Zinc plays a role in the activity of more than 100 enzymes in your body. These enzymes are involved in critical functions, like making DNA, protein synthesis, your senses (vision, taste, and smell), immune function, and even cellular growth, division, and metabolism.* Research3 shows that a variety of critical immune cells in our innate and adaptive immune systems—monocytes, natural killer cells, neutrophils, B cells, and T cells—rely on access to zinc for their development and protection, and not getting enough of the nutrient can affect immune resilience....

As you may know, collagen keeps your skin looking firm and taut, and an increase in blood circulation pumps oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, which is why many find their skin looking supple and glowy after facial cupping—take it from this personal review. Suctioning your skin with the small, soft cups can also help decrease puffiness and move lymph around, sculpting the face, neck, and jawline; by gliding the cups in upward strokes, you can help tone and lift the skin as well....

Ginseng—specifically, Panax ginseng, aka red, Asian, or Korean ginseng—“is an important and commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicine,” says Grant Chu, M.D., M.S., an assistant clinical professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and associate director of education at the Center for East-West Medicine. “Traditionally, [ginseng] is used to tonify chi, or vital energy,” Chu explains. That can apply to chi in general, or specific chi related to digestion, breathing, or your mind....

As mbg’s health director, I work with Bland and his team on a regular basis, and I’m always eager to hear his insights on an array of health and well-being topics. So when I first heard him rave about a new “super ingredient” he’s working with, I was immediately intrigued. The star food: Himalayan tartary buckwheat. Where HTB is particularly unique, however, is its resilience and ability to grow amid challenging circumstances....

“It also contains vitamin B6 and folate, which have both shown importance in brain function and preventing Alzheimer’s disease1,” registered dietitian Brenna Wallace, M.S., RDN, LDN, tells mbg. The potassium in honeydew can help manage blood pressure2, while vitamin C benefits the immune system and skin health. “Vitamin C is needed for collagen to form,” Wallace explains, “ensuring that your skin tissue remains unbroken and repairs properly when needed.” Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that gives carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe their orange hues....

For more insight into these social dynamics, check out the excerpt below, before buying your own copy of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents here. The interviews went as expected until the last one. I had arrived a few minutes early to make sure we could start on time, given the deadline I was facing. The boutique was empty at this quiet hour of the late afternoon. The manager’s assistant told me the manager would be arriving soon from another appointment....

Let me explain. First of all, there’s chocolate and then there’s “chocolate.” Food manufacturers use the word “chocolate” the same way that magazines plaster the word “SEX” in bold all-caps 92-point font on their covers — because it helps them sell their product. Similarly, companies need only put the word “CHOCOLATE” on their syrup, water, nougat, or breakfast cereal, and consumers are more likely to purchase it. If you’re eating candy, it’s not chocolate....