Gut health and skin health, can’t a girl just have it all? Yes, she can. Many superfoods offer multiple benefits that will help keep our gut microbiome healthy while also giving our skin that gorgeous glow. First and foremost, we must look at our water intake. Being well-hydrated helps keep our digestive system functioning properly and promotes supple skin. It’s not only water that helps our gut and our skin. There are plenty of foods and drinks we can try that will benefit us from the inside out. Photo by Wix Avocado Daily avocado consumption helps produce healthy bacteria that aid in breaking down fiber, thereby supporting gut health, according to a study published in The Journal of Nutrition . Participants also had a slightly higher level of weight loss when incorporating avocado into their daily diet. When it comes to our skin, avocado has incredible benefits. It's packed with vitamin C, which supports collagen production. Additionally, avocados contain a high amount of healthy fats, which help keep our skin hydrated. Green Tea A recent study by The Ohio University  showed a positive correlation between consuming green tea extract and lowered blood sugar as well as improved gut health. Green tea consumption helps lower inflammation that can lead to a “leaky gut.” As far as our skin is concerned, green tea  helps combat both acne and the signs of aging. Some studies even show green tea can help prevent skin cancer. Photo by Wix Fatty Fish If you’re a fan of fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring, your gut and skin will thank you. Certain fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can help combat inflammation,  which can lead to significant digestive issues. Those same omega-3 fatty acids also help to keep our skin thick and moisturized. Some studies suggest that  fatty acids can help combat skin issues such as lupus or psoriasis. Dark Chocolate Yes, dark chocolate can be a healthy option. Cocoa is rich in polyphenols that support digestion and contains fiber. It can also help improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Our skin loves the antioxidants in dark chocolate, which can help reduce signs of aging. It also improves circulation, which promotes a healthy glow. Dark chocolate's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce redness in our skin. There you have it, eating well and taking care of our bodies shows from the inside out.

Fall is officially upon us, and we’re ready for all the fun. Bring on the flannel, campfires, and of course, the delicious fall fare. When we think of fall dining, there are definitely some foods that steal the show this time of year. There’s nothing better than apples, squash, brussels sprouts, and pumpkin this time of year.  Fall is also a great time to try new soups and stews that can help warm our hearts and bodies on a crisp autumn day. Photo By Wix A change of season offers a new culinary adventure. By using fresh, seasonal ingredients, we have the opportunity to incorporate nature’s bounty into our meals. "Talking to the local farmers can really come in handy, because they'll know exactly what's growing at that specific time," Annie Cavalier, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Dallas, shared with the American Heart Association . "They'll introduce me to something that I haven't tried before, and most of the time, it's absolutely delicious." By Corryn Burtenshaw Eating Seasonally is Good For Your Health Eating seasonally means your produce will have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants , as its nutritional content begins to decline once it's picked. This means you should eat what is grown locally, as well, because an apple grown in New York and shipped to California will not be at its peak. "Vitamins, particularly vitamin C, degrade during storage, meaning apples kept for several months may have lower levels of certain nutrients compared to freshly harvested ones," Cavalier said. Eating seasonally will also give you peace of mind that your fruits and vegetables were grown in their most natural conditions, instead of being harvested inside commercial greenhouses and being subjected to artificial ripening techniques. Autumn seasonal fruits and vegetables offer great health benefits. Apples provide a much-needed fiber boost while helping to curb cravings for something sweet. Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, and support digestive health. The fall favorite pumpkin packs a punch with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants that support heart health and help maintain healthy blood pressure. Delicious and Healthy Fall Recipes If you’re ready to dive into all the autumn food favorites. We have some delicious suggestions. By Nate Dumalo Butternut Squash Soup Healthy Apple Crisp The Best Brussels Sprouts Of Your Life Gluten-Free Spiced Pumpkin Pancake Many foods on our autumn tables are not only delicious, but also have great health benefits. Challenge yourself this fall to try something new and be adventurous in the kitchen. Think fresh and head to your local farmer’s market for the best ingredients. You will love what you find.

In recent years, we’ve heard a lot of buzz about seed oils and why some people think we should avoid them. For generations, we’ve cooked with what many influencers call “The Hateful Eight,” and now we’re questioning the impact on our health. Are canola oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, grapeseed oil, and rice bran oils really the devil? Or, can we rely on the old adage that “everything in moderation” is OK? Let’s see what the experts have to say. One of the biggest concerns some people have with seed oils is their potential to cause inflammation. Many believe that omega-3 fatty acids cause inflammation, but that's not really the case. Photo by Wix “The omega-3s seem to be a little more anti-inflammatory than the omega-6s,” Christopher Gardner, PhD, the director of nutrition studies at the Stanford Prevention Research Center,  says. “But somehow, this has been flipped into saying the omega-6s are pro-inflammatory. That isn’t the case. Just because research suggests that omega-3s have stronger anti-inflammatory effects doesn’t mean omega-6s are harmful.” So where did this all come from? The dislike for seed oils likely stems from their use in fast-food restaurants. Because oils like canola and soybean are less expensive and give good flavor, restaurants use them. Of course, we know that consuming a large amount of fast food, fried food, and processed food isn’t good for us, and if people are consuming a significant amount of seed oils in this way, they’ll likely be less healthy than those who don’t. Photo by Wix “We know that ultra-processed foods generally are not good for your health. They are usually high in sodium or salt, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives,” Matti Marklund, PhD, MSE, an assistant professor in International Health,  explains . “That's why it's bad for you, not the inclusion of seed oils.” Should we toss all our seed oils and start over? The experts don’t think so. Instead, incorporate seed oils as part of a balanced diet. There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself from time to time. Focusing on whole foods, fruit, vegetables, and lean protein will lead to a healthier life in the long run.