Claire Mason, Author at Simple, science-backed wellness

Whole rutabaga roots with purple tops and yellow skin on a rustic wooden table

6 Health Perks of Rutabaga and Easy Ways to Cook It

Rutabaga is a low-calorie, fiber-rich root that may support digestion, weight loss, heart health, and stronger bones. Here’s what the research shows.

Rustic brown pumpkin cookies cooling on a wire rack beside a small pumpkin

Soft Chewy Pumpkin Rye Cookies

Rye flour and reduced pumpkin puree make a genuinely chewy autumn cookie instead of a cakey one. The moisture trick, the flour ratio, and how to store them.

A tray of golden banana muffins cooling on a wooden board beside ripe bananas

Peanut Butter Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins

Soft, high-protein muffins made with cottage cheese, ripe bananas, and peanut butter. Here is the method, the texture fixes, and how to store them.

Spiced pumpkin muffins on a wooden board with a small pumpkin behind them

Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Muffins

Use up sourdough starter discard in soft, spiced pumpkin muffins. No proofing time, no waste, and a tangy crumb that plain pumpkin muffins never get.

A glass of creamy spiced eggnog dusted with cinnamon beside a cinnamon stick

Pumpkin Spice Eggnog

Pumpkin spice eggnog made the cooked-custard way, so it is thick and safe to drink. Temperatures that matter, a spiked version, and a dairy-free swap.

Cubes of firm white tofu arranged on a dark ceramic plate with chopsticks

Tofu Delivers Complete Plant Protein and May Protect Your Heart and Bones

Discover what tofu does for your heart, bones, and blood sugar, plus its complete protein, the main varieties, and simple tips for cooking it well.

An open glass jar of white coconut oil beside a wooden spoon on a marble counter

Swishing Oil for Your Teeth (Does It Really Work?)

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic mouth ritual said to fight plaque, freshen breath, and support gums. Here’s what the evidence actually shows and how to try it.

A rustic basket of unpeeled root vegetables resting on a wooden farmhouse table

6 Key Differences Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams and Why the Names Get Mixed Up

Sweet potatoes and yams get swapped constantly, but they differ in flesh, flavor, and nutrition. Here are 6 real differences and how to cook each one.

Golden clarified ghee in an open glass jar beside a wooden spoon

Is Ghee or Butter the Better Choice for Your Cooking and Your Heart?

Ghee and butter both come from milk, but they differ in fat, smoke point, and lactose. Here’s how they compare and how to cook, store, and make each one.

Grilled shrimp skewers on a plate garnished with lemon wedges and herbs

Can Eating More Shrimp Really Support Your Heart Skin and Brain?

Shrimp is low in calories and packed with protein, omega-3s, and astaxanthin. Here’s what the research says about its benefits and its real cautions.

Charred grilled octopus tentacle plated with lemon wedges and herbs

How Octopus Can Support Your Heart Brain and Bones

Octopus is a lean, omega-3-rich seafood tied to heart, brain, and bone health. Here’s what the research says, plus how to cook it and who should be careful.

Deep red iced hibiscus tea in a tall glass with dried petals nearby

Hibiscus Tea Is a Tart Ruby Brew That May Steady Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Hibiscus tea is a tart, caffeine-free herbal brew studied for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, supporting the liver, and more. Here’s what to know.