Vitamin C found in citrus fruits plays a key role in supporting the immune system, says registered dietitian Natalie Allen. It is considered an essential nutrient because the body can't produce it, and it helps to form the cells that make up the immune system and aid those cells in fighting infections. Vitamin C also contributes to wound healing and tissue growth, and it aids the body in absorbing "non-heme iron," which is iron from plant-based foods like lentils and spinach, Allen says. Choose whole citrus fruits over juices for the beneficial fiber, recommends registered dietitian nutritionist Christiane Meireles.

Registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo outlines simple ingredient swaps to make meals more healthful without sacrificing flavor. By replacing sour cream with low-fat Greek yogurt or using tahini instead of butter, these changes can significantly reduce calories and saturated fat. RDs Maggie Moon and Cara Harbstreet also suggest using lean ground turkey over ground beef and opting for nori flakes instead of salt to cut sodium intake. These easy adjustments and others can support sustainable healthful eating habits.

Registered dietitian Isabel Vasquez shares her top seven foods for promoting healthier aging, emphasizing their benefits for bone, heart and gut health. Her weekly grocery staples include kefir for calcium and probiotics, avocados for heart-healthy fats, and olive oil for its anti-inflammatory properties. Roasted chickpeas provide fiber, while coffee offers antioxidants that may slow aging. Frozen berries and chia seeds provide antioxidants and fiber, supporting overall health and reducing age-related disease risks.

Leaders can enhance their well-being and leadership effectiveness by naturally regulating brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, which can improve emotional stability, motivation and collaboration, writes consultant Marlene Chism. You can boost each of these internal chemicals by changing your diet, practicing gratitude and spending more time with loved ones, Chism notes.

A study in Nature Biotechnology found that the quality and diversity of food have a greater effect on the gut microbiome than whether a person's diet is vegan, vegetarian or omnivorous. The findings were based on data for more than 21,000 people in the US, the UK and Italy.

A study in Nature Medicine suggests that a digitally focused, remotely delivered weight management program supported by dietitians and peers can alleviate long COVID symptoms in individuals with overweight. The six-month ReDIRECT trial found improvements in symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness and pain.

A study of more than 500,000 women in the UK over nearly 17 years indicates that dietary calcium significantly reduces the risk of colorectal cancer, with each additional 300 milligrams of calcium per day associated with a 17% lower risk. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK and published in Nature Communications, also confirmed alcohol and processed meat as risk factors.

HHS has declared a public health emergency in California because of the Los Angeles County wildfires, which have burned more than 35,000 acres and caused at least 10 deaths. The declaration allows greater latitude for Medicare and Medicaid providers and suppliers, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response is ready to deploy medical supplies and personnel as needed.

A study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that more than 15 million people in the US were diagnosed with autoimmune diseases from 2011 to 2022, with women nearly twice as likely to be affected as men. The research, using electronic health records from six health care systems, highlights rheumatoid arthritis as the most prevalent condition.

Glen Ritter, food service director at St. Michael-Albertville Schools in Minnesota and president-elect of the state's School Nutrition Association, says school nutrition professionals are pursuing innovative ways to incorporate nutritious menu options while introducing students to unfamiliar fruits and vegetables. Ritter also shares tips for parents on encouraging children to try new foods and adopt healthier eating habits in 2025.