Good Food Is Good Medicine Blog

female dietitian explaining health information to male patient in a clinic

How registered dietitians can support you in healthy eating, lifestyle changes and managing illness

With so much nutritional information online and on social media, it can be hard to know what's true. Registered dietitians can help you wade through fad diets, help you manage chronic conditions and more.

variety of mediterranean diet foods that have health benefits

Mediterranean diet: Foods to eat, health benefits and how to get started

The Mediterranean diet is shown to have many health benefits. It focuses on plant-based foods while staying away from highly processed items. Here's what you should know about this eating plan.

Mediterranean spiced salmon

Spice up your day with some Mediterranean flavors. This salmon recipe is quick and easy, and pairs perfectly with fresh veggies.

person scooping a seafood paella out of a pan

Shellfish allergy: What symptoms you should watch for and how it’s diagnosed and treated

People with shellfish allergy can react to one or more foods in the shellfish family. If you've had a negative reaction after eating shellfish, our experts have some symptoms to watch for and ways to get diagnosed.

man reaching for energy drinks in a store refrigerator

How do energy drinks affect your health?

Energy drinks are a popular way to get a boost of energy. However, they can have some negative impacts on your health. Learn which ingredients to watch for, and get tips for other ways to increase your energy levels.

bottle of olive oil being poured into a clear bowl with a couple green olives next to it

Olive oil health benefits and why you should add it to your diet

You may not think of olive oil as part of a healthy diet, but the “green gold” has many health benefits you may not be aware of. See how you can incorporate olive oil into your cooking more often.

4 ingredients that can add nutrients to your soup

Soups are a great way to incorporate local and healthy produce. There are a few other ingredients that can add nutrients to your cozy bowl. See what our experts recommend.

4 health benefits of walnuts and how much you should eat

Walnuts have been considered valuable throughout history. Perhaps it's because of the positive impacts they can have on your health. Learn the nutrients and health benefits of walnuts from our dietitians.

woman cooking vegetables in a pan on the stove

9 healthy eating tips that can help reduce inflammation

Sticking to anti-inflammatory eating habits can help manage chronic inflammation, which can be linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety and other conditions.

person preparing winter squash in a kitchen

Health benefits of winter squash and ways you can cook them

Winter squash isn't just a pretty fall decoration. There are more than 100 kinds of summer and winter squash that provide incredible health benefits.

Food safety in hot weather: 4 tips to keep your family safe

Many of us are heading outside this summer for a picnic or barbecue with family and friends. But there are some things you should keep in mind when you're taking food outdoors.

person with a TV remote and a bowl of popcorn

Bad eating habits: When, what and how often you eat matters

We all may have some bad eating habits, like eating too close to bedtime or mindlessly snacking on chips while watching TV. Our dietitians offer ways to combat these bad habits to help you eat healthier.

4 tips to reduce added sugar in your diet and the health risks if you don’t

A sweet treat every once in a while is much deserved. But be aware that too much added sugar can lead to other health risks. Our registered dietitians offer tips to reduce sugar in your diet.

man picking out produce at farmers market

Dietitians’ tips for sustainable eating that are good for you and the planet

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year's theme focuses on the importance of choosing healthy foods that are good for you and the environment. Check out our dietitians' tips for sustainable eating.

Roasted squash with wild rice and cranberry

This warm dish is perfect on a cold day. It's low in fat and calories and can be served as a side dish or as an afternoon snack.

older woman and young girl making a heart with their hands

I’m a cardiovascular dietitian. Here are 7 things I eat and avoid for heart health

Need some ideas for heart-healthy eating habits? A UC Davis Health cardiovascular dietitian explains seven things she eats and foods she avoids to help prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and more.

Dark chocolate health benefits? The good and the bad to this sweet treat

Dark chocolate is praised for having some health benefits, but a new report shows you need to be wary of which chocolate you choose. The advice for this dessert is everything in moderation.

Simple winter fruit salad

Keep it simple and fresh this holiday with a winter fruit salad. Take advantage of locally sourced fruits and nuts to create a dish of beautiful colors and aroma.

Chefs Jet Aguirre and Santana Diaz in the kitchen

Local chefs team up to teach Sacramento kids about healthy eating

Two of UC Davis Health's chefs teamed up with the Food Literacy Center to teach cooking and nutrition to low-income schools in the Sacramento area.

Red bean and turkey chili

Try this healthy turkey chili full of vegetables and legumes to warm you up during the cold winter months.

UC Davis Health executive chef attends White House conference for a healthier America

Executive Chef Santana Diaz attended a conference in Washington D.C. to discuss ideas to end hunger, improve nutrition and physical activity, and close disparities in the U.S.

man reading a label on a jar of vegetables

Your guide to low sodium eating and how to lower blood pressure

Limiting the amount of sodium you eat can help lower blood pressure and lessen your chances for other health conditions. Get tips to limit your salt intake and learn how to read food labels.

Health Tips

Summer food safety tips to keep your family healthy

If you're planning a picnic or barbecue outside this summer, it's important to know how to store and prepare food to keep bacteria and cancer-causing chemicals away.

Health Tips

Why it’s important for you to drink water and stay hydrated

This may be obvious to some, but water is very important to your health. What does it really do for your body? Get that answer and more in this blog.

Recipes

Creole gumbo

This tasty creole gumbo is a popular American dish that has West African and French influence. It includes a variety of proteins and an option to turn up the heat.