In recent years, matcha tea has gained popularity as a trendy and nutrient-rich alternative to coffee. This powdered Japanese green tea offers a distinct, earthy flavor and vibrant green color that sets it apart visually, but nutritionally, it has a lot in common with coffee. Both beverages are naturally low in calories when consumed without added ingredients like milk, sugar, cream, or flavored syrups. For those seeking a healthful boost, matcha and coffee offer a range of benefits.

Both matcha and coffee contain caffeine, which may support weight loss by stimulating brown adipose tissue (brown fat). Unlike regular fat, brown fat generates heat and metabolizes nutrients like glucose and fat, offering protection against fat accumulation. Studies suggest that caffeine can boost metabolism, increasing calorie burn by up to 13% for several hours after consumption. This boost in metabolism may aid in weight management, as the increased energy expenditure supports the body in burning more calories.

Matcha and coffee are both loaded with antioxidants, compounds that combat oxidative stress in the body, helping to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Polyphenols, a type of antioxidant present in high quantities in both beverages, are particularly effective. They help reduce platelet aggregation, which lowers the risk of artery blockage and reduces the chance of heart attacks. Studies have linked antioxidants with numerous health benefits, including cancer prevention, as they may help neutralize free radicals that can lead to chronic diseases.

Both matcha and coffee are celebrated for their potential to enhance mood and support cognitive function. Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in both drinks, can improve focus, alertness, and reaction time. While coffee contains a higher caffeine concentration that provides a quick energy surge, matcha offers a gentler, more sustained boost due to its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid known to promote relaxation without drowsiness. This combination allows for steady focus and mental clarity, ideal for those looking to avoid caffeine’s common crash.

Whether you choose matcha or coffee, both beverages bring unique benefits and can complement a healthy lifestyle. Coffee is a great option for those who enjoy a powerful energy lift, while matcha provides a balanced, calming alertness. Both drinks offer antioxidant support, metabolic benefits, and cognitive boosts, making them versatile additions to your daily routine.

The concept of "kibble," typically associated with the pellet-like blend of meats and grains fed to pets since the early 20th century, is now being reimagined for human consumption. A viral TikTok video, recently, sparked interest in what some are calling "human kibble," a simple, nutrient-dense meal option.

Earlier this year, popular creator @myfoodisme2 shared his experience of consuming a mix of unflavored chopped vegetables, chicken breast, tofu, grains, and legumes for five years. The video details his process of cutting, cooking, and combining these ingredients in a large bowl, resulting in a concoction reminiscent of animal feed. According to the creator, this mixture provides balanced nutrition with minimal effort, and his video has since inspired other users to try the "human kibble" trend.

Despite the growing popularity, experts and viewers have mixed opinions about adopting this dietary habit. While some argue that a daily, pre-prepared meal can simplify nutrition and help achieve dietary goals, others caution against its potential drawbacks.

Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT, owner of One Pot Wellness in Indianapolis, warns against the monotony of such a diet. “Eating the same foods for long periods can lead to boredom, dissatisfaction, and even nutrient gaps if the meals aren’t properly balanced and varied,” she said.

Emma Laing, PhD, RDN, director of dietetics at the University of Georgia and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, acknowledges the nutritional potential of @myfoodisme2’s meal. With 19 whole foods in the bowl, she sees the value in a meal pattern that emphasizes vegetables and beans, both of which are under-consumed in many diets.

“If people are inspired to add foods to their diet that they do not normally eat by following this trend, it could be a positive step towards filling nutrient gaps,” Laing said. For individuals struggling to incorporate vegetables into their meals, finely chopping and mixing them with other ingredients can be a practical solution, she added.

However, the predictability of human kibble could backfire. According to Chun, consuming the same blend daily may lead to nutrient imbalances if it is not carefully planned. “Rotating through different food groups and incorporating a variety of whole grains, legumes, seafood, and spices could improve both nutrient diversity and palatability,” Laing recommended.

Chun also emphasized the importance of sufficient sodium intake, particularly for those with active lifestyles, as excessive sweating can lead to electrolyte loss. Adding seasoning like salt or a nutrient-rich spice blend could help maintain essential mineral levels.

Storage and food safety are also potential concerns. While @myfoodisme2’s massive bowl may last him several days, the USDA advises that leftovers should be consumed within four days to avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Beyond nutrition and safety, the terminology of "kibble" may affect the way people perceive their meals. “The language we use about food matters,” Chun said. “Referring to meals as ‘kibble’ could make eating feel mechanical and detract from the cultural and social aspects of food.”

In summary, while human kibble may offer a convenient and nutritionally dense option for some, it is not a universally recommended dietary approach. Laing advises caution for those with higher caloric needs, such as athletes, and notes that sudden dietary shifts could cause digestive discomfort.

Ultimately, Laing reminds people that food is more than just fuel. “Food is also a source of culture, connection, and enjoyment,” she said. “For many, a varied and flexible diet is essential for maintaining both satisfaction and nutrition.”

Let’s face it—there’s no polite way to talk about farts. Yet, every single one of us does it, and sometimes, the smell can clear a room faster than a fire alarm. Medically known as flatus, this bodily function is entirely natural. However, the odor intensity often triggers embarrassment, confusion, or concern. So why do some farts smell worse than others? The surprising culprit often lies in our daily diet.

Although they're a part of daily life, flatulence is still a mystery to most people. This article goes in-depth into the biology behind gas, gut bacteria, and more importantly, how your ordinary foods you consume may be turning your farts appallingly smelly—despite them being otherwise healthy.

Flatulence is the ultimate product of a multifaceted digestive process. When we eat, it's digested in multiple stages. But some carbohydrates pass through the stomach and small intestine unabsorbed. These carbs travel to the colon, where there exists an enormous community of bacteria—particularly from the phylum Firmicutes—willingly fermenting them.

The process of fermentation yields a combination of gases like hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide, which are largely odorless. However, when foods that contain sulfur are fermented, the bacteria emit hydrogen sulfide, a strong-smelling compound with a rotten egg odor.

Surprisingly, nearly 99% of all gas in the intestines is odorless, but it's that 1%—usually sulfur compounds—that produces malodors. Interestingly, the amount of gas isn't really relative to the strength of its odor.

Foods Behind Foul-Smelling Farts

Below is the list of typical foods that might be behind your worst gas—and the reasons why.

1. Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are fiber and antioxidant powerhouses, but they contain sulfur compounds and insoluble carbs in abundance. When gut bacteria are indulged on these difficult-to-digest sugars, they emit hydrogen sulfide, leading to gas with a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor.

This does not mean that you should exclude these vegetables from your diet—they're great for hormone balance and detoxification. However, if you eat them in huge amounts without moderation, they can transform your gut into a gas chamber.

2. Beans and Legumes

Beans have been joked about for years for their gas-producing properties, and science confirms it. Beans, lentils, and peas contain raffinose and stachyose, sugars that our bodies do not have the enzyme to break down. These arrive in the colon undigested and offer rich fuel for bacteria, which create a combination of methane and sulfur gases during fermentation.

Legumes are healthy and a must in plant-based meals, but if they are well soaked before preparation and mixed with digestion-friendly spices such as ginger or cumin, their gassy effect afterwards can be minimized.

3. Whole Grains

Whole wheat bread, oats, and bran are loaded with insoluble fiber, promoting digestive health. But because this fiber resists digestion, it gets fermented in the colon—producing gas. The good news? Your body can adjust. If you’re increasing your fiber intake, do it gradually and drink plenty of water. For every 5 grams of added fiber, up your fluid intake by 8 ounces to prevent bloating and smelly gas.

4. Milk Products

Milk, cheese, and yogurt have lactose, a sugar that most adults cannot digest easily because they have low lactase enzyme levels. For people who are lactose intolerant, this unabsorbed lactose is fuel for gas-producing bacteria, sometimes causing smelly flatulence.

If you think that dairy is the problem but don't want to eliminate it from your diet, use lactose-free versions or lactase tablets and observe whether your symptoms get better.

5. Apples, Bananas, and Peaches

These innocent-looking snacks have fructose and sorbitol, natural sugars that can lead to gas in sensitive people. Healthy in moderation, they can lead to stink when the body is not able to fully digest them, especially if the composition of your gut microbiome is more susceptible to these fermentable sugars.

6. Protein Overload

Protein is important for muscle repair and growth, but overconsumption—particularly from protein powders, bars, and meats—is stressing the digestive system. Excess protein that the body isn't able to absorb in the small intestine gets fermented by colonic bacteria, which release volatile sulfur compounds responsible for particularly pungent emissions.

Follow the daily recommended intake: roughly 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, unless a doctor says otherwise.

Flatulence is enormously different from one individual to another. Two people might have the same same meal and have utterly different results, all due to variations in gut microbiome, enzyme function, food intolerance, and medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance.

Medical professionals observe that unless flatulence is greatly impacting your life, there's no cause for alarm. Farting, even the stinky variety, indicates a healthy digestive system. But if you have ongoing bloating, abdominal pain, or a sudden change in bowel movements, it's best to seek the advice of a healthcare provider.

Stinky farts may be embarrassing, but they're also giving you a message about your digestive system. It's not about cutting out fiber, beans, and protein, but learning how to balance your consumption, fuel your gut with water and probiotics, and pay attention to your body's response. So, the next time you break one out, don't just fault the broccoli. Fault the bacteria—and perhaps reconsider that third bowl of lentil soup.

The conversation about food and longevity has been a point of debate for many people. As experts and doctors warn us about how processed foods cause harm to our bodies. Recent studies have shown that not only do these foods harm our bodies, but they also cause our bodies to age faster. While our chronological age stays the same, our organs are aging much more. Hence it is smart to eat foods that help our bodies stay strong and promote longevity.

One such snack that may surprise you in terms of health is something we all love to enjoy with a nice movie or a show: Popcorn.

According to health experts and researchers, air-popped popcorn could even be the "best" snack to eat if you're aiming for a long and healthy life past 100. Researchers have extensively studied the lifestyle habits of people living in "Blue Zones," which are regions around the world where people consistently live longer and healthier lives, such as Sardinia in Italy and Okinawa in Japan.

Why Is Popcorn A Great Healthy Snack?

Buettner states that air-popped popcorn is full of fiber, complex carbohydrates, and surprisingly, contains more of beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols than many vegetables. He notes that plain, sugar-free popcorn is a very affordable snack that could potentially lower your risk of various illnesses and diseases.

The researcher emphasizes that popcorn's benefits are best realized when it's part of an overall balanced diet and combined with other healthy habits. These include regular exercise, limiting alcohol, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. He also points out that popcorn is affordable, easy to make and store, and importantly, it tastes good.

BBC Good Food explains that popcorn is made from corn kernels that puff up when heated. They highlight that air-popped popcorn is the best option for those wanting a healthy snack because it only uses heat and avoids unhealthy additions like butter or oil, which add extra calories.

Health Benefits of Popcorn

The BBC also notes that plain, air-popped popcorn is low in fat and high in fiber. As a whole grain, it can help protect against heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Its high fiber content also promotes good digestion and helps people in Britain reach their recommended daily fiber intake, which many currently fall short of, according to the NHS.

Due to its substantial fiber content, popcorn is a great snack for those watching their calories. It's a satisfying option that helps you feel full, potentially preventing overeating and reducing guilt about snacking. Studies have even shown that a small amount of popcorn can be as filling as a much larger amount of crisps (potato chips).

As highlighted by Dan Buettner, popcorn is a good source of polyphenols, the same beneficial compounds found in many fruits and vegetables. These compounds are known for their potential to reduce the risk of cancer and improve overall health. Research has found that popcorn can contain a significant amount of polyphenols per serving, even more than some fruits and vegetables, and these are mainly found in the popcorn hulls.

Making Popcorn At Home

You can easily and affordably make your own healthy popcorn at home using kernels from any supermarket. Air-popping on the stove or in the microwave without oil or butter is the key to keeping it healthy. Many online recipes can guide you through this simple process.

While homemade, air-popped popcorn offers health benefits, it's important to remember that movie theater popcorn is often very different. You have no control over how it's prepared or what's added, and it typically contains extra sugar and salt to enhance flavor. Consuming too much sodium and sugar can lead to serious health problems like heart conditions, weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and liver damage, negating the potential benefits of plain popcorn.