The hottest Nutrition Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics
Cremieux Recueil • 332 implied HN points • 25 Mar 26
  1. Higher seed oil intake (measured by linoleic acid) is not linked to worse health and is associated with lower long‑term mortality and better markers like lower inflammation and healthier lipids.
  2. Most anti‑seed‑oil arguments rely on mechanistic, animal, or cherry‑picked evidence and are inconsistent; high‑quality human studies and trials don’t support the claim that seed oils are harmful.
  3. Using stronger methods and measurements (plasma biomarkers, propensity matching, doubly‑robust estimation) removes signals of harm and fails to confirm mechanistic worries like raised arachidonic acid, oxidative damage, vitamin E depletion, or clotting—while saturated fat shows worse associations.
Snaxshot • 519 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
  1. Luckin Coffee is gaining an edge over Starbucks, showing how competition in the coffee market can change quickly.
  2. There’s a rising trend for health-focused drinks, like pre-biotic cocktails, which mix wellness with socializing.
  3. More quick-service restaurants are using GLP-1, a drug for weight loss, to attract customers seeking healthier options.
The Society of Problem Solvers • 359 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
  1. Many popular candies contain harmful ingredients like seed oils and food dyes, which can affect health negatively. It's important to pay attention to what's really in our food.
  2. Instead of just worrying about safety from external dangers, we should recognize that the candies we buy might already be unhealthy. Eating the right foods can lead to better health outcomes.
  3. Solving health problems is possible with the right changes in diet and lifestyle. A focused approach like the Carnivore diet could help improve chronic health issues.
Asimov Press • 412 implied HN points • 20 Mar 26
  1. Fermented foods likely helped shape human biology over millions of years, from genetic changes that improved alcohol tolerance to a recently evolved immune receptor that senses fermented-food molecules.
  2. Regularly eating fermented foods can boost gut microbial diversity and lower inflammation, but most people in Western diets consume far fewer servings than the amounts shown to have clinical effects.
  3. Industrial food safety and processing pushed microbes out of many foods, and scientists are now building large, standardized datasets to map which fermented-food microbes and metabolites actually drive health benefits.
Running Probably • 159 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
  1. Staying active as you age is really important. Nancy believes that if people moved more when they were younger, they would have better mobility as they get older.
  2. You can adapt your exercise routine to fit your abilities. Nancy shows that even if you give up certain activities, you can find new ways to stay active, like walking or doing water aerobics.
  3. It's okay to make adjustments and acknowledge your limits. Nancy emphasizes that you should keep moving and adapt to your current abilities to stay healthy.
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Snaxshot • 519 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
  1. There's a new trend of 'prenatal gummies' designed for men, which aim to support sperm health.
  2. The grocery market is evolving, with a rise in expensive, trendy food options, especially among younger shoppers.
  3. The author is actively sharing insights and news, suggesting they are engaged in talks and discussions around current food trends.
Experimental Fat Loss • 169 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
  1. The nosauce + apple cider vinegar protocol produced steady, mostly linear fat loss and reached a new all-time low, with an initial rapid drop in water weight followed by consistent fat loss.
  2. Because the regimen reduces heavy cream, daily protein can fall below about 40 g and trigger protein‑leverage hunger; a single day of increased meat intake resolved the hunger without derailing progress.
  3. A planned tweak is to run two 14‑day bouts separated by a one‑day refeed to capture faster early losses and better manage occasional protein hunger.
Cremieux Recueil • 404 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
  1. Wearables usually only cause small, short-lived increases in activity, and those effects shrink further when you correct for statistical and publication biases.
  2. Those modest behavior changes rarely lead to meaningful improvements in hard health outcomes like weight, cardiovascular risk, or blood sugar for the general population — benefits mostly appear in high‑risk or closely coached groups.
  3. Many device measurements are noisy or unreliable and user engagement fades over time, so wearables often add cognitive load and flashy dashboards but little real health benefit for most people.
The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 356 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
  1. Experts once recommended avoiding peanuts during pregnancy and for young children. This led to a big increase in peanut allergies.
  2. Initially, there was no strong evidence for the peanut avoidance advice, which caused more harm than good.
  3. Now, it's suggested that introducing peanuts early can actually help prevent allergies, showing that previous guidelines were misguided.
Joshua Citarella's Newsletter • 377 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
  1. Yung Chomsky talks about his journey into the world of weight lifting and how he learned from different online communities. It's an interesting mix of lifting culture and personal growth.
  2. He addresses common mistakes people make when starting to lift weights, like following bad advice found online. Understanding proper training and nutrition can help you reach your fitness goals more effectively.
  3. The episode also touches on the surprising links between fitness culture and politics, particularly how some online groups can influence attitudes and behaviors.
Experimental Fat Loss • 212 implied HN points • 08 Mar 26
  1. A very high-fat, protein‑restricted ketogenic pattern (think heavy cream plus limited ruminant meat) produced large, mostly effortless weight loss, better sleep, and no constant hunger, while a typical high‑protein, high‑PUFA “standard keto” failed to keep weight off.
  2. Cutting linoleic acid (seed oils and other high‑PUFA foods) was a major lever — removing those oils and favoring ruminant fats seemed more important than ketosis itself for improving sleep and body composition.
  3. Find what works for you by experimenting: run ~30‑day trials of fat‑, starch‑, and sugar‑based staples, then tweak protein; individual genetics matter, so personalize and iterate based on weight, sleep, and how you feel.
Noahpinion • 30000 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
  1. Losing weight can be more about paying attention to what you eat rather than just having strong willpower. Being mindful of how much you eat and when you stop can make it easier to lose weight.
  2. Technological solutions, like certain weight-loss drugs, may be better at addressing obesity than social solutions. These medications can help suppress appetite and lead to effective and sustainable weight loss.
  3. Weight loss doesn't have to be a moral or self-worth issue. It's just a matter of managing hunger and attention, and using tools to simplify the process can free up time for more important things.
Astral Codex Ten • 17344 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
  1. Mashed potatoes can be delicious when made properly, but many people only know the bad version from instant mixes. It’s important to try the real thing to understand what makes them special.
  2. Food convenience often comes at the cost of taste and authenticity. Many processed foods, like instant mashed potatoes, are just shortcuts that can leave a disappointing experience.
  3. Our food choices influence our memories and preferences. When we're exposed to bad versions, like instant mixes, it can shape our dislike for something that we might actually enjoy if we try the real version.
Your Local Epidemiologist • 1694 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
  1. Getting the basics right matters most: aim for about 7+ hours of sleep, keep indoor air comfortably humid, and eat a nutrient- and fiber-rich diet to support immune function and reduce inflammation.
  2. Supplements are not magic — vitamin D helps mainly if you’re deficient, zinc may slightly shorten colds if started early, and megadosing or unregulated products can be harmful or ineffective.
  3. Practical home measures can help symptoms: nasal saline and clean humidifiers ease congestion and may limit spread, while trendy practices like cold plunges have mixed evidence and aren’t proven immune boosters.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 500 implied HN points • 17 Feb 26
  1. Processed foods, including ultra-processed ones, are not necessarily as harmful as many people claim.
  2. Industrial food processing has greatly expanded food access and safety and has reshaped public health for the better.
  3. Totally purging processed foods or chasing a strict "eat clean" ideal won’t magically solve diet problems and can leave people worse off; some processed items (like canned pumpkin) are simply practical and useful.
Madhur’s Writings • 84 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
  1. Focus on how real or whole a food is, not just its macros. Ultra-processed foods can harm health or lead to weight gain even when calories and macronutrients are similar.
  2. Ingredient transparency matters — simple, short ingredient lists make it easier to judge food quality quickly and make better choices.
  3. People want practical guidance, like portion or frequency recommendations and healthier alternatives ranked by food 'wholeness' rather than only by macros.
L'Atelier Galita • 159 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
  1. TDAH stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affecting focus and attention. It’s not just about being hyperactive; people with TDAH can struggle to concentrate on many tasks.
  2. More men are diagnosed with TDAH than women, but it can affect anyone. It's important to consider whether age plays a role in how TDAH symptoms manifest.
  3. TDAH can be hereditary, meaning if a parent has it, their children might be more likely to have it too. It's crucial to avoid self-diagnosing, as it can lead to many incorrect assumptions about conditions.
Ground Truths • 12422 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
  1. Seeing someone with an infection can kickstart our immune system. This was shown in a study where participants responded to animated characters showing signs of illness.
  2. A new device that stimulates the vagus nerve has been developed to help treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Early trial results are promising and show it can reduce pain and swelling.
  3. People carrying the APOE4 gene, linked to Alzheimer's, have immune system changes that raise their risk of disease. This insight gives new understanding into how genetics can affect brain health.
Ground Truths • 12028 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
  1. Peptides are increasingly used for various health and anti-aging claims, often pushed by celebrities, but many lack solid science backing their benefits.
  2. Some FDA-approved peptides are being prescribed for off-label uses, while many others aren't approved at all, raising safety concerns and potential side effects.
  3. There's a growing distrust of traditional medicine, which helps the popularity of these unregulated peptides, despite the risks involved and limited evidence of effectiveness.
Ground Truths • 13472 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
  1. The gut and brain communicate in many ways, affecting our mood and health. Hormones produced in the gut and gut bacteria play a huge role in this relationship.
  2. Recent studies show how gut inflammation can lead to brain inflammation, which may explain some neurological issues. This connection makes it important to take care of our gut health.
  3. New medications targeting gut hormones are being developed, offering potential treatment for conditions like obesity and Alzheimer's disease. These discoveries could change how we think about health and medicine.
Experimental Fat Loss • 198 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
  1. Linoleic acid from seed oils is hypothesized to drive obesity and is stored in body fat, so tissue levels can take several years to fall after dietary change, which makes short-term studies a poor test.
  2. People on low-PUFA diets often see big early weight loss then long plateaus, and experimenting with different foods or additives (rice, sugar, vinegar, lowering salt/glutamate) sometimes produces new lows.
  3. If the linoleic-depletion model is true, further weight loss should be slow and tied to how fast adipose LA drops, but if the dietary additives are effective you should see steadier month-to-month losses; watching results over the next few months can help tell these apart.
Running Probably • 59 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
  1. It's important to have easy runs in your training. Not every run should be tough; some should feel light and fun.
  2. Building a running routine means making your run a priority. Set aside time and prepare so that running becomes a natural part of your day.
  3. Managing your effort can help improve your running. Use the talk test to find a comfortable pace where you can chat easily while running.
Ground Truths • 11154 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
  1. Our immune system and inflammation change as we age. This affects our health and can lead to age-related diseases.
  2. New research shows that tracking certain proteins and genetic markers can help predict health issues related to aging. This could help us focus on ways to stay healthier longer.
  3. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and sleep are important for maintaining a strong immune system and reducing inflammation, which can extend our healthy years.
Running Probably • 99 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
  1. Running by feel is important. Instead of always checking your watch, pay attention to how your body feels during the run.
  2. Finding the right time to run makes it easier to stick to your routine. Try different times to see when you feel best running.
  3. Adding variety to your running routes keeps things interesting. Explore new paths and take note of your surroundings to make each run fun.
Sustainability by numbers • 427 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
  1. Diabetes is rising much faster in South Asia, parts of Africa, the Middle East and some Pacific islands than in Europe or North America, with countries like Pakistan showing some of the highest age‑standardised rates.
  2. Rising overweight and obesity — even where undernutrition still exists — is the main modifiable driver of type II diabetes, and these increases have been rapid in many low‑ and middle‑income countries.
  3. Certain ethnic groups, especially South Asians, develop diabetes at lower BMIs because they tend to carry more visceral fat. That means modest weight gain leads to much higher risk, and many cases stay undiagnosed or untreated as health systems struggle to keep up.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1997 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
  1. Iron levels inside cells can be misunderstood, leading to confusion between deficiency and overload, especially for those with certain gene variants.
  2. Neurological, psychiatric, and cognitive issues could be linked to iron levels being too low or too high, affecting dopamine and myelin synthesis.
  3. Understanding the complexities of iron metabolism can help in interpreting lab data and making informed decisions to address iron-related problems effectively.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 2216 implied HN points • 23 May 24
  1. Ferritin, used to measure iron in blood, holds little iron but plays a crucial role, impacting health at extremes.
  2. Iron balance is key for health - too much ages, affects skin, causes diseases; too little harms brain, hormones, energy. It needs to be just right.
  3. Understanding serum ferritin's purpose is unclear; we don't know how it gets into blood or why. Limitations exist in relying solely on ferritin for iron status.
Ground Truths • 15222 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
  1. Our gut bacteria can influence our cravings for sugar. Specific bacteria in our gut send signals to our brain that can make us want more sweets.
  2. The molecule Ffar4 in our gut plays a big role in how much we like sugar. When this is less active, we might crave sugar more.
  3. A certain type of gut bacteria, called Bacteroides vulgatus, is linked to an increased desire for sugar. Understanding this can help us figure out how to control cravings better.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1977 implied HN points • 21 May 24
  1. Vitamin B6 is essential for various bodily functions like preventing low blood glucose, maintaining muscle health, and improving skin condition.
  2. Estrogen and inflammation can increase the body's need for B6, so monitoring intake is crucial, especially for individuals with high-protein diets or sulfur dysregulation.
  3. Neuropathy can be caused by B6 supplements, and there is a need to rethink the traditional concept of B6 'toxicity' and consider individual differences in tolerance levels.
Ground Truths • 13384 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
  1. Microplastics are accumulating in the brain and other organs, with much higher levels found in people with dementia. This is raising alarms about their possible effects on health.
  2. Studies have shown that microplastics can affect blood flow in the brain, leading to issues like blood clots. This suggests they could contribute to neurological problems.
  3. To reduce exposure to microplastics, people can avoid plastic packaging and heating plastic items. There's also a need for broader action to cut down plastic production overall.
Ground Truths • 13516 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
  1. Eating a lot of red meat can be linked to health issues like heart problems and cancer. Plant-based diets are usually better for overall health.
  2. Studies show that eating more plant-based foods can help balance the risks from red meat. Even small changes can make a difference in gut health.
  3. Replacing red meat with healthier options like nuts or legumes may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Boundless by Paul Millerd • 66 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26
  1. She quit a stable writing job to go all‑in on becoming an elite Hyrox athlete, choosing action over safety to chase a bold, concrete goal.
  2. Stepping away from work is about more than time — it’s about reclaiming mental energy for focused training, recovery, and better planning using an essentialist, "Hell yeah or no" approach.
  3. She’s rebuilding a fitness-focused brand with her partner and documenting the journey while living in cheaper cities to stretch savings; there’s little income now and clear financial risk, but she views the pursuit as worth the tradeoff.
Why is this interesting? • 4042 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
  1. Harrison Chapin shares his love for cooking and aims to make restaurant recipes easy for home cooks. He believes everyone can enjoy great food without waiting in long lines.
  2. He enjoys reading various Substack newsletters and listening to The Moth podcast, which features short, true stories that help him connect with different people's experiences.
  3. Chapin has a fun way of exploring New York's dining scene called 'Restaurant Roulette,' where he randomly picks restaurants to try and encourages stepping out of your comfort zone when dining out.
Vonnik’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
  1. Taking care of your body improves your mood and thoughts. Simple actions like exercising or breathing deeply can boost your energy and change how you see challenges.
  2. Making small changes in your habits is much easier than trying to change everything at once. Starting with tiny steps, like doing one pushup, helps build lasting habits.
  3. Being mindful of distractions and focusing your attention are key to reaching your goals. Managing your environment and your thoughts can help you stay on track.
The Intrinsic Perspective • 14234 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
  1. Nutrition science has been confusing, with mixed messages about what's healthy or unhealthy for years. This shows that even experts struggle to understand basic health questions.
  2. Our bodies might work like complex systems, similar to a neural network, meaning personal health experiences can vary greatly from one person to another. This could explain why people have different reactions to the same foods.
  3. Recent research suggests that our cells can 'remember' past states, such as being overweight, which influences how our bodies respond to changes in diet and lifestyle over time.
Ground Truths • 5074 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
  1. Sleep is essential for our well-being, just like food, air, and water. It helps us stay healthy and even affects our social interactions; being tired can make us feel lonely or less likable.
  2. Quality of sleep matters just as much as quantity. Good sleep means not just clocking hours but also having uninterrupted and restful nights.
  3. New sleep medications are being developed that may enhance sleep quality without the downsides of older drugs. These could potentially lead to better brain health and help clear waste from the brain.
The Vajenda • 3773 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
  1. Supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and more.
  2. Fiber supplements can help with constipation when food intake falls short.
  3. Be cautious with multi-ingredient supplements making broad health claims, as they are often untested and lack evidence.
Experimental Fat Loss • 134 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
  1. The nosauce plus ACV approach yields reliable weight loss after an initial rapid water drop and is inexpensive and sustainable when followed.
  2. The diet is fragile: even modest cheats like extra beef, extra vegetables, sour cream, high-sodium drinks, or bread commonly produced stalls and increased hunger.
  3. Refeed behavior shows starches (sourdough, rice and beans) satisfy cravings reasonably well, while large high‑protein meals tended to trigger insatiable hunger and overeating.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients • 1078 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
  1. Iron deficiency can manifest in various symptoms beyond anemia, including low sex hormones, fatigue, and hair loss.
  2. Optimizing iron levels can have significant impacts on hormone balance, immunity, and overall well-being, especially during aging.
  3. The iron deficiency protocol includes guidance on foods, supplements, inflammation management, and genetic factors to consider.