Spoonful of soil

The Question of Geophagy: Why Eat Dirt?

Scientists have three theories about why people and animals eat dirt.
An image made by the FDA about nutritional labeling, 1990

Where Do Nutrition Labels Come From?

We all ponder them when standing in the cereal aisle of the grocery store, but why do we even have nutrition labels on our foods?
A poster promoting healthy eating from between 1941 and 1945

The Idea of “Good Nutrition” Has Changed Over Time

But one thing has been constant: the tendency to call some foods better for you than others.
An early 20th century drawing of different foods

A Brief History of the Calorie

The measure of thermal energy expended by exercise was adapted from the study of explosives and engines.
A hand holding a jar of Nutella in front of an illustrated hazelnut plant

Everything You Wanted to Know about Hazelnuts but Were Afraid to Ask

For one thing, there are several species of hazelnuts, including a couple native to North America.
India Campbell and Child

The New Victims of Climate Change: Plants, Parasites, and Pregnant Women

The recent series of hurricanes has demonstrated, climate change is no longer a nebulous futuristic menace, but an existential threat.
Steak in bed

When You Eat Matters As Much As What You Eat

Trying to lose weight? A new study suggests that our bodies may react just as much to when we eat, as to what food we are consuming.
Michelle Obama school lunch

Who Doesn’t Like Healthy School Lunches?

The Trump administration’s decision to relax nutrition standards for school lunches is the latest development in a century-long fight.
A woman reads the nutrition label of a canister of oatmeal

How Much Will New Nutrition Labels Help Fight Obesity?

Nutrition labels are changing for the first time since they were introduced two decades ago.
Organic vegetables

Is it Nutritionally Beneficial to Go Organic?

Research suggests that there are real nutritional differences between organic and non-organic produce, milk, and meat.