Skip to main content
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

Nutrition

Two cups of coffee on platers with a leaf design in the foam.

How much caffeine is too much?

Do you start your day with a cup of joe? My children now ask me if I’ve remembered my coffee as we pile into the car to drive to school and work. They know how important this cup of goodness is and how it can send me into a frenzy when I don’t have it. But is this everyday caffeine intake good for...
Finish this story
Text says "make the most of berry season" with a picture of a dozen blackberries in the background.

Make the most of berry season

Berry season is arriving quickly, and it’s what gets me the most excited for those first few farmers markets near the end of May and early June where berries are likely available. When perfectly ripe, blackberries are one of my favorites. Blackberries, which can range in color from white to red to...
Finish this story
Text says "Can you say Worcestershire?" with an image of sliced meatloaf

Can you say Worcestershire?

Let’s face it; most of us stumble hard when trying to pronounce Worcestershire sauce, and there are several hilarious TikTok videos to prove it. Pronounced “woo-ster-sheer” sauce, this common staple ingredient has a distinct taste and is probably best known for it’s role in bloody mary mix....
Finish this story
Text says "sources of vitamin D" with image of sun shining in a field

Where to get your vitamin D sources

Spring has arrived, and the sun is starting to stay out longer. This may not only make us happier, but it may also make us healthier. Our bodies make vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin”, when the natural light hits our skin. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorous and...
Finish this story
Text says "Eating for a healthy gut" with a picture of a yogurt parfait with yogurt, granola, and berries

Eating for a healthy gut

Your gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, living in your gastrointestinal tract. While you may not even know this community of living things is inside your body, it has a tremendous effect on your health. In fact, keeping this microbiome healthy can help...
Finish this story
Bowl of cut green onions.

What's the difference between scallions and green onions?

Your recipe calls for scallions but all you have are green onions. What do you do? You use green onions because they are literally the same thing as scallions! Two different names for the same thing can make things confusing. Scallions (or green onions) are long, tender green and white stalks with...
Finish this story
Overhead view of a bowl of oatmeal with fruit, a cup of coffee, and avocado on a cutting board.

Debunking five nutrition myths

Like in most subject areas, there will always be myths, particularly when it comes to food and health. Here are five nutrition myths I am happy to debunk. 1. Carbs are bad for you. Carbohydrates serve as your body’s preferred source of energy for daily tasks and it provides fuel...
Finish this story
A maroon bowl with refried beans

Save on sodium with homemade refried beans

Refried beans may not have the most appealing look, but their creamy delicious taste makes up for it. They are traditionally made from pinto beans, but black beans may be prepared this way as well. Contrary to their name, refried beans are not fried twice. They are boiled, mashed and then either...
Finish this story
A stack of granola bars on a white plate.

Homemade granola bars

This blog post was written by Nutrition & Wellness intern, Kelley Herman.  Most people are used to going to the grocery store, cruising down the cracker and snack aisle, and picking up some granola bars or crackers for quick snacks in the future. These prepackaged options are...
Finish this story
A white bowl full of poppy seeds.

Savor the versatility of poppy seeds

If you’ve never seen poppy seeds, you may wonder what these tiny dark specks are doing all over your bagel. Poppy seeds are often used in baked goods, giving the product a slight nutty, sweet/spicy taste, a crunchy texture, and a unique decoration. There are many different types of poppy seeds,...
Finish this story
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences Illinois Extension

101 Mumford Hall (MC-710)

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

Email: extension@illinois.edu

EEO myExtension Login