News & tips on health, fitness and nutrition

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Boron

Boron is a trace element that is naturally present in many foods and available as a dietary supplement. 

Boron is not classified as an essential nutrient for humans because research has not yet identified a clear biological function for boron . However, it might have beneficial effects on such functions as reproduction and development, calcium metabolism, bone formation, brain function, insulin and energy substrate metabolism, immunity, and the function of steroid hormones (including vitamin D and estrogen).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) FoodData Central does not list the boron content of foods or provide lists of foods containing boron. Therefore, information on boron levels in foods is limited.

Boron Content of Selected Foods
FoodMilligrams (mg)
per serving
Prune juice, 1 cup1.43
Avocado, raw, cubed, ½ cup1.07
Raisins, 1.5 ounces0.95
Peaches, 1 medium0.80
Grape juice, 1 cup0.76
Apples, 1 medium0.66
Pears, 1 medium0.50
Peanuts, roasted, salted, 1 ounce0.48
Beans, refried, ½ cup0.48
Peanut butter, 2 tablespoons0.46
Apple juice, 1 cup0.45
Chili con carne, with beans, 1 cup0.41
Grapes, ½ cup0.37
Oranges, 1 medium0.37
Lima beans, dry, cooked, ½ cup0.35
Applesauce, ½ cup0.34
Fruit cocktail, canned, in heavy syrup, ½ cup0.26
Broccoli, boiled, chopped, ½ cup0.20
Orange juice, 1 cup0.18
Spinach, boiled, ½ cup0.16
Banana, medium0.16
Spaghetti sauce, ½ cup0.16
Cantaloupe, cubed, ½ cup0.14
Carrots, raw, 1 medium0.14
Peas, green, cooked, ½ cup0.10
Potato chips, 1 ounce, about 22 chips0.09
French fries, from frozen, deep fried, 10 fries0.08
Coffee, 1 cup0.07
Lettuce, chopped, loosely packed, 1 cup0.06
Tomatoes, raw, chopped, ½ cup0.06
Tuna, canned, water packed, 3 ounces0.05
Milk, whole, 1 cup0.04
Corn, cooked, ½ cup0.04
Rice, white, cooked, ½ cup0.03
Chicken breast, broiled, ½ breast0.03
Tea, brewed, 1 cup0.02
Onions, raw, chopped, 1 tablespoon0.02
Ice cream, ½ cup0.02
Bread, white, 1 slice0.01

 


Thursday, January 15, 2026

Retatrutide

Retatrutide (LY3437943) is an investigational injectable drug from Eli Lilly, a triple hormone agonist activating GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors.

Similar to other GLP-1 medications, retatrutide is an injectable medication that targets hormone receptors in your body that directly impact metabolism and appetite. Retatrutide targets three different receptors: 

  • GLP-1 (helps regulate appetite and blood sugar)
  • GIP (supports insulin response)
  • Glucagon (affects energy use and fat metabolism)

By targeting all three, the medication delays how fast your stomach digests food, lowers your appetite, and ultimately reduces how much food you eat. This can lead to numerous improvements in health, including: 

  • Weight loss
  • Improved glycemic control (a.k.a. how well your blood sugar is managed)
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Better liver and kidney health

 

But retatrutide does still carry the risk for side effects that most in this category do, most commonly GI issues like nausea, constipation, or vomiting. While higher doses of retatrutide are linked to more weight loss, dosing is titrated up over time, just like with other injectables.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Chia Seeds vs. Salmon: Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Comparison

Chia seeds and salmon are both nutrient powerhouses, but they excel in different areas for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
  • Omega-3 Content and Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
    • Chia seeds are exceptionally rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3. Per 100g, chia provides 17-18g of ALA, far more total omega-3 than salmon (1.8-2g per 100g serving, mostly EPA + DHA).
    • Salmon delivers pre-formed EPA and DHA, the long-chain omega-3s directly linked to strong anti-inflammatory benefits (e.g., reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, supporting heart health, and easing conditions like arthritis).
    • The human body converts ALA to EPA/DHA inefficiently: typically 5-10% to EPA and <1-5% to DHA (often lower in men or with high omega-6 intake). Thus, while chia contributes to omega-3 intake, salmon provides more bioavailable anti-inflammatory omega-3s.
  • Antioxidant Power:
    • Chia seeds stand out with high levels of polyphenols (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid), which combat free radicals and oxidative stress more robustly than salmon.
    • Salmon offers some antioxidants like astaxanthin (a potent carotenoid giving its pink color) and selenium, but overall lower polyphenol content compared to chia.
In summary, salmon edges out for direct anti-inflammatory effects via EPA/DHA, while chia shines brighter for antioxidant protection.