The 10 Keys to Healthy Eating

Nutrition is often regarded as the first form of medicine. Indeed, it plays a fundamental role in our health! This article presents 10 essential keys to adopting simple dietary habits that can optimize your health and well-being.

1. Have a savory breakfast!

Most of us eat cereal with milk or buttered white toast with jam alongside a tall glass of orange juice for breakfast. But that breakfast is far from ideal in terms of nutrition. Indeed, that kind of overly sugary meal encourages insulin secretion, which should be avoided — especially in the morning.

It’s best to opt for a savory breakfast. Eating protein in the morning promotes the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the mind and jump-starts your motivation. In addition to making you more motivated and alert, consuming protein at breakfast can also help you feel full longer and reduce snacking later in the morning.

Eggs are the perfect solution because they contain extremely high quality protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals. But there are other protein sources you can try for variety:

Animal protein: one ounce of cheese (preferably goat or sheep milk), a yogurt (goat or sheep milk), sardines or a slice of good ham (from time to time)

Plant-based protein: soy-based vegan pudding packed with protein, chia seeds, nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, etc.)

2. Eat at least 2 to 3 fruits and 2 to 3 servings of vegetables a day

A daily intake of 28 to 32 oz of fruit and vegetables is ideal, i.e. 2 to 3 servings of vegetables (17 oz) and 2 to 3 fruits. For lunch and dinner, choose at least one raw and one cooked fruit or vegetable.

After all, fresh fruits and vegetables are very high in fiber, which has an essential role to optimizing our health. It contributes to satiety and therefore plays an important role in weight management, it helps regulate our blood sugar levels, and it also facilitates digestion and helps balance our gut microbiota.

Fruits and vegetables are also rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Getting the right amount of antioxidants is particularly important for preventing cancer, degenerative diseases and cardiovascular disease.

Vary the fruits and vegetables on your plate and their colors as much as possible to reap all their benefits!

Warning: fruit juice is not the same as fruit! Juice lacks the fiber that regulates the rate at which sugars are assimilated, so its glycemic index is much higher than that of whole fruit.

3. Eat good fat

The quest to eliminate fat has no scientific or biological basis. In fact, “good fats” are responsible for the proper development of eyesight, brain membranes and neural connections. In addition to being good for the brain, they help reduce cardiovascular risks. So good fat is a crucial ally for good health!

But not all fats are created equal! The problem is not that we eat too much fat these days, but that we eat too much bad fat.

Limit your intake of saturated fats and omega-6, which are currently over-consumed. These fats are found in animal products (meat, butter, cheese, etc.), in some vegetable oils (sunflower, coconut, palm, grape seed) and above all in many processed products (cookies, potato chips, etc.).

On the other hand, make sure you get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids! Omega-3 fatty acids occur primarily in fatty fish (tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc.), certain oils (canola, linseed, walnut), seeds (chia, flax, hemp) and in some vegetables in very small quantities (watercress, lamb’s lettuce, cabbage). Caution: do not consume tuna or salmon more than once a week, as they generally contain high levels of various pollutants, including heavy metals (mercury, PCBs, dioxins, etc.).

Choose products rich in omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-9 fatty acids occur in large quantities in olive oil, hazelnut oil, avocado, hazelnuts and almonds. In view of the environmental impact of avocados, we recommend eating them only occasionally.

4. Take the time to chew

Chewing may seem like a trivial step and is often neglected; however, it plays an essential role in our health.

Better nutrient absorption: good chewing transforms food into nutrients that reach our cells more effectively.

Eating less and managing weight: chewing triggers various hormones that send a satiety signal to the brain during the meal.

Improving digestion: insufficient chewing forces the stomach to produce more gastric juice to break down large pieces. This excess acid can irritate the digestive lining and cause acid reflux.

Protecting teeth and gums: chewing helps prevent cavities by stimulating saliva production, which cleans dental plaque and protects enamel from acidity. It also exercises our gums, essential for good dental health.

5. Fill up on antioxidants

Antioxidants are extremely beneficial molecules that are crucial to cell protection. They help guard against various afflictions, such as premature skin aging, cancer, degenerative disorders, cataracts, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

The good news is that these miracle workers occur all around us in our food. Eating generous amounts of fruits and vegetables is usually enough to cover the body’s needs. Here are some foods with particularly high antioxidant properties:

Berries: blueberries, blackberries, goji berries, acai berries, raspberries, strawberries

Other fruits: apples, plums, pomegranates, oranges, kiwis, grapes, figs

Vegetables: artichokes, cabbages, broccoli, spinach, bell peppers

Allium family: onion, garlic, shallot

Spices: cloves, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon

Herb: thyme, basil, oregano, parsley, chives, dill, mint, rosemary, bay leaf

Hot beverages: tea and coffee

Cacao and chocolate: pure cocoa powder, dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao)

You should eat organic versions of these foods because organically grown foods have 20% to 70% more polyphenols (a type of antioxidant found in many vegetables) than conventionally grown foods.

6. Eat mindfully

In our busy lives, many of us eat breakfast at breakneck speed, or gobble up lunch in front of our computers to make the most of our time. We are completely disconnected from our relationship with food.

However, it is important to devote at least 20 minutes to each meal. Mindfulness is about considering a moment in its own right, and paying attention to what we eat.

Applying mindfulness to our eating habits will have several beneficial impacts. First, it enables us to listen to our hunger and satiety signals and ensure that our intake is adapted to our needs. This will reduce the quantities we consume and our cravings for snacks.

Mindful eating also helps develop a preference for healthier foods: when we eat impulsively and emotionally without listening to our bodies, we no longer feel the pleasure of eating, and we are more susceptible to fatty, sweet and salty foods.

Finally, mindfulness also contributes to mental well-being. It allows you to observe your feelings without judgment, and to listen to yourself. Thinking only of the present moment during a meal also helps to still the mind and lower stress and anxiety.

7. Limit your salt intake

Salt is essential to proper body function, but excessive consumption can lead to the development of certain diseases. Today, we consume more than twice as much salt than we really need!

Excessive salt intake increases the risk of high blood pressure. Hypertension itself can lead to heart disease and even stroke. Salt consumption also increases the risk of cancer and stomach ulcers.

There are simple ways to reduce salt intake:

  • Limit foods high in salt: ready-made meals, potato chips, cold cuts, pizza, sauces, cheese, etc.
  • Opt for alternatives to add flavor to dishes, such as garlic, onion, thyme, chives, basil, lemon, pepper, curry, paprika and all sorts of spices.
  • Taste before salting
  • Do not add salt to cooking water
  • Remove the salt shaker from the table

8. Go vegetarian at dinner

It is recommended to prepare a vegetarian dinner, meaning no meat, fish or eggs. This type of meal will help pave the way for a good night’s sleep.

So, for dinner you should opt for plant-based protein rather than animal protein. Indeed, animal protein encourages the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for alertness and motivation. While it is perfect in the morning to rev you up, at night the body needs to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with soothing and sleep regulation.

Serotonin is made from tryptophan, an amino acid found in plant-based protein, such as legumes, soy, brown rice, sunflower seeds and chocolate. The carbohydrates found in legumes and grain products also help optimize serotonin production.

Some foods promote serotonin production, which optimizes sleep quality:

Walnuts and almonds: in addition to tryptophan, they contain magnesium, a lack of which can be linked to sleep disorders.

Carbohydrates (from whole grains and fruits): thanks to insulin secretion, their amino acids will be directed to the brain rather than the muscles. That will make room for tryptophan in the brain, so it is more readily available for serotonin production.

Furthermore, animal proteins and cooked fats are very demanding for the digestive system: they are made up of molecules that can take a long time to digest.

9. Opt for low-temperature cooking

Cooking at high temperatures erodes the nutritional quality of food: it leads to the destruction of certain vitamins and minerals. Some vitamins are very sensitive to heat, and foods can easily lose 50% of their initial vitamin content during cooking. The longer the cooking time and the higher the temperature, the lower the nutritional content of the food.

In addition, browning food during cooking is accompanied by the production of Maillard bodies, compounds which, in excessive quantities, can increase the risk of developing certain cancers.

Opt for low-temperature cooking, i.e. below 210°F. The most useful method is gently steaming your foods.

10. Eat raw foods and avoid processed foods

Raw food is a product that is sold in its original form and has not undergone any
processing: fruit and vegetables, legumes, eggs, fish, etc. Conversely, processed products
are those that have undergone some form of transformation in order to be sold and which do not occur in this form in nature: ready-made meals, fruit juices and soft drinks, cookies, etc.

Ultra-processed foods have problematic health effects: they are often low in nutrients with a high glycemic load. What’s more, they generally contain little fiber and their texture can be too soft to be satiating.

Finally, consuming processed foods throws the gut microbiota out of balance. As a result, the intestinal microbiota has fewer good bacteria, which are essential to proper body function since they fight pathogens (e.g. parasites and bacteria) and perform essential functions to prevent lifestyle diseases.

Here are some tips for avoiding processed foods:

Go with short ingredient lists, meaning no more than 4 or 5 ingredients.

Avoid products whose ingredient list includes items with complicated names (glucose-fructose syrup, hydrolyzed proteins, modified starch, etc.).

Choose products without problematic additives. Of course, you can use Yuka for this!

Eat as many raw, unprocessed products as possible, that you have prepared and cooked yourself.

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  • Hall KD, Ayuketah A, Brychta R, et al. Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake [published correction appears in Cell Metab. 2019 Jul 2;30(1):226]. Cell Metab. 2019;30(1):67-77.e3.
  • Vandevijvere, S.; Jaacks, L. M.; Monteiro, C. A.; Moubarac, J.-C.; Girling-Butcher, M.; Lee, A. C.; Pan, A.; Bentham, J.; Swinburn, B. Global Trends in Ultraprocessed Food and Drink Product Sales and Their Association with Adult Body Mass Index Trajectories. Obes Rev 2019, 20 Suppl 2, 10–19.
  • Nardocci, M.; Leclerc, B.-S.; Louzada, M.-L.; Monteiro, C. A.; Batal, M.; Moubarac, J.-C. Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Obesity in Canada. Can J Public Health 2019, 110 (1), 4–14
  • Chambers, Lucy. (2016). Food texture and the satiety cascade. Nutrition Bulletin. 41. 277-282. 10.1111/nbu.12221.
  • Tremblay, A.; Bellisle, F. Nutrients, Satiety, and Control of Energy Intake. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2015, 40 (10), 971–979.
  • Fardet, A. Minimally Processed Foods Are More Satiating and Less Hyperglycemic than Ultra-Processed Foods: A Preliminary Study with 98 Ready-to-Eat Foods. Food Funct 2016, 7 (5), 2338–2346.
  • Fiolet, T.; Srour, B.; Sellem, L.; Kesse-Guyot, E.; Allès, B.; Méjean, C.; Deschasaux, M.; Fassier, P.; Latino-Martel, P.; Beslay, M.; et al. Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Cancer Risk: Results from NutriNet-Santé Prospective Cohort. BMJ 2018, 360.
  • Zinöcker, M. K.; Lindseth, I. A. The Western Diet–Microbiome-Host Interaction and Its Role in Metabolic Disease. Nutrients 2018, 10 (3).

Co-Author

Anthony Berthou

Registered nutritionist, specialist in systemic food issues, teacher to healthcare professionals.

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432 comments

  1. Jay

    You are misleading people by demonizing saturated fats .They are good for you .
    Show the peer reviewed science proving it ,you can’t .
    All seed oils are very harmful, except avocado and olive oil but be carefully
    Overheated olive oil is not good.
    Cook with talo fat.
    Cheese that processed is no good.wheats ,grains and the like are no food.
    And all carbs turn to sugar.
    Quit following the mainstream sat fat is bad it’s not ,!

    Reply
  2. Janna

    Thank you so much , this is awesome!

    Reply
  3. Lindsey

    Thanks for the article! Surprised not to see anything here on the harmful effects of seed oils? What is your stance?

    Reply
  4. Robert

    I have Alpha-gal and can not eat anything with alphgalactos sugar molecules. Xanthan gum, gelatin, butter,milk,beef,pork,bison,venison and much more.450,000 people have this and the number is growing. An app to omit these things would be great.

    Reply
  5. Carol

    Excellent information, some things I already know but a good reminder to ensure a balanced diet

    Reply
  6. Rita

    Loved this article; full of common sense! Thank you

    Reply
  7. Judi

    Excellent information. Love the vegetarian dinner idea!
    Thank you.

    2
    Reply
  8. Reid

    Don’t use canola oil, it’s a frankenfood. Avoid seed oils all together. Animal fats would be better for you.

    Reply
  9. Kimberely

    In view of the environmental impact of avocados, we recommend eating them only occasionally. Exactly what do you mean by this comment?

    Reply
    1. Reid

      All foods can have an environmental impact….it’s not the food, but farming technique. Avocados are very healthy for you.

      Reply
  10. Dana

    Love Yuka 🙌🏻

    Reply
  11. Ron

    I appreciate how you wrote this article in an easy-to-understand fashion and how you formatted it. I never thought about having savory foods for breakfast and vegetarian for dinner.

    1
    Reply
  12. Caren

    Very helpful….

    Reply
  13. Andrew

    Thanks. A lot to take in but a lot learnt today. With thanks

    Reply
  14. Trish

    Wondering if sardines escape toxins in the water that the bigger fish can get

    2
    Reply
  15. Lorenza

    Yuka has helped me immensely in my grocery shopping thank you

    Reply
  16. Linda

    Tons of great information! Excellent article!

    Reply
  17. Harriet

    Really appreciate this information and app .

    Reply
  18. Lee

    I think this is a great app, but I’m surprised seed oils are not highlighted as a hazard given their record of causing inflammation in the body

    Reply
    1. Reid

      Agree! avoid seed oils

      Reply
  19. Kay

    Thank you for your app it helps me in the grocery store & I share it with others.
    It is a blessing to eat healthy. Thanks again!

    Reply
  20. Bonnie

    I really love this app, it helps me find things that are good for me and also some bad things that I thought was good.

    Reply
  21. Christine

    Have used this app for about 3 weeks and our shopping is very much more informed. I/we recommend the app to everyone. It is so easy to gather the information you need to make better choices when shopping. You don’t have to shop in expensive shops but you can make healthier choices so easily. Just because something purports to be healthy we have found it definitely isn’t.
    THANK YOU

    Reply
  22. Mary-Theresa

    I bought the Yuka app and now use it to inform my food choices. We are both very heathy and I always cook from scratch but the app has enhanced my understanding of misleading advertising.

    2
    Reply
  23. Sally Lee

    Really helpful info I changed my diet due to ill health and some if the items on your site are really helpful to maintain healthy lifestyle

    Reply
  24. Ivy Dixon

    Thank you so much for posting this article. A lot of these things I have heard of before. Today the article just resonated with me more.

    1
    Reply
  25. Alice

    Thank You for thinking of other people health enough to take time to provide much needed rescoures for us all. May God Bless You FOREVER

    2
    Reply
    1. I Dixon

      Hi, I thought the same thing as I was reading. I enjoyed this article.

      Reply
  26. Anne

    This is the best site I have been on a friend of mine suggested it,
    I downloaded Yuka as I am Type 2 Diabetic, mostly through my own ignorance
    I now have it under control, and eating properly with the right foods.
    In turn I also feel a lot healthier.
    Thank you to Yuka

    Reply
  27. Tena

    Worthwhile read!

    1
    Reply
  28. Mark

    Some really helpful info.
    Thank you

    Reply
  29. Stewart

    Great information. Thank you.

    Reply
  30. Semiu

    A great read. Very informative. Thank you.

    Reply
  31. Cathy

    Excellent information thank you for sharing

    1
    Reply
  32. Di

    Hi Julia
    Your app is amazing. I’ve been using it at the supermarket. One thing puzzles me though. I zapped 5 types of mayo, including what is probably the market leader, as well as the supermarket’s own brand. Some of the mayos were full fat, some reduced fat. I chose the mayo with the highest rating (27/100 poor) which happened to be the supermarket’s own brand. On a closer look through all the ratings once I got home, I was disconcerted to find the best (although poor) rated mayo that I’d purchased contains 2 hazardous chemicals including nitrites. I’m puzzled why this mayo warrants 27/100 when for example, the so-called market leader warrants 5/100 presumably due to high fat content.

    5
    Reply
  33. Liz

    What is the price of your membership?

    1
    Reply
  34. Margaret

    Found this very enlightening and have started to scan goods

    Reply
  35. Bonnie

    What does this mean? “ In view of the environmental impact of avocados, we recommend eating them only occasionally.”
    Thank you.

    13
    Reply
    1. John

      Deforestation, carbon footprint, water scarcity and biodiversity are all contributing challenges from avocados. But, they’re definitely delicious and healthy! 😊

      Reply
  36. Karen

    I’m obsessed with this app and this article. Much love for all that you do!

    1
    Reply
  37. Helen

    Succinct and informative, thank you

    Reply
  38. Dee Crawford

    Excellent article. Thank you

    Reply
  39. Sandra

    This is great information and easy to read and understand. I have a better understanding of the why behind the things that we’re supposed to eat. I’m going to share this with some important people in my life.
    Thank you,

    Reply
  40. Viorica

    Thank you for putting it in writing and for going straight to the business.

    I distrust the videos: they tend to start with the Genesis, trying to get the viewers’ empathy by offering details about themselves and 10-15 minutes later they are still talking your ears off with not one iota of true information.

    Reply
  41. Jazz atwal

    Thank you for all helpful information I love this app

    Reply
  42. Joshalyn

    I love this app I been telling a lot of my friends and family about how can you get more items in the app if you live in Texas I guess my question is is there a option to scan items so they could get to you if so I’ll love to do it for free I worked at Walmart for 20 years being a comp shopper

    Reply
  43. Nick

    I keep getting mailshots imploring me to ‘become a member & support Yuka’. I already subscribed via the iOS app. That’s my limit. The app itself, particularly after subscribing, provides mostly useful information in particular flagging harmful additives. The alternatives provided are also useful but have limitations, for example, a large tub of moisturiser for leg scar injuries could not, at least in my financial situation, be replaced by an astronomically expensive, tiny tub of Garnier offerings. There are some things best ignored, for example, the sermonising admonitions about alcohol in regards to long-standing confectionary favourite of ‘liquorice’.

    Reply
  44. Susan

    I like reading Yuka because it not only recommends foods, it also explains why!

    Reply
  45. Lynn

    Such a helpful app and making better choices is easy with Yuka. Well worth paying for the extra features in my opinion, for easily finding alternative products.

    Reply
  46. David

    I put a feedback out yesterday through the web site but I’ll do it again here. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in April this year. Without medication I reversed this in 3 months. Mostly it was thro eating better but I also had the help from Oviva, can recommend others checking them out. I also used the NHS food scanner app.
    Recently tho I started using Yuka, don’t know how I found you but I think it was recommended. Can I say well done you guys. It’s an excellent scanner. The information you provide is fantastic. One of the item I scanned, because my wife and granddaughter likes it was Bovril. We were gobsmacked to find they use Ammonia caramel. An item currently being investigated by the EU. I used this information to contact Unilever, to ask why they used this. I’ve only had a response to say they would be in touch.

    Again thank you guys and I’ll keep looking at your information.

    1
    Reply
  47. Annette

    Thank you 👍 My Husband already signed up with you! We are now both Retired and both share the App and it’s already very handy to scan different products for good health, Thank you for sharing a good shampoo I have been trying so many different ones and have now a good match 😊 all keep up the good work Fantastic 👍

    Reply
  48. Neil

    There’s a change in me that took a long time coming. YUKA has been instrumental in my new health. I now cook fresh every day. No rubbish food gets through the door, let alone in my mouth.

    Reply
  49. Anthony

    Yuka has made a wonderful contribution to my everyday live and I love the way I feel thanks so much

    Reply
  50. Kim

    Your articles are awesome! I’m a Yuka member and use my app daily. Thank you so much for caring about nutrition and environment and for sharing it in a simple way. Keep the emails coming.

    1
    Reply
  51. Cynthia

    Thank you for the wonderful advice and I thoroughly enjoyed your article. The Yuka App is amazing 🤩 too!!
    Keep up the great content…. 🙌🏻👊🏻🫶🏻

    Reply
  52. Geanette

    Thank you cut your work!! ❤️

    Reply
  53. Imelda

    You’re amazingly doing such a great job 👏
    May God bless you more.

    Reply
  54. Vickie

    Love Yuka app. I have cancer & changing a lot of products that I have used for years.

    2
    Reply
  55. Bernard

    I love your app…. Thank you so much for the tips x

    Reply
  56. Susan

    I love the yuka app. And use it all the time. Have learned a lot and had some surprises! Can you tell me if there’s an equivalent for checking supplements? (I’ve been looking at ones for arthritis) I tried one on the yuka app and it read the bar code, but just said it didn’t know what ingredients were in the supplement

    3
    Reply
  57. Beryl

    This is so helpful and am pleased to see that the advice almost totally matches with my new diet App, for ladies around/ post Menopause, RH. I have used Yuka already to find safer make up and hair products and my young granddaughter was delighted that her water choice in a cafe scored 100/100. You are making the change happen thank you. I hope manufacturers also download this app.

    1
    Reply
  58. VISIT, ROB IN SON BUC LER ( ‘ ‘ ) G MA I L.. C O M,

    This is awesome……………………..

    This spell caster brought my ex lover back…

    I Got rid of Hsv with his herbal med..

    Reply
  59. Mary

    Good article. Keep them coming.

    Reply
  60. Ris

    Fabulous advice- Yuka is a great resource for grounded , intelligent and honest information

    1
    Reply
  61. Jason

    I am recovering from a colon cancer op (which hopefully was successful) and have sifted through extensive dietary suggestions.
    This info sheet and many others on YUKA have condensed the plethora of healthier dietary options into a bite size chunk of goodness. Thank you.

    1
    Reply
  62. Christine

    This is a great article, I will definitely incorporate these lessons into my eating habits! I also LOVE the Yuka app!

    Reply
  63. Anne

    Love your APP!!!

    Reply
  64. Tin

    Thank you for a great article,It makes so much sense!

    Reply
  65. Sue

    Thanks for all the useful information

    Reply
  66. Lily

    Thank you for the article some of these I wasn’t aware of

    Reply
  67. Annie

    Thank you for all the helpful information!

    Reply
  68. Kelly Stone

    I really appreciate most of your help in selecting healthy products. However, your suggestions promoting eating anything other than plant based foods is not on target…and definitely old thinking.

    1
    Reply
  69. Charles

    Why does Aspen Mills honey whole wheat bread (with only 4 ingredients including water) only get 78 when
    Grandma Sycamore’s white bread gets a 72 with 16 ingredients including processed white flour and sugar (instead of honey in its original form) and added gluten, citric acid, and soy lecithin? What packaged foods get a significantly higher number?
    Ps. Some people need added salt; do some need added gluten?

    16
    Reply
  70. BERTHA

    Yo estoy muy encantada con esta aplicacion ..por que ami encanta cuidarme. y cuidar de mi esposo .y mas si busca lo mejor de lo productos que Sean muy Buenos para nuestra salud. Mil bendiciones

    Reply
  71. Beverly J

    Learned about Yuka a week ago from my daughter and I am in love with this. So helpful and informative!

    1
    Reply
  72. Nikki Ann

    I feel like I have a new best friend! The app guides my choices! This article gave sound advice! I am grateful for you!!!

    2
    Reply
  73. Jeanne

    A great article to read just before a visit to the shops. The app is invaluable.

    Reply
  74. Stuart

    A Vorverk Thermomix is a fantastic way to healthy way to incorporate all these healthy ways to eat clean food. No additives, e numbers or preservatives.

    2
    Reply
  75. Andrew

    All very interesting but I believe that the idea that saturated fat being a contributing factor for heart disease, has now been shown to be false. Saturated fats (stable fats) have been shown to be healthy and not inflammatory unlike omega 6 seed oils. What are your thoughts?

    15
    Reply
  76. Sylvia

    Loved your article. Thank you.

    Reply
  77. Marilyn

    Thank you so much I can’t tell you how much I love you Yuka App and I am steading the word!!!

    3
    Reply
  78. Kim

    This was a great read… than you for reminding us of the importance of good clean eating.

    Reply
  79. Carol

    Having a hypothyroid condition undiagnosed for years led me down the path of how to use food to counteract Hashimoto autoimmune and what I have learned has shocked me. Many of your recommendations have been proven not true. Strawberries contribute to dementia. Plant fiber is NOT the best for losing weight, statins are hurting people more than helping, eating meat. Yes even burning that carcinogenic hamburger (without the hormones of course doesn’t cause cancer. Over 200,000 years our ancestors cooked meat over fires and their teeth were great, no cavities. What had happened are layer after layer of pesticides on the same farmland (not your great grandmother’s veggies) and feeding chicken and cows corn (which now over 26 countries ban). I love Yuka because you address the additives (we are being literally killed by BIG FOOD. I would suggest you look into reading Lies My Doctor Told Me by Ken D. Berry, MD, FAAFO and a book I shared with a friend The Big Fat Lie (title off) explain g how we arrived to this state and why everyone is overweight…Food is Medicine and it has been tampered with and so…Yuka is a guide but it is always what we don’t know that bites us!

    6
    Reply
    1. Vivian

      I enjoyed this article. It was full of vital information.

      Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Cassandra

      Thank you for your information. I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism around 2018. I’m shocked because no one in my family ever had issues with their parathyroids. I personally believe my issue is related to HBP medicine. Of course no one is listening. on my last checkup, my endocrinologist said that they think now that it might be overactive. I can only pray!

      Reply
      1. Cassandra

        I do love the Yuka app and will continue using it. I find it very informative. Thanks Yuka

    3. Reid

      If the MSM or Feds recommend something to consume, they are supporting their Ag complex. Do the opposite for your health probably holds true. Remember margarine ,,,,, yah, no thanks. less process the better.

      Reply
  80. William

    Thanks for the information. It will be in my mind someplace to remind me to eat healthier.

    Reply
  81. Leslie

    Excellent article, Julie. You have summarized a lot of great information in a tight, well-written article. I write about food and nutrition as well as how the thermal properties of foods can affect women with hot flashes on Medium and on my website, http://www.hotflashdiet.com. I wish you all well.

    Reply
  82. Janice

    I love the app for the nutrients and additives but is there anything Yuka has which is geared toward a renal diet? I have Stage IV CKD and, while Yuka provides much information, it would be nice to have something geared immediately to CKD.

    Reply
    1. Kandy

      You may want to check out the Medical Medium series by Anthony William. He details the cause of each disease and how to prevent or improve it. They all have a few common causes – toxins, heavy metals & viruses so by ridding your body of these you can avoid them all. (For myself I was rid of brain fog, memory problems, tinnitus, eye floaters, heart palpitations, hand tremors, acid reflux and more.) There are also specific supplement lists to help see improvements even quicker. The Life Changing Foods book tell which foods help what conditions the most and give an easy recipe for each. For kidney disease there are a dozen foods recommended.

      Reply
  83. Lisa

    Just got started on this app. Love it Check out the membership. Thank you.

    Reply
  84. Linda

    Thanks
    Do wish Yuka included supplements too.

    1
    Reply
  85. VIRGINIA

    I absolutely love this app it has helped me pick healthy choices. Fast and simple

    Reply
  86. Sylvia Rochelle

    We/You/all of us have a very serious problem with FOOD. Anything we put in our mouths. It’s like trying to teach everyone big and small, about trash. We are a society of consumers, in that vain everything is trash! Especially Cancer.
    Thank you for Yuka, great word👀 ☮️

    Reply
  87. Ron

    Good info. To the point. Easy to understand.

    1
    Reply
  88. Janine

    Thank you so much for this excellent article. I work for a functional medicine doctor. It is informative and well written.

    Reply
  89. Mary Dyer

    I’m surprised that my diet fits closely to your recommendations, other than I need to adjust the time of day I should eat them. My biggest change is that I will be making salad dressings now. Thanks for sharing this. I’m glad to have Yuka’s help while shopping.

    Reply
  90. Jackie

    Fabulous app, so helpful when making food and cosmetic choices. This article helps to build on knowledge and give tips to stick to good choices. I just wish my family and friends were as bothered about it all as I am.

    2
    Reply
  91. Meredith parker

    I have learned so much since uploading Yuka, thank you for the 10 tips , it was very helpful

    3
    Reply
  92. Margaret

    Thank you! Simple and concise! That’s all I need!!

    2
    Reply
  93. ANNIE O

    Very Helpful and not complicated. Well Done!

    3
    Reply
  94. Karron

    Thank you for the informative article. This was really helpful and easy to understand. And, the Yuka🥕 app is a Godsend!

    2
    Reply
  95. Linda

    Precise and informative article!! I’ll take note of chewing thorough and yes, be mindful of devoting about 20 minutes for each meal!!!
    THANK YOU!!

    1
    Reply
  96. Debra

    I use this app at the grocery store all the time now. Choices I would have made thinking they are healthy turn out to be the worst.

    6
    Reply
  97. Rose

    This is awesome information. I am going to pass some of this information to my students! I love the information on chewing – who would have known taking the time to chew well could stimulate the brain and increase cognitive thinking!!

    1
    Reply
  98. Faith

    So very grateful for this App and all I am learning! God bless you guys!

    1
    Reply
  99. Alexandra Reid

    Hi this is a great article! I have a good understanding of healthy food nutrition but I really learnt somethingsb in this article and found it easy to understand and user friendly with the way it was structured.

    Reply
  100. Roo

    Yuka is great I helping me make choices. My diet is complicated as I am diabetic, gluten intolerant and low protein following kidney cancer. Yuka could help extra by showing carbohydrate content.

    Reply
  101. Nancy

    Yuka is great. As a diabetic and also gluten intolerant, my food choices are complicated. I would very much like to see carbohydrates included in Yuka statistics. Thank you

    Reply
  102. M

    I am sharing this app with my friends it is very useful information and not just an app

    2
    Reply
  103. Susan callaghan

    Thank you so much , I use the app EVERY time I shop . Being pre diabetic and hating additives 🙁 yuka is now with me all the time :).

    2
    Reply
  104. Alberto

    My wife and I very happy with this app I will recommend to friends and family

    Reply
  105. Constance

    You had me till you recommended canola and grapeseed oils. They are over processed and very inflammatory….. breaks my heart you would recommend them

    14
    Reply
    1. Carol

      Amen! Soy products too are not good for us. My doctor has written an article titled “Death by Soy”.

      2
      Reply
  106. Olivia

    Very informative

    Reply
  107. Carole

    I love this app , my friends and relatives have it now .
    I’m pinging away in the supermarket .
    I’ve always been very food conscious , I’m a fit healthy 63 year old but this has taken me to another level . !!
    So annoyed how all my expensive beauty products are full of demons .
    Just bought a new moisturiser and it was 4x less expensive than my usual one .
    I love it . Thanks Yuka

    Reply
    1. Kandy

      I figured if shea butter is what they add to moisturizer, then why not just use that and started ordering raw shea butter. Great moisturizing, but shiny, so I used coconut oil when I didn’t want shine. Eventually, I started making a blend of both, with cocoa butter (or mango butter, etc) and vitamin e. I’ll never go back!

      Reply
  108. Cindy

    Thank you for the app and all this wonderful information. I’m so tired of reading labels! Does your app address Non-GMO? I’ve got the full version of the app. I’m also wanting to eat only things that are not genetically modified and thanks for the Gluten Free labels too!

    Reply
  109. Debbie

    An excellent piece very informative and clarifies a lot of misinformation and breaks it down nicely.

    Reply
  110. mary

    very informative and clarifies a lot of misinformation about our foods and what’s truly healthy

    Reply
  111. Saulius

    This is lovely information regarding foods and vitamins. We’ll know for some healthy folks. But, it’s not easy to accomplish this 10 goals having so many distractions in this world. All food providers just filling with chemicals so it last longer and taste better. I really like what you do here by exposing bad things for the health in products. Not every people get it yet, but hopefully they come around to make world a better pace.

    2
    Reply
  112. Alex

    Great nutritional advice. Yuka really helps to determine the good from the bad, and there is a lot bad products out there.

    1
    Reply
  113. Adrian

    Thanks for the info on meals

    Reply
  114. Lydia

    Absolutely amazing article, I’m going to be adding this to my diet because I am trying to have a healthy relationship with food and being the healthiest version of me. Thanks so much Yuka!!!

    1
    Reply
  115. Maria

    Fantastic information. Thank you

    1
    Reply
  116. Nancy

    Very helpful and informative!¡

    1
    Reply
  117. Pauline

    I printed the article called, “The Ten Keys to Healthy Eating,” so we can follow it starting August 1st. Preparing ourselves.
    The Yuka app is so very helpful to have a better understanding as to what is healthy and not healthy. That app is contagious! A few of our relatives are now using it because they saw me using it! Thank you, Yuka!

    1
    Reply
  118. Shirley

    I’m having to watch sugars and potassium and sodium for my husband kidney issues, definitely a struggle to eat the right things but can’t afford to join right now!

    2
    Reply
  119. Cyndy

    Great Article!

    Reply
  120. Nan

    Soy? I don’t think so…..

    1
    Reply
    1. Margaret

      If you are worried about soy and estrogen, newer research has shown that plant-derived estrogens are not the same as animal-derived estrogen. Organic soy products are healthful in many ways. For example, soy has been shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. And soy does not affect testosterone , as was once believed, based on a single, out-of -date study.

      2
      Reply
      1. Margaret

        Here is the research on the benefits of soy, from NutritionFacts.org:
        https://youtu.be/vltbg3NUSQs?si=5u6ov1aV1niTyNak

        1
  121. Edna

    My friend told me about this app and I love it. Now I scan everything at the supermarket and make better choices. I have celiac and have to eat gluten free. I use to think because it’s GF it has to be good but now I’m finding that some of it has too much sodium & sugar. I do read the ingredients but the app really helps. Thank you.

    Reply
  122. Julie

    This was a fabulous article lots of great information and I’m really enjoying The Yuka app it helps so much when shopping.

    Reply
  123. ROZ

    Fun and informative

    Reply
  124. Haez

    Thank you for continuing to value nutrition and health in general by articles like this. More power Yuka!

    Reply
  125. Darlene

    Well, now days , all food is bioengineered. So it makes it even harder to pick and choose. Yes , I’ve bought bananas, zucchini, etc and others. The taste is certainly different, and the size, and weight, not the same as the real thing. I totally avoid them. When I can buy from a farmer I trust and does not used bioengineered seeds from the government. I really like your app. It is very helpful to me. But when the fruit and loose vegetables don’t have a scan code, I avoid those products. Thank you.

    3
    Reply
  126. Tammy

    Great article! Very interesting and informative. I appreciate it.

    1
    Reply
  127. Alicia

    Awesome article full of great advice. Thank you!

    Reply
  128. Sue

    Does using a microwave pressure cooker help keep nutrients in vegis and chicken instead of stovetop cooking methods?

    Reply
  129. Sandra Houston

    Thank you Excellent The very Best information for Health!!!

    Reply
  130. Sue

    Thanks for your work in choosing excellent products. I am a big fan!

    Reply
  131. ROBERT

    Good review of healthy foods… When cooked at home you have full control over the cooking time and contents. Not so if you are on the road and frequently eat in restaurants. You don’t know what type of cooking oils they use, (assume the cheapest), how often they change the cooking oil, how much salt they use, how long they cook the meat, how much and type of sweetners or sugars are included., farmed fish, caged chicken, etc. States should oversee the restaurants as it is the state/Government that gets stuck withthe major medical bills!

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  132. Beverly

    My grandson started me on this app I’m new to it. I started in May. I have learned a lot and will continue to follow good choices. Thanks for all you’re doing to make us more healthy. Continue the good work.

    Reply
  133. Beverly Myrie

    My grandson started me on this app I’m new to it. I started in May. I have learned a lot and will continue to follow good choices. Thanks for all you’re doing to make us more healthy. Continue the good work.

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  134. Rolando

    I use this app to teach
    all of our visitors at chooselifeabundant.org, our lifestyle center to learn select best options at the shops! The disallowance of hazardous ingredients has a positive effect on our mental health. We love this tool! Kudos to Yuka!

    Reply
  135. Ray

    Thank You so much for all the tips in eating healthy. I try to follow these as best I can😎

    Reply
  136. Kimesha

    This was a great article. Concise and informative. I rarely read articles in their entirety but this one has gems that although are not foreign to me they were a great reminder to do what’s right. Kudos to the author!

    Reply
  137. Julie

    Thank you for this article it is excellent!
    I love your app. I find myself using it almost every time I shop. It has helped me save so much time and money!

    Reply
  138. Meek

    Hi, my diet type is plant based. I think Yuka is very useful, informative and an overall great idea to help one another to live a healthier lifestyle. I have forwarded Yuka to so many family and friends. This is exactly what we all need, so thank you.
    Love this App

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    Reply
  139. Joan

    Love your Ap Thank you so helpful!!
    Why do you say only eat avocados occasionally? I eat a 1/2 one almost every day
    Because of calories?
    Also what oil for baking could you recommend
    Instead of canola oil ? Thank you

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    Reply
    1. Sur

      I use avacados oil when I bake or fry

      Reply
    2. Nan

      Seed oils are supposed to be pretty bad. I read from Dr. Gundry’s books about foods. I take some of his supplements and have noticed a big improvement in my digestion….

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  140. Jacqui

    I believe that not all salt is bad for you. Table salt is pure sodium and therefore to be avoided. However genuine Celtic sea salt from France and pink Himalayan salt contain (95+ and 65+ respectively) essential minerals for the human body which should be consumed in small doses in our meals. This information is rarely shared within nutritional advice, but feel that it should be. Not all salt is created equal.

    I am enjoying the app and find it very useful.

    Kind regards

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  141. Hayat

    Thank you for this interesting article. We need people like you to enlighten this world that is going to a scary place

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    Reply
  142. Trent

    You had me until recommending a vegetarian dinner.

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    Reply
  143. Elaine

    Love my Yuka. It’s shocking to my family that friends and family do not know about this yet.

    Reply
  144. Hayden

    Reading this was no waste of time. Very helpful, and great tips!😀👍

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    Reply
  145. RICH arnold

    Thanks for all the information on food. Think about high EOS count and offer some foods that are so popular but harsh on high eosinophils counts on blood test

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    Reply
  146. Jackie

    Thanks for informing me about healthy food restrictions.
    I can’t eat the nuts because I’m allergic to all nuts
    I only eat sunflower seed just like protein. That’s all.

    Reply
  147. ROLEEN

    VERY INFORMATIVE INFORMATION. THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING THESE USEFUL INFORMATION.

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    Reply
  148. Dennis

    10 Tips was much appreciated. Cooking temperatures is tough. Searing is delicious.
    Oh well..

    Reply
  149. Foluso

    I love this app. It has greatly helped me in selecting healthy foods and cosmetics items when I go for shopping. Reading through this article has broading my mind on how to eat healthy foods and steps to take in preparation of the food to optimize the foods nutrients. Thanks so much Yuka team.

    Reply
  150. Patrice

    Yuka is a game-changer! Just when you think you’ve heard or read it all – learned something new this morning. Keep the last meal vegetarian to promote a restful night. Thank you!

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    Reply
  151. Danielle

    This App has changed our lives! My husband had a recent heart episode causing him to be airlifted to a hospital where a Cardiologist performed surgery with a stent and he was back on his feet within 24 hours!! Wow! What a wake up call! Now we pay closer attention to saturated fats AND “Heart Healthy” foods/meals. LOVE THIS APP! The first night we downloaded it, we went through our entire refrigerator AND cupboards!! We dumped about 1/2 our “food” and didn’t even want to donate these toxins to other people, they went into the trash!! Thank you for your due diligence, your passion, your pictures, and your comparisons. We are so passionate about this App we actually predict “Bad, Poor, Good, Excellent” an have made it a game. We have enlightened all of our friends and family with this App hoping they will make smart choices too! This is a Game-Life-Changer!! We think its crazy how some of these foods can even be legal to sell?!! Thank you for making us more aware and wiser!!! Thanks for your commitment! I’m a member and happily donated to the/our cause/life!

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    Reply
  152. Janet

    This article has opened my eyes in so many ways! I have been making changes to what I eat since 2019 when I was diagnosed with Systemic Limited Scleroderma.
    I thought I was doing a good job keeping with a sensible diet, as I am trying to slow down the progression of Sclerodermas debilitating changes. But I know now that I have some more “tools in my tool chest” to use in my battle with this disease!
    My daughter is the one who told me about Yuca. She is an amazing person, packed full of kindness and generosity to all. She became a vegetarian when she was in high school, and has helped me break out of the “programmed mindset” of my generation. I I have so much optimism for the future of good health and mindfulness, because of people like her and your team!
    If you have any recommendations specific to Scleroderma, I’d love to know. The section in your article about “chewing” really opened my eyes!
    Thank you for what you are doing!
    Janet 😁

    Reply
    1. clare

      if you have not discovered Nutrition.org , do so. Dr Greger and team are evidence based, and thourogh

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      Reply
      1. Debbie

        Yes, love nutrition.org and Dr. Greger.

    2. Kandy

      I would check out the info by Anthony William in his Medical Medium book series. All diseases are a result of viruses, heavy metals and toxins. Your issue is discussed in his Liver Rescue book and is caused by an EBV strain along with mercury. He teaches how to rid the body of these causes, which is easily done and luckily solves the issues for all diseases at once. It is done with foods, though supplement lists are given and can speed healing. Every book has many recipes as well. It has healed every issue I had and changed my relationship with food. Truly life changing/saving information!

      Reply
  153. Dee

    CANOLA OIL IS NOT HEALTHY!
    Canola stands for Canadian Oil Low Acid and is a highly processed INDUSTRIAL oil made from RAPESEED!
    The Canadians thought they could process it many times at very high Temps to make it food grade. I will not put it in my mouth!
    On the other hand, coconut oil is very healthy, as is avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil.

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    1. Jacqui

      I agree with you!!! I’d never touch it.

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    2. Emily

      what about cold pressed rapeseed oil? would that be considered less processed and therefore not canola oil? thanks

      Reply
    3. Carolyn

      I have read the same thing , and I will not buy canola oil , also I am staying away from all Geo engineering foods , also farm raised fish , buy only wild caught,

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    4. Nan

      Canola oil is in SO MANY processed foods…yuk.

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  154. Keith

    Thanks so much.
    I need and appreciate these practical reminders on getting back to the basics of what I refer to as “clean eating” and how to do it. This encourages me to commit to it.

    Reply
  155. Sherry

    Great information. There’s a lot of information in the short read. And the “Chewing” part is super interesting!! I have been working on staying away from the processed foods. It’s a process of making good choices and taking time.

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  156. Lorraine

    Great news and I’ll pay attention now what not yo eat.

    Reply
    1. Braydon

      It is fantastic. It is amazing and there’s lots of knowledge on here and I love reading about all the food health. And I’ll pay attention to what I will not eat I’ll pay attention to the healthy food I will eat I Pay attention to the vegetables that I eat

      Reply
    2. Braydon

      It is fantastic. It is amazing and there’s lots of knowledge on here and I love reading about all the food health. And I’ll pay attention to what I will not eat I’ll pay attention to the healthy food I will eat I Pay attention to the vegetables that I eat and I love the app

      Reply
  157. Jill

    Thank you so much! Love this app💌

    Reply
  158. Jo

    What about frozen fruits and veg? How much do they degrade during freezing and after?

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  159. cris

    I have read in multiple credible sources (including several PhD’s and MD’s) that canola oil is very bad for you, as the canola seeds become toxic at the high temperatures necessary to extract and refine the oil. But you have it listed here as a good source of Omega-3 fatty acid?

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    1. Dee

      You are so right!

      Reply
    2. Jacqui

      I agree too!!

      Reply
  160. Judy

    Those of us that have been diagnosed with AMD are told how our lifestyle is important to slowing the process of the disease and our diet is so important. All information I have seen encourages us to include salmon in our diet. They do warn to eat salmon with the least amount of pollutants.

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    1. Dee

      Even salmon is now farm-raised. It’s flesh is not coral colored like it should be , but is gray and colored by Red pellets. Look for wild caught with no coloring added.

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  161. Phil

    Thanks for the information. Very helpful love this app.

    Reply
  162. Barb

    Great information 👍🏻

    Reply
  163. Yelena

    Thank you for information. Love this app.

    Reply
  164. Agustin

    Since I found about the Yuca app for buying healthy products make it so easy.Love this app.Thank you

    Reply
  165. De

    Thanks for the info

    Reply
  166. Caren

    I am allergic to eggs so instead I eat blueberries and snack pack of chocolate covered almonds or espresso beans.

    Reply
  167. Roseanne Wegrich

    I have just started YUKA and love using it while grocery shopping. I just have the “free” app and it is educational to me. Thank you.

    Reply
  168. Siobhan

    I have a question about salt..
    I have started taking a small amount of Celtic salt and then drinking water, as I read on instagram that our cells can’t pull the water inside without it…is this true?

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    1. Jacqui

      I believe this to be correct… genuine French Celtic sea salt has approx 95+ essential minerals for the body and genuine pink Himalayan salt about 65+. Not all salt is created equal, so to just talk about “salt” is misleading….common white table salt should be avoided at all costs as it is purely sodium which is harmful in large amounts and used in many ready meals, fast foods etc etc because it’s cheapest.

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      1. Jacqui

        Ps I also take a small grain of Celtic sea salt with a glass of water for hydration 👍🏻

  169. miriam

    I am a big proponent of raw; however, as we age I have found lightly steamed vegetables are more friendly in my gut

    Reply
  170. jen

    Very good read. Its good to know there are educational articles that help point us in the healthy right direction. Thank you for the information. I really enjoy the Yuka ap. Things that I thought were “better” to consume turn out not to sometimes be not the best option.

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  171. joyce

    Thank you for informing me.

    Reply
  172. Linda

    Good advice. Accords well with the Zoe programme which I am following. I need to tweek your advice a bit because of pre-diabetic blood sugar readings. Also probably need more protein as older and active!

    Reply
  173. Norma

    I’m really enjoying the Yuka app, it really makes me think about what i’m buying/consuming.

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