Browsing: Harvard

May 19, 2026 ByMaureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women’s Health Watch

March 18, 2026 ByJoyce Hendley, Staff Writer

November 1, 2025 ByMaureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women’s Health Watch

Chronic inflammation – a state of persistent activation of the immune system – is an important contributor to many diseases, and diet is a big contributor to inflammation. It would make sense, then, to follow what’s known as the “anti-anti-inflammatory diet.” Just one problem: There isn’t one single anti-inflammatory diet. Rather, this eating pattern is…

February 18, 2026 ByMaureen Salamon, Executive Editor, Harvard Women’s Health Watch

What does an anti-inflammatory diet do? Your immune system becomes activated when your body recognizes anything that is foreign-such as an invading microbe, plant pollen, or chemical. This often triggers a process called inflammation. Intermittent bouts of inflammation directed at truly threatening invaders protect your health.

Sugar has a bittersweet reputation when it comes to health. Sugar occurs naturally in all foods that contain carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy. Consuming whole foods that contain natural sugar is okay; for example, plant foods also have high amounts of fiber, essential minerals, and antioxidants, and dairy foods contain protein and…