Readers reply: are there any foods that have not at some time been considered harmful in a study?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

From pasta and rice to pesto and ketchup: the most ethical and eco-friendly products for your kitchen cupboards

A well-stocked kitchen can help you cut your carbon footprint, reduce waste and insulate you against food shortages. Here are some staple ingredients to get you started

Readers reply: what are the fewest separate foods you could eat and still have a healthy, balanced diet?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

What are the fewest separate foods you could eat and still have a healthy, balanced diet?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts

Jaw-dropping news! Eating with your mouth open makes food taste better

Researchers suggest this habit actually makes for a more enjoyable meal – so it could be time to rethink your manners

I wanted to know how to increase my life expectancy. Do I really have to avoid everything?

The advice was to limit alcohol, avoid high-sugar foods and decrease saturated fats – but warnings like this are just going to encourage me, writes Annie Macmanus

Beetroot juice may aid people with coronary heart disease – study

Research suggests a daily glass reduces harmful inflammation by boosting nitric oxide levels

Have your cake and eat it: how to cut down on sugar

As a doctor and baking columnist Tamal Ray was better placed than most to understand the pitfalls of his lifelong sugar crush. How can even the most sweet-toothed among us cut down?

How to trick your brain into better eating habits

Ditching the cutlery, scoffing a big first bite and discussing the carrots can help rewire our brains and make us more mindful of our meals

How timing your meals right can benefit your health

Eating well doesn’t necessarily just mean concentrating on the right diet – the time you eat (or don’t) can also make a big difference to your wellbeing