Erythritol, a Bittersweet Ingredient: Are We Better Off Without It?

Erythritol has become a very popular artificial sweetener, with only 6% of the calories but 60–80% of the sweetness of sugar. But is it healthy?

Nutrient Profiles of Plant-Based Versus Animal-Based Foods (Video)

There can be significant variation in the nutrient content of a single type of food depending on how and when it is produced, soil conditions, and other factors. The bioavailability, in turn, will depend on many factors, especially the body’s needs at the time of ingestion. That being said, it can be instructive to compare … Continued

How Accurate Are Measures of Nutrient Density? A Selection From T. Colin Campbell’s Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition

The following excerpt comes from Dr. Campbell’s Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition, released 10 years ago. It explores how reductionist measures in nutrition fail to account for the variability of natural processes.

Is There a Link Between Diet and Pain Symptoms?

Pain is one of the most frequent chief complaints in primary care settings. But what is it, and how does it relate to diet and medication?

The Future of Meat is Meatless; Is It Also Greener and Healthier?

Sales for plant-based meat continue to skyrocket as consumers look for better alternatives. But is meatless meat a healthier option?

How Common is Protein Deficiency?

We are a people preoccupied with protein. We have been ever since we discovered the nutrient in the mid-19th century. You might have heard that protein comes from the Greek proteios, meaning “of prime importance.”[1] And it is important—we cannot live without it. But judging by the level of attention granted to protein—in the mind … Continued

Dr. Stephanie Peacock’s Top Foods for Gut Health

Every time we eat, we feed the trillions of bacteria that make up our gut microbiome. Ideally, we should have 300–400 types of these bacteria.[1] But unfortunately, due to processed foods and lack of fiber, many individuals have less than this. This loss of critical microorganisms and the lack of diversity in our microbiome can … Continued

Something to Chew On: How Does Animal Protein Affect Aging? (Video)

What does the science of longevity suggest about our food choices? In the following short video, Michael Hollie, MD, discusses the effect of calorie restriction— specifically restricting calories from animal protein—on the mechanisms of aging. (To learn more about longevity, read Dr. Hollie’s article from 2022.) This evidence raises many questions about the standard American, … Continued

Why Are We Living Shorter Lives?

Changes in life expectancy can help us assess our collective health history. And there are a few lessons we can glean from the long-term trends.

Can Plant-Based Nutrition Help You Sleep Better?

Poor sleep (either insufficient duration of sleep or low-quality sleep) is associated with a weakened immune system, Alzheimer’s, disrupted blood sugar levels, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric conditions, and more.

Our Top Articles of 2022

Our top plant-based articles of 2022!

Is Fruit Healthy? Busting Common Fruit Myths

What’s the truth about fruit? How does it affect our health, and what about more specific cases, like if we’re diabetic or trying to lose weight?

A Selection From T. Colin Campbell’s Newest Book: The Future of Nutrition

This excerpt, taken from Dr. Campbell’s newest book, The Future of Nutrition, explores how a reductionist paradigm limits our medical system’s approach to disease and health.

Are Humans Similar to Cows? Genetics, Digestion, and Implications for Diet

The debate over the optimal human diet is less about whether we can eat animal-based foods than whether we should. Additionally, comparing ourselves to cows raises the question: are animal dairy products a natural part of the human diet?

Are Humans Herbivores or Omnivores?

Doctors, other experts, and conventional wisdom often say that animal products are essential components of a healthy diet. This majority view implies that humans are omnivores. But what do our bodies say?

How to Get All Your Vitamins and Minerals From Plant-based Meals

The human body requires a variety of macronutrients and micronutrients to function properly. A healthy whole food, plant-based diet provides all the vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health.

Food Additives Increase Obesity, Chronic Disease and Corporate Profits

US food products contain over 3,000 and possibly as many as 14,000 additives. These facilitate centralized, industrial food production and increase food company profits, for example, by extending shelf life and improving the taste and appearance of food. But they also often degrade human health.

Is a High-Fat Diet Healthy? What the Science Says

Variations of the high-fat diet have been popular for decades. Are they healthy? Here's what the science says.

Understanding MSG In The Kitchen: Is it as Bad as We think?

Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is an additive found in many processed foods (e.g., canned soups, sauces, and condiments). It gives a lot of foods their umami flavor, which is the savory character found naturally in many foods. It is a prized component of cooking that chefs spend a lot of time learning about, but it’s … Continued

How to Optimize Your Omega-3 to Omega-6 Ratio on a Plant-Based Diet

Getting your daily dose of omega-3s while decreasing your omega-6 intake will go a long way in reducing inflammation, preventing disease, and improving your overall health.

Live Longer, Live Better! Understanding the Research on Longevity

With modern medical intervention, many are living longer just so that they can die longer. The good news is, we already know the key to healthy longevity. Scientific research shows us how to extend our lifespan and avoid the common diseases that plague so many Americans.

Sonoran Sunshine Retreat Keynote Speaker, Doctor Vanessa Méndez, Talks Gut Health

Have you heard of the gut microbiome? It’s one of the hottest topics in nutrition right now, but what is it? And how can you develop a healthy gut for yourself?

Our New Whole Communities is off to a fast start. Here’s why you need to join

Whole Communities was organized following the Plant Forward Workshop Series that CNS delivered in 2021. The participants in those workshops had a great opportunity to get real insights into some of the amazing work being achieved by CNS’s Community Grant recipients.

Meet Expert Dahlia Marin, RDN LD: A Journey of Personal Gut Health and Career in Healing the Microbiome

Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate Instructor, Dahlia Marin RDN LD shares her personal story of gut health and helping others heal their microbiome.