Food & Lifestyle

A true zero-calorie cooking oil is elusive because fat's culinary functions are intrinsically tied to its digestible structure. The most notable attempt, the synthetic fat Olestra, failed due to severe gastrointestinal side effects and vitamin malabsorption.

A large-scale 2019 study found a clear tipping point for coffee consumption. Drinking six or more cups daily was linked to a 22% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, likely due to elevated blood pressure. This risk is influenced by genetics that affect caffeine metabolism.

Often overlooked, insoluble fiber is a dietary hero that doesn't dissolve in water. It travels through the gut intact, acting as a bulking agent to add weight to stool. This promotes regularity, prevents constipation, and effectively sweeps the digestive tract.

All carbs become sugar, but their structure dictates their effect. Simple sugars are absorbed rapidly, causing a blood sugar spike and crash. Complex carbs, with their intricate structure, break down slowly, providing steady, sustained energy and often come packed with vital fiber and nutrients.

Your survival depends on iron, the core of oxygen-transporting hemoglobin in your blood. But your body needs it in an absorbable, ionic form. While your stomach can dissolve the fine iron powder in fortified cereal, it's no match for a solid wrench, highlighting a delicate biological balance.