What Is Gene Editing and Why It Goes Beyond GMOs

The tomatoes shown here were created with a cutting-edge gene-editing tool called CRISPR. Are foods like this the solution to better nutrition and food security in the face of climate change? It was a tomato plant, but it was unlike any that has ever existed. Photo: David Malosh Where most are long and leggy, this one was short and bushy. “Look at this cluster!” Lippman said, kneeling down to grab a handful of fruit....

April 21, 2025 · 6 min · 1248 words · Jacob Turner

What Is Ghee and How Is It Different from Butter?

Ghee, a pop in of clarified butter, is used widely across South Asia. But what exactly is it? And what can it be used for? Photo: Getty Images In recent years, it has become more widely used in the West as an oil for high-heat cooking. What Is Ghee? However, it’s not exactly the same as French clarified butter. What Does Ghee Taste Like? Ghee has a slightly nutty, almost caramel-like flavor....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 284 words · Jennifer Goodwin

What Is Green Salt?

Is Green Salt the healthier salt alternative we’ve all been searching for? Read on to find out whether it really lives up to that promise. Plus, we’ll tell you how to use it and where you might find it. Photo: Courtesy of Brand Attention everyone, there’s a newcomer in the salt aisle. Say hello to Green Salt, aplant-basedsalt alternative from Baja California. But is it really better for you? Plus, we’ll tell you how to use it and where you may buy it....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 261 words · Jeremiah Williams

What Is Japanese Mayo?

Japanese mayo has a cult following: here’s why. Plus, where to buy it and an easy hack for getting started making it at home. When it comes to American-style mayo, people are divided. Photo: Getty Images But when it comes to mayo from Japan, folks tend to be united. What makes this mayonnaise in a squeezy bottle so special? Below we break down what this mayo tastes like and how it’s different from its American counterpart....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 412 words · Denise Herrera

What Is Kale?

Get the scoop on why this leafy green is so popular. There are few garnishes that have exploded into superstar status quite the way kale has. This green leafy vegetable is everywhere, but what is kale? And what is it good for? What Is Kale? However, another great reason to consider working it into yourmeal plansis that it’s super nutrient-dense. That means it contains things like vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and fiber....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 311 words · Hannah Lyons

What Is Keto 2.0? Pros & Cons, According to Health Experts

If keto is too restrictive for you, keto 2.0 may be a better fit for your needs. Keto 2.0 is a less-restrictive version of the OG keto diet that has become popular in its own right. The percentage of calories consumed from protein when following keto 2.0 and the Dietary Guidelines are similar. Photo: Getty Images What’s the Difference Between Keto 2.0 and the Keto Diet? For comparison, the Dietary Guidelines recommends people consume 45% to 65% of their calories from carbs....

April 21, 2025 · 1 min · 205 words · Ryan Tran

What Is Konjac and Is It Good for You?

This root vegetable has garnered attention for its low-carb qualities. Konjac is a starchy root vegetable that can be made into a flour and used in low-carb food products. What Is Konjac? Konjac, also known as elephant yam, is a plant commonly grown in Asia. It’s important to beware of weight loss supplements, including ones that contain konjac. While theFDAregulates dietary supplements, it does not approve them like it does pharmaceuticals....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 227 words · Alyssa Hill

What Is L-Theanine & Should You Be Taking It? Here's What Experts Say

Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images L-theanine is a nutrient found in some plants and supplements. It has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, particularly related to stress relief and improved sleep. What Is L-Theanine? Photo:Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images It is also available in supplement form, typically as a pill or powder. Athletes and other individuals under stress have also reported improved performance and reduced stress responses when using L-theanine. May Increase Focus and Attention L-theanine may enhance attention, focus and cognitive performance....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 260 words · Shannon Fisher

What Is Maple Water—and Should You Be Drinking It?

The water industry has tapped, quite literally, into new territory: maple water. What is maple water? It comes from groundwater mixing with sugar from the trees, but it is only about 2% sugar. “We loved how super-hydrated it made us for our race,” she said. So she and her co-founder, Jeff Rose, started Drink Simple. How is it made? Temps have to be freezing at night but above freezing during the day to collect maple sap....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 222 words · Kyle Bender

What Is Melatonin & Should You Be Taking It?

The sleep-promoting supplement has exploded in popularity. But can you rely on it to help you sleep every night? One-third of adults don’t get enough sleep regularly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Photo: Getty Images That figure is only expected to rise as pandemic and other stresses have mounted since 2020. We spoke to the experts for answers. What Is Melatonin? Just like sleep, melatonin impacts the entire body, Weiss adds....

April 21, 2025 · 1 min · 167 words · Kristin Franklin

What Is Mirin and How Do You Use It?

Mirin is a pantry staple in many kitchens, especially those where a lot of Japanese cooking is done. But many cooks, even those who have used it before, may not know exactly what mirin is. Read on to find out what you gotta know about mirin and how to use it. Photo: Getty Images Mirin is a Japanese cooking essential. Much likemisoorJapanese mayo, it can be used in a variety of ways....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 335 words · Kari Reynolds

What Is Miso & How Do I Use It?

Miso is the the healthy and versatile Japanese condiment used to boost flavor in many dishes. Read on to learn the history, production, health benefits and life-changing magic of miso. Pick up a few tips for how to cook with it, too. Photo: Getty Images / alpaksoy Miso soup, served alongside rice and pickles, forms the cornerstone of the traditional Japanese meal. It’s a fantastically versatile ingredient that will add a touch of umami magic to your culinary repertoire....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 247 words · Albert Howard

What Is Monk Fruit and Is It Healthy?

Monk fruit has increased in popularity over the past couple of years. We dug into the science to answer your questions. Monk fruit has increased in popularity over the past couple of years. Photo: ThamKC / Getty Images What is Monk Fruit? The juice is then dried into a concentrated powder and used to sweeten several foods and beverages. Monk fruit contains naturally occurring sugars, mainly fructose and glucose, but it is much sweeter than sugar....

April 21, 2025 · 2 min · 256 words · Caroline Gutierrez