, you can do your body a favor and nourish it with higher-quality foods. Learn how to do that on a budget in this article. 

Shop At Your Local Market Or Farmer’s Market

Depending on your location, a farmer’s market may not be the most convenient place to shop. Additionally, it can be expensive if you live in a city San Francisco, New York City, or Los Angeles. Most local farmer’s markets, though, sell seasonal produce at more affordable prices than regular grocery stores. When you shop directly from the farmers, you skip the middleman, tending to result in lower prices. Lastly, you get access to the freshest in-season produce, which is usually more flavorful. 

Shop Seasonally

Speaking of in-season produce, buy the fruits and vegetables that are in season, which can translate to significantly lower costs. For example, purchase melons and berries in the summer, apples and parsnips in the fall, squash in the winter, and asparagus in the spring. Knowing which produce items are in season will help you save on your grocery bill. You can always research a growing calendar in your area, or consider asking your local grocery store staff to understand which produce items are in season. 

Don’t Be Afraid Of Frozen Fruits And Vegetables

Frozen fruits and vegetables are valuable, especially if you are trying to eat healthy on a budget. Not only can they be just as nutritious as fresh fruits and vegetables, but they can also be equally as nutritious. Since they are typically cut or prepared in a specific way, they are convenient and easy to handle. Plus, you can store them in your freezer until you need them. Just make sure that you avoid added ingredients when buying frozen fruits and vegetables. You should not see salt, sugar, or sauces on the ingredients list because those ingredients detract from the health benefits. They also indicate extra additives. Frozen peas, spinach, broccoli, mixed vegetables, berries, and other fruit are excellent options that are quite versatile. 

Plan Your Meals And Create A List

There is nothing worse for your budget than heading into a grocery store without a list. You just buy what you think you need, as opposed to stocking up on what you actually need, and what is actually healthy for you. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can make a shopping list that includes every ingredient you will need to make those meals. That reduces the likelihood of food waste and impulse buying. A list of necessary items will help you avoid the unnecessary things that will typically spoil in the fridge. 

Properly Store Your Fruits And Vegetables

If you store your produce properly, you can maximize the shelf life and minimize food waste. Some produce needs to be stored on the countertop, while other produce requires refrigeration. Herbs, for example, should be stored in a jar of water with stems in the fridge to encourage a longer shelf life. Don’t store apples near bananas because the gases they emit can quicken the ripening process of both fruits. Buying in bulk? Consider freezing excess produce to extend the shelf life, but make sure to use airtight bags or containers to prevent moisture buildup.

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Some people find it awkward to discuss constipation, or other digestive issues. An estimated 15-20% of people worldwide are affected by constipation. In the United States, nearly 42 million people are affected, and many of them require hospital visits annually. 

What Is Constipation?

Everyone is different, and that can apply to many things, but there is a clear definition of what constipation is. Constipation is a digestive problem that is characterized by having three or less stools per week, or having a difficult time passing stool. It is quite common and you can treat it by making changes to your diet and exercise plan, although it can occasionally require medication. Long-term constipation, or chronic constipation, may require treatment of an underlying healthy condition that can cause or worsen constipation. Symptoms can include:

• Straining or pain when passing stools
• Fewer than three stools per week
• A feeling that the rectum is blocked
• A feeling that not all stool has passed
• The need to use something, like a finger, to help pass stool

How Can You Improve Constipation With Smoothies?

People who suffer from constipation tend to have diets low in fiber, or they do not consume enough water throughout the day. Failure to drink enough water throughout the day can cause a person to feel constipated. Additionally, limited intake of soluble and insoluble fiber can lead to ongoing constipation and an unhealthy microbiome. 

Where do smoothies enter the equation? Well, you can increase your intake of both fiber and water, in addition to essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, by adding a blend of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to your smoothies.

Selecting Ingredients

In search of great smoothie recipes to help alleviate constipation? You want to find recipes that are high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Some of the best fruits and vegetables to include in your smoothie are:

• Pears: Brimming with antioxidants and natural sweetness, pears provide much needed fiber to encourage healthy digestive function. 
• Apples: Apples are great to include in smoothies if you follow a low FODMAP diet. They have lots of fiber, especially in the peels, and their natural juice is great for constipation relief. 
• Blueberries: Blueberries contain anthocyanins, which are antioxidant compounds that work to encourage healthy brain, immune, and digestive function and fight oxidative stress. They are also naturally sweet and contain a big boost of vitamin C. 
• Watermelon: Rich in both vitamin C and water, watermelon is a great ingredient to enhance your hydration efforts. 
• Celery: Celery is a popular ingredient in juices and smoothies because it is rich in water and fiber. The downside to juicing celery is that you lose that fiber. Just keep in mind that celery has a strong flavor, so pair it with apples, pears, or other sweet fruits to help combat its intensity.
• Prunes: Not only are prunes rich in fiber, but they also contain a lot of sorbitol, which helps to keep things moving through the intestines. Pure prune juice is a great natural remedy for constipation.

Best Smoothies For Constipation

When you mix fruits and vegetables that contain diverse nutritional profiles, you can help enhance overall health, while potentially relieving constipation in the process. Below, we have three smoothies that may help get things moving. 

Beet Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 large beet, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and grated
• 1/2 tsp organic psyllium husk powder
• Raw agave nectar, to taste

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Make sure to blend thoroughly to break down the beets.
• Pour into a large cup and enjoy immediately. 

Fiber-Rich Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup filtered water
• 1/2 banana, frozen
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 cup pineapple, cubed
• 1 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend for about 30-60 seconds. 
• Pour into a large cup and enjoy immediately. 

Smoothie For Colon Health

Ingredients:

• 1 medium carrot, peeled, and roughly chopped
• 1 medium apple, cored and roughly chopped
• 1.5-inch knob of ginger, peeled, and grated
• 1 medium beet, peeled, and roughly chopped
• Handful of parsley
• 1 tbsp flaxseed powder
• 1 tbsp flaxseed oil
• 3/4 cup filtered water

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high until smooth. This may take up to one minute or more, depending on your blender. 
• Pour into a large cup and enjoy immediately.

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Are you looking to bring more life and flavor to your dishes? Perhaps you have been searching for a great sauce for zucchini noodles, or just a tasty dip for vegetables. Whatever your culinary goals, this raw vegan hemp seed pesto is the dish that you’re after. It’s been in your dreams and you didn’t even realize it until you clicked on this recipe. It is robust in flavor and is dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free. It has that signature basil flavor, while the nutritional yeast offers that signature cheesy elements, in addition to necessary vitamin B12.

Because this pesto stores for four to five days in the fridge, you can add it to several different meals. All you need is a blender or food processor and the ingredients. Blend until you reach your desired consistency, adjusting seasonings to taste. Allow yourself to be generous with the sea salt and pepper (especially the pepper). If you prefer a runnier pesto, add a little more olive oil or water and blend until it meets your liking.

• As always with raw vegan recipes, there are many antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that the body can easily absorb. For reference:
• Hemp seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, plant-based protein, vitamin E, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
• Nutritional yeast is a great source of B-vitamins, including niacin, B6, thiamine, riboflavin, and B12, in addition to manganese, zinc, and selenium.
• Basil exhibits impressive antioxidant activity and is a great source of calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, K, and B6.

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Think about how often your yoga mat touches the floor, especially if that floor is in a public yoga studio. Now think about all of the sweat, oils, and bacteria that accumulate on the mat during your yoga session. It’s safe to say that your yoga mat needs to be cleaned regularly, but does that happen? We are not here to judge; rather, we are here to provide a natural cleaner that helps remove all of that dirt and grime. 

What Is A DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner?

Think of this as a general cleaning spray, only without all of the harsh chemicals. This homemade solution contains vinegar or witch hazel, and essential oils, all of which help to remove sweat, germs, dirt, and oils from your yoga mat. That helps make your mat not only cleaner, but wonderfully scented. 

Using a DIY yoga mat cleaner also helps save you money and reduces waste. Not to mention, it gives you control over what touches your skin. Plus, making your own cleaner can feel both rewarding and creative, almost as if crafting your own wellness ritual. Keeping your yoga mat clean can help avoid skin irritation, in addition to the following benefits: 

• Helping prevent breakouts and skin rashes
• Removing odors caused by sweat
• Keeping the yoga mat free of bacteria and germs
• Extending the yoga mat’s life
• Enhancing the overall yoga experience 

Why Use Vinegar?

Vinegar is a staple household ingredient that is highly useful when it comes to cleaning certain items and surfaces. Regarding cleaning, vinegar’s most useful asset is its acidity. It is mild enough not to damage fabrics and surfaces, while being strong enough to get rid of stubborn stains and deposits. It can have a pH as low as 2.2 to 10 times as acidic as the average soft drink. 

One of the advantages of vinegar is that it exhibits antimicrobial activity. Some highly evolved bacteria can survive in acidic environments, but most find it difficult to thrive and replicate in these conditions. According to research, cleaning with vinegar can kill a range of pathogens, including E. coli. It has also proven to be an effective cleaning agent for dentures or a disinfectant for fruits and vegetables. 

What About Witch Hazel?

Yet another medicine cabinet hero! Witch hazel is typically for beauty applications, but it can be a powerful addition to your natural cleaning arsenal. Witch hazel is typically used as an astringent to help clean minor cuts or soothe bug bites. The astringent and antibacterial properties make it a fantastic cleaning agent. It is great for light cleaning tasks, especially when you want to avoid harsh chemicals. 

Not only can witch hazel improve your at-home cleaning game, but it can also help neutralize odors. Just keep in mind that witch hazel is not an approved disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You should not rely on witch hazel to eliminate viruses or bacteria; rather, use it as a complementary cleaner for light tasks. 

DIY Yoga Mat Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar or witch hazel (whichever you prefer)
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour the distilled water into a spray bottle and then add the vinegar or witch hazel. 
• Drop in the essential oils and then screw on the top. Shake gently before each use to thoroughly mix up the ingredients. 
• To use, lightly spray on your yoga mat and wipe with a soft cloth.

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When you want to be healthy and consume a lot of different fruits and vegetables in one meal, turn to old faithful: the reliable smoothie. You can create beautiful and harmonious flavors by blending different fruits and vegetables together. Sometimes, the smoothie can be sneakily healthy. How is that possible? You add fruits that are packed with antioxidants and vital nutrients to complement the vitamins and minerals in leafy greens.

The smoothie is green because it contains spinach. Like any other leafy green, spinach controls the color of the smoothie. Similarly, beets turn a smoothie red and blueberries turn a smoothie blue. The dark pigments, which are antioxidant compounds that benefit cellular health, in these ingredients are to blame. To blame or to thank? We will let you be the judge of that.

This green smoothie contains bananas, pineapple, and grapefruit. Before you add the banana and pineapple to the blender, you’ll want to peel them and roughly dice them. Scatter them across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the freezer overnight. Make sure that the fruit pieces are in a single layer to avoid clumping. If you do not want to freeze the fruit, you can use fresh fruit and add ice until the smoothie reaches your desired consistency.

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Unless you avoid all things new (and we wouldn’t blame you if you did), you are probably aware of RFK Jr.’s inverted food pyramid. Federal officials released the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, emphasizing the importance of protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Is that a bad thing? It actually urges Americans to limit their intake of added sugars, explaining that “no amount’ is considered part of a healthy diet. 

The new nutrition guidelines also state that no meal should contain more than 10 grams of added sugar. Health officials are targeting highly- or ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates. They recommend consumers avoid packaged, prepared, or ready-to-eat foods because they contain excess sodium, added sugars, trans fats, and more. Additionally, health officials encourage Americans to “eat the right amount for you,” basing daily caloric intake on weight, height, age, sex, and level of physical activity. Portion sizes and proper hydration are just as integral to your health as what you eat. 

RFK Jr. states that his inverted pyramid acts as a guideline to help people return to the basics. He wants people to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods and reduce the intake of highly processed foods. This sounds great in theory, but there are a few issues with the new guidelines. We will explore what health experts think about the pyramid in this article.

Fear-mongering About Plant-Based Diets

It is no secret that plant-based diets have their health benefits. All you have to do is look at the supporting research. The new guidelines single out vegetarian and vegan diets as risky, exaggerating nutrient gaps without sufficient evidence. Yes, vegan and vegetarian diets have limited food options that contain some vital nutrients. There are fortified foods and supplements that can fill those gaps, though. In fact, supplementing key nutrients, such as vitamin B12, is an inexpensive and safe way to eat. The guidelines also ignore extensive research revealing the substantial health benefits of plant-based eating. If more people were plant-based, the country could save hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare costs. 

Should You Consume More Full-Fat Dairy?

The new guidelines recommend three servings of full-fat dairy products (with no added sugars) per day. The guidelines state that “dairy is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.” Health experts agree that one serving of full-fat dairy per day (about 1 to 1.5 ounces) is sufficient. There is not enough evidence to support the escalation of three servings per day. 

Plus, when you consider that roughly 65-70% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant, increasing dairy intake may not be the best idea. It’s also important to note that multiple servings of full-fat cheese can quickly exceed the recommended limits of daily saturated fat and sodium. Elevating cheese or full-fat dairy as a prominent health guideline may not benefit long-term health. 

Healthy Fats Are Encouraged

Healthy fats are vital for heart health, brain function, hormone production, and inflammation reduction. Additionally, they help the body absorb essential vitamins and keep you full for longer. Encouraging the consumption of healthy fats is not a bad thing, but you have to be careful where you get them. Prioritize foods that contain essential fatty acids, such as olive oil, avocado oil, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and other food sources. 

There are several contradictions about the consumption of healthy fats within the new guidelines, though. There is a numeric recommendation to limit saturated fat to 10% of your daily caloric intake. On the other hand, the guidelines emphasize meat and full-fat dairy consumption and varied portion sizes, so it is difficult to understand your limits in a real world diet setting. 

Not All Fruits And Vegetables Are Equal

The new guidelines encourage Americans to eat fruits and vegetables throughout the day, focusing on their whole forms. It is no secret that a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables can deliver valuable nutrients to the body. The suggestion is three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day. 

While vegetables belong in any healthy diet, starchy vegetables (such as corn and potatoes) should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, fruits contain beneficial nutrients, but they can contain high levels of sugar, which will not benefit those with blood sugar issues. Berries are low-glycemic fruits and may be better than apples or bananas for people watching their blood sugar. 

The Best Advice For A Balanced Diet

Ideally, focus on simple, well-established dietary patterns that are supported by a large body of research. You don’t have to follow guidelines just because a guy said so. We believe it is best to focus on consuming a wide variety of plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Be mindful about your portions, especially if you choose to consume animal-based foods, such as meats and dairy products. Should you choose to consume meat, make sure the beef is grass-fed/grass-finished, your poultry is free range and organic, and your fish is wild caught. Dairy should be organic as well. 

Don’t focus on hitting specific nutrients or rigid targets. Make your goal to build a balanced, flexible diet that you can maintain over time.

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