Kent State Interns

Fall is officially here and you know what that means…PUMPKINS! Not only do pumpkins make for cute fall decor, but when used in the kitchen, they also pack a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into our foods. Due to their high nutritional value, pumpkins can provide numerous health benefits such as: Boosting Immunity - Pumpkins are loaded with vitamin A. Vitamin A has been shown to strengthen the immune system and help fight off infections. Vitamin C, also in pumpkins, is linked to increased white blood cell production and enhances immune cell function. Lowering Cancer Risk - Pumpkins are high in antioxidants, such as beta carotene, which neutralize free radicals in the body, and can help protect against cancer. Eating foods rich in beta-carotene may lower the risk of stomach, breast, pancreatic, and throat cancer. Improving Heart Health - Pumpkins have potassium, fiber, and vitamin C which have all been linked to heart health benefits. High-fiber diets can lower

Holy Guacamole!!! Did you know that September 16th is National Guacamole Day? Can yo believe this delicious dish has it's very own holiday?!? Guacamole is one of my favorite dips, and if you haven't tried it, you are missing out big time. Give it a try!  Did you know… ↪ U.S citizens account for 79% of avocados exported from Mexico, annually consuming roughly 8.43 pounds per person   What does guacamole offer nutritionally?  ↪ Guacamole is primarily made up of avocados. Nutritionally, avocados are filled with healthy fats and other nutrients (vitamins C, K, E, riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium, and potassium). Healthy fats are essential for every cell in our body and help keep us full and stabilize our blood sugar levels! There are several other benefits  - avocados also contain beta-sitosterol which helps maintain regular cholesterol levels, 2 phytochemicals lutein and zeacanthin) which help with eye protection, and fiber which helps with your digestive system and GI sy

Granola bars are quick and convenient snacks when you’re on the go, but many of these bars can be loaded with added sugar and are low in nutritional value. It is important to know what to look for when you’re grocery shopping to find the best option to meet your health goals. The food label is going to be your friend here! Listed below are a few key things to look for when buying granola bars.  Added sugar: Added sugars are the sugars that have been added during the processing of food and have been linked to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. We want to limit these as much as possible, so aim for bars with less than 10 grams of added sugar per serving! Protein: Protein helps us feel full and can curb those cravings between meals. It also slows digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, which prevent spikes in blood sugar. Aim for bars with at least 5 grams of protein per serving! Fiber: Fiber also helps us feel full, like protein, and is good for our digestive health. F

If you've spent time of social media, chances are you've come across influencers raving about the magic of biotin for hair growth. Or even walked down the supplement aisle at the grocery store and noticed biotin supplements being advertised as "Hair, Skin, and Nails". Biotin is being promoted as the go-to supplement for thicker, stronger, and shinier hair. But does it really work, or is this just another health trend? Spoiler alert: the scientific evidence doesn't quite match up with the excitement. What is biotin anyway? Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps your body convert food into energy. While biotin deficiencies are rare, they can occur in certain circumstances. Symptoms can include brittle nails, skin rashes, and yes - hair thinning.  Biotin supplements are everywhere, however, there's very little scientific evidence to support their effectiveness in promoting hair growth or improving hair quality, especially for people who aren't defici