Lacey Muinos

Matcha is right up there with other so-called superfoods, like turmeric, ginger, kefir, wild blueberries, and mushrooms. It’s in powdered form, so it’s easy to incorporate in smoothies, drinks, and even baked goods. Between iced matcha lattes, macarons, and mochi, it’s everywhere — particularly in sweet beverages like boba and desserts like candy and ice cream. Some people like the earthy flavor that matcha adds, while others simply want to reap the purported health benefits.
So, what is this...

Until you experience the aches and pains yourself, healthy joints are something many of us take for granted. Without your joints, movement would be impossible—we’d be rigid skeletons incapable of bending, jumping, or moving in pretty much any capacity. Any time you wrap your fingers around your cup of coffee, hug a loved one, or walk up a flight of stairs, your joints are at work. And, after a while, they get pretty tired of near-constant use.
“Joint health affects almost everything we do,” s...

Strawberries are the sixth most popular fruit in the United States, with the average person eating a little over 5 pounds (lb) of the bright red berry per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). It’s easy to see why — the sweet, juicy fruits are just as delicious as they are nutritious.
“Strawberries are an antioxidant powerhouse,” says Jenna Volpe, RDN, who practices in Austin, Texas. “Adding strawberries to a balanced diet can potentially offer a wide array of benefits...

Everyone has their preferred way of meeting their protein needs. Some check that box by filling up with a big protein shake. Others prefer to chew through their protein sources, loading their plates with chicken breasts, black beans and other protein-rich foods.
While protein is usually associated with building muscles, it's also a key nutrient for healthy skin. "The skin is a complex organ made up of various structures including proteins," explains board-certified dermatologist Naana Boakye,...

If you go down the rabbit hole of what to eat to stay healthy and energized every day, there’s a good chance Greek yogurt will make an appearance at some point in your research. While it does contain cow’s milk, one of the most common food allergens, Greek yogurt is lower in lactose than other dairy products, and therefore gentler on the stomach. Fitness enthusiasts flock to the fermented yogurt for its balanced macronutrient ratio—it’s high in protein and lower in carbohydrates for sustained...

Technically a fruit but often treated as a vegetable, butternut squash is easily recognizable for its crooked, oblong shape — which is why it’s sometimes referred to as crookneck pumpkin. It’s bright orange like pumpkin and sweet potato, and it kind of tastes like them, too. Butternut squash has a mild but nutty flavor with a slight sweetness, so it can be used in sweet and savory recipes.
A vibrant look and a delightful flavor aren’t the only features that make butternut squash a hit in the ...

Before you head outside, you may check the weather forecast to determine how you should dress for the day and, perhaps, whether you should apply sunscreen. What you might not check as regularly is the ultraviolet (UV) index scale.
But, what is the UV index exactly? Keep reading to learn why this scale is important and how to check the UV index in your area.
What Is the UV Index?
The UV index scale was developed in 1994 by the National Weather Service and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)....

Every part of your body has a job, including the skin. The skin is your body's largest organ and the first line of defense against the environment. It's made up of three main layers—the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis—and each has several sublayers.
The outermost part of the epidermis is the skin barrier. According to research published in Current Problems in Dermatology, the primary skin barrier function is two-fold, working to lock in hydration and shield against harsh elements.
W...

Sunburns are never fun. The bright red lobster skin is unsightly and painful—but even worse, it can cause long-term damage to your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
Sun safety is not something to take lightly, especially when you're spending time outdoors and in bodies of water, like pools, lakes, and oceans, as ultraviolet (UV) rays are stronger when reflected off the water. Find out why and how this happens, and what you can do to stay safe this summer and beyond.
Can You Get Sunb...

You may think of sunscreen as separate from your skin care, as if its only job is to keep you from getting sunburn. The truth is, sunscreen offers several benefits for your skin. It not only shields you from unsightly, painful burns and reduces your risk of skin cancer, but sunscreen plays a direct role in preventing premature signs of aging, like dark spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Here's how sunscreen protects and remedies your skin from visible signs of sun damage.
How Does Sunscr...

There are few universal rules in skin care, but you should always cleanse your face at least once per day. Whether you should wash your face more often depends on your skin type, but the general rule of thumb is once daily for dry skin and twice daily for oily skin.
The best type of facial cleanser also depends on your skin type, skin goals, and other factors. Oil cleansing, for example, makes for an effective makeup remover. But, what is oil cleansing exactly and how do you know if it's righ...

If you notice your skin tone is inconsistent or your texture appears blotchy, you're likely dealing with hyperpigmentation. But don't worry; you're far from alone. Hyperpigmentation is a common occurrence and comes in many forms, including age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
According to the National Cancer Institute, hyperpigmentation has many causes but typically isn't harmful. So, once you determine what causes age spots or an uneven skin tone, you can target those...

During the winter season, nature slows down. Plants grow at a slower rate, and many animals go into hibernation. What doesn't hibernate, however, are the sun's rays.
It's true that you may see less of the sun during cold, snowy days, but ultraviolet (UV) light still shines through. With that said, you may ask yourself: Can you get a sunburn in the winter? The answer is yes, it's possible. Here's how to help prevent sunburn and other winter skin issues.
Summer vs. Winter Rays
The sun's UV rays...

If one of your goals for the new year is to stick to a consistent workout routine, and another is to maintain a clear complexion, you may wonder if the two can peacefully coexist. It's understandable to not want to sacrifice skin health while prioritizing your fitness goals. But, does sweat cause acne? Working up a sweat in the gym could contribute to an increase in breakouts—but it doesn't have to.
Here's how sweat and acne are linked and what you can do to achieve your New Year's resolution...

Among the three major types of skin cancer, melanoma is the most serious. There are a few types of melanoma and unfortunately, it can develop on any area of the body, including your eyes.
Melanoma in the eye (also known as ocular melanoma) is very rare, but it's something to be mindful of when creating a sun protection and cancer prevention plan. Here's what you need to know about melanoma of the eye and how to reduce your risk.
How Melanoma in the Eye Develops
First, what is melanoma? This i...