The story of the free-radical theory of aging and the role of anti-oxidants.

The complete backstory of Vitamin E

The discovery of vitamins was a revolutionary change in how nutrition was perceived, giving the field scientific respectability.

Industry's strong-arm influences on the Government's attempts to create national nutritional clarity eliminated any chance of objectivity- from the 1940s to today.

Cholesterol has been a hotly contested point of contention between mainstream medicine- backed by a powerful pharmaceutical industry- and nutritional common-sense.

A substantial body of research points to Aluminum cookware as being a likely contributing cause to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The paleo diet is a dietary lifestyle approach that seeks to connect modern nutrition with our biological ancestory and genetic roots.

The evolution of the gluten-free diet is a fascinating story of the interface of nutrition and medical science that holds relevance for millions of people.

The Feingold diet for hyperactivity in children began in the early 1970s and stressed the identification and elimination of artificial dyes and other food additives for the treatment of kids with learning and behaviorial problems and is still used to this day.

Nutrient-dense "super foods" have long been the heart and core of the natural foods movement, epitomzing the "best of the best".

Early pioneering natural food cooks, hippies, and vegetarians learned their way around their kitchens using these iconic cookbooks and guides.

The history of water and toothpaste fluoridation is far less straightforward than your dentist may have told you.

The history of pesticide use is long and troubling. Have we learned a valuable lesson yet?

One of the world's most consumed sugar substitues, Aspartame (aka Nutrasweet or Equal) is a known excitotoxin with many neurological side-effects.

In 1969 scientist and researcher John Olney spoke before congress about the dangers of MSG in baby food.

The physical and spiritual benefits of fasting have always been part of healthy lifestyles and have been seen traditionally as an important adjunct to a healthy diet.

From its humble beginnings in the 1920s as Hain Pure Foods to today as Hain Celestial Group, Hain Celestial is a true American health food success story.

Edgar Cayce's trances and "channeled knowledge" remains a scientific enigma to this day. Many of his transmissions were health and diet related and remain relevant to this day.

Herbert Shelton was an important author, advocate, and promoter of the "natural hygiene" movement, reaching many people in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, emphasizing a vegan, live food diet that also incorporated fasting.

The Nearings were pioneers of living a life of authentic simplicity, and their lifestyle and books inspired a generation of hippies and back to the land seekers of health in the 1960s and 70s.

The great American Transcendentalist and author, Henry David Thoreau (Walden, 1854) inspired generations of health seekers with his down to earth philosophy, humor, and wisdom.

A history of juicing from Norman W. Walker’s carrot juice craze to wheatgrass clinics, Champion juicers, and the rise of juice bars.

How yogurt, kefir, and other fermented dairy became popular health foods through Metchnikoff’s longevity theories, Kellogg’s advocacy, and brands like Dannon.

An overview of Pauling, Hoffer, Osmond, and Williams in pioneering high-dose vitamins, niacin therapy, and biochemical individuality.

From the 1922 discovery of vitamin E through Viobin’s wheat germ oil and A.C. Grace’s Unique E, to debates over synthetic versus natural tocopherols.

The founding of KAL Vitamins in 1932 by Chester Weldon, one of the first supplement makers starting with “Kalcium.”

Eugene Schiff’s 1930s focus on whey protein and bioavailable nutrients that helped establish Schiff Vitamins as a pioneering company.

A timeline of pioneering supplement companies from the 1920s–40s and the figures who shaped the industry.

Key early supplement products such as brewer’s yeast, wheat germ oil, and multivitamins that popularized nutrition in pill form.

The life and legacy of Royal Lee, who promoted whole-food vitamins and founded Standard Process.

A deeper look at Schlink’s warnings about pesticides, food additives, and consumer protection in the early 20th century.

Robert Atkins’ 1972 low-carbohydrate diet plan that reshaped American diet culture.

Pritikin’s low-fat, high-fiber diet and exercise program that gained national popularity in the late 1970s.

The flamboyant health crusader who promoted exercise, fasting, and natural living in the 1910s and 1920s.

The 1990s blood-type diet by Peter and James D’Adamo prescribing foods based on blood groups.

The crusading chemist behind the Pure Food and Drug Act and the famous “Poison Squad.”

Historical alternative cancer approaches from Warburg’s metabolism theory to Gerson therapy and vitamin C megadoses.

Paul Stitt’s 1976 inside critique of the processed food industry and call for whole-food alternatives.

The adoption of MSG by the food industry and its controversial neurotoxic effects.

The celebrity nutritionist who popularized foods like brewer’s yeast and blackstrap molasses.

Price’s 1939 classic documenting traditional diets and their links to health worldwide.

A survey of the criticisms of cow’s milk and dairy products in modern diets.

The development of modern herbalism, blending indigenous wisdom with 20th century herbal pioneers.

How margarine was promoted as a health food before being exposed for its harmful trans fats.

The history of early independent health food stores and co-ops, from the 1950s through the Whole Foods era.

The story of cyclamate, saccharin, and aspartame, and their risks to health.

The transformation of health food from obscure shops to mainstream supermarkets.

The Seventh-day Adventist prophetess who linked diet reform with spirituality.

How the Christian Science founder’s emphasis on spiritual healing, temperance, and hygienic living intersected with early American diet reform and health culture.

From ancient religious roots and Pythagoreans to 19th‑century reformers and modern ethical, health, and environmental movements, tracing how vegetarian ideas spread into mainstream culture.

How Carson’s 1962 book sparked a nation's awareness of pesticides and environmental health.

One of the most influential and widely read authors on nutrition in the 1950s and early 1960s

The famous naturopath who promoted fasting and a plant-based “mucus-free” diet.

Holistic health pioneer and "health crusader" Paul Bragg.

The origins and importance of the Macrobiotic movement

Frances Moore Lappé’s call for plant-based diets , vegetarian protein combining, and sustainable food systems.

Pauling’s theories and advocacy for high-dose vitamin C as an immune booster and therapy.

Jethro Kloss’s hugely influential herbal and natural health book that became a bible of mid-20th century alternative health.

The rise of refined sugar in the modern diet and the warnings of pioneers like Nancy Appleton and William Dufty.

The evolution of organic farming from Sir Albert Howard and J.I. Rodale to the USDA organic standards.