Almonds are a nutritional powerhouse, offering numerous health benefits such as supporting heart health, aiding in weight management and supporting brain function. Registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Manaker and RD Toby Amidor emphasize almonds' monounsaturated fats, antioxidants and essential nutrients, which contribute to these benefits. While almonds can be consumed in various forms, raw and sprouted almonds are recommended for maximum health impact. "Raw almonds retain the most nutrients, as roasting can slightly reduce their vitamin content. However, roasted almonds are still a nutritious option and often preferred for their flavor," Manaker says.

Quinoa, a versatile and nutritious seed often classified as a whole grain, is gluten-free and provides protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and nutrients, including folate, manganese, phosphorous, iron, vitamin B1 and magnesium, making it beneficial for glucose management and overall health, according to registered dietitians Jill Weisenberger and Abby Langer and Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist. "Unlike many other whole grains, quinoa is a great source of lysine, [an] essential amino acid that is necessary for protein synthesis," Naidoo says.

Feta cheese, a staple in Mediterranean diets, offers nutritional benefits such as protein, calcium, selenium, phosphorus and vitamin B12, which support bone and energy health, say registered dietitian nutritionist Kathleen Benson and RDs Michelle Routhenstein, Julia Zumpano and Dr. Chris Mohr. They highlight its potential anti-inflammatory effects, especially when made from goat or sheep milk. However, they caution about its high sodium content, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure if consumed excessively. Portion control and balanced meals are recommended for incorporating feta into the diet.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists were found to be safe and effective for weight loss in people with inflammatory bowel disease, according to a study in the Journal of Crohn's and Colitis. The meta-analysis from data on 10,362 patients found that GLP-1 RAs were associated with a 6.67% total body weight loss and a BMI reduction of 2.48 kg/m2 without worsening IBD activity.

A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicates GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Zepbound likely have minimal impact on a person's risk for obesity-related cancers. The study, which analyzed 48 trials involving 94,245 participants, found that the drugs had little to no effect on risk for cancers such as breast, thyroid, pancreatic and kidney. The study's limitations include its short follow-up period and the fact that none of the trials was designed to measure cancer outcomes.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate are preparing to address the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits this week, with a leadership-endorsed health care plan expected in the House and a Democratic proposal for a three-year extension of the subsidies set for a Senate vote. Various bipartisan proposals are also being considered, focusing on extending subsidies with reforms such as income caps and the elimination of premium-free plans.

Nutrition professor Lindsey Smith Taillie says that many state efforts to restrict ultraprocessed foods in schools are ineffective because narrow definitions, such as Arizona's focus on a few additives, leave most packaged snacks untouched. Smith Taillie writes that broader approaches like California's law, paired with investments in school meal programs and better access to minimally processed foods, are needed to improve children's diets.