Plantains, a versatile and nutritious fruit, offer a range of healthful benefits, according to registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade. They provide fiber, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants, making them a healthful choice despite their sugar content. While plantains are higher in calories than bananas, they provide more fiber and vitamin C. Palinski-Wade advises cooking methods like baking, air frying or boiling to maximize nutritional benefits while minimizing fat and calories.

Papaya seeds are gaining attention for their potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, providing essential vitamins and minerals, and possessing anti-parasitic properties. Registered dietitian nutritionist Antonette Hardie and RD Samantha Dieras discuss the seeds' potent content of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which may aid in boosting immunity and supporting gut health. However, caution is advised for certain groups, such as pregnant individuals and those with specific health conditions, due to possible side effects like digestive discomfort.

Yogurt is a versatile and nutritious dairy product that provides protein, probiotics, calcium and other essential nutrients, making it a beneficial addition to a balanced diet. Greek yogurt offers more protein and less sugar than regular yogurt, but it is higher in calories and lower in calcium. Registered dietitian nutritionist Lisa Young and RDs Leslie Bonci and Amy Goodson discuss yogurt's merits and differences between the two.

Vitamin D supplementation may help people with prediabetes lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a study in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. Researchers found that 18.5% of study participants taking vitamin D achieved normal blood sugar levels, compared to 14% taking a placebo. Experts emphasize that while vitamin D can be part of a diabetes prevention plan, it should not replace medical advice or treatment.

More than 25% of US adults with diabetes used GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro and Ozempic in 2024, according to a CDC survey. These injectable medications, targeting the GLP-1 protein, are also marketed for weight loss under different names. The drugs are often used in combination with insulin or oral diabetes medications, reflecting their integration into treatment regimens.

A study in Clinical & Experimental Allergy finds that low-dose peanut oral immunotherapy administered by parents can safely desensitize children ages 1 to 4 with peanut allergies. The trial shows that 74% of children in the OIT group could tolerate more than 600 milligrams of peanut protein after 12 months, compared with 11% in the avoidance group, with most adverse events being mild.

A presentation at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology Congress focused on the importance of early cardiovascular risk assessment for young adults to prevent premature cardiac events, at a time when obesity and diabetes have become more prevalent. The PREVENT risk age calculator may improve communication about the need for preventive interventions.