RP

Ryan Patel

Nutrition Writer

Ryan Patel is a dedicated nutrition writer with a passion for translating complex scientific findings into accessible and practical advice. Before joining Flavor and Wellness, Ryan contributed to several peer-reviewed journals, focusing on the impact of diet on chronic disease. He also spearheaded a community health initiative that improved dietary habits in underserved populations, earning him the 'Nutrition Advocate of the Year' award in 2022. Ryan's expertise lies in breaking down the latest nutritional research and helping readers integrate healthy eating into their daily lives. He holds a Master's degree in Nutritional Science from the University of California, Berkeley.

Expertise

nutritiondietsupplementsnutrition sciencehealthy eatingdietary guidelinesmacronutrientsmicronutrients

Coverage Areas

Nutrition
Supplements
Diet Trends

Latest Articles

AI-powered platform visualizing carbon footprints in food agriculture, showcasing a partnership between HowGood and Sweep for sustainability.
Trends

HowGood and Sweep Partner to Track Food Agriculture Carbon Footprints

In California, the agricultural sector emits 32 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) annually, with 70% directly from livestock, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office (LA

Jun 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Abstract representation of a healthy gut microbiome with a subtle shadow symbolizing the risk of colon cancer in young adults.
Healthy Living

Gut health impacts colon cancer risk, study finds

Bowel cancer rates among under-24s increased by 96% between the early 1990s and 2022, a dramatic rise documented by BakeryAndSnacks .

Jun 10, 2026 · 3 min read

A visually appealing spread of brain-boosting foods including berries, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains, arranged on a rustic wooden table.
Nutrition

8 Brain-Boosting Foods for Cognitive Function

In a nine-year study of nearly 1,000 older adults, individuals who regularly consumed foods like berries and leafy greens experienced significantly slower cognitive decline.

Jun 9, 2026 · 5 min read

A visual comparison of healthy, unprocessed food versus unhealthy, ultra-processed food, illustrating the stark differences in their appearance and potential health implications.
Nutrition

What is the impact of ultra-processed foods on long-term health?

In a landmark study, participants consuming an ultra-processed diet ingested approximately 500 kcal/day more than those on an unprocessed diet.

Jun 8, 2026 · 5 min read

Close-up of ripe plums, symbolizing their flavanol content and contribution to heart health and overall wellness.
Nutrition

Plums Deliver Flavanols, Boosting Heart Health for Many

New research reveals that eating specific fruits, such as blueberries and plums, could offer more significant heart health benefits than merely meeting a general "five-a-day" target.

Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

A bountiful display of fresh dates at a market stall, symbolizing a consumer shift away from processed snack foods towards natural alternatives.
Nutrition

Date Sales Jump 33% as Ancient Fruits Challenge Processed Snacks

In the U.S., sales of dates surged by 33% over the past year, signaling a quiet but powerful rebellion against the processed snack aisle. This rapid increase reflects a fundamental re-evaluation of di

Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

A pregnant woman selecting healthy foods, symbolizing the crucial link between pregnancy nutrition and lifelong metabolic health for both mother and child.
Nutrition

What is pregnancy nutrition's impact on post-delivery metabolic health?

Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity, is now proposed to begin not in adulthood, but in the perinatal period itself.

Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read

Consumer choosing between a healthy, natural snack and a misleadingly packaged snack bar with high sugar content.
Trends

The Nutrient-Dense Grazing Shift: Consumer Snacking Habits in 2026

Despite a 45% consumer preference for 'nutrient-dense' snacks, the average 'healthy' snack bar still contains 15 grams of sugar, revealing a significant disconnect between consumer intent and product

Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read

A visually appealing representation of a healthy gut microbiome surrounded by fiber-rich foods, symbolizing the benefits of a high fiber diet.
Nutrition

What Are the Benefits of a High Fiber Diet for Gut Health?

In the UK, a staggering 96% of adults fail to meet the recommended daily fiber intake of 30g, consuming on average only 16.

Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read

People looking concerned and hesitant to enter a public forum due to the presence of surveillance technology.
Nutrition

2026 Survey Reveals Surveillance Impact on Civic Engagement

Nearly half of all Americans have avoided political or civic activities in the last six months, not due to direct threats, but out of fear of being monitored by technologies they largely support for p

Jun 7, 2026 · 5 min read

Teenager engrossed in social media feed showcasing unhealthy food advertisements promoted by influencers and celebrities.
Nutrition

Social media ads for unhealthy foods fuel bad habits

Nearly 90% of food and beverage products advertised by top celebrities and influencers on Instagram are not permitted for advertisement to adolescents, according to World Health Organization (WHO) gui

Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read

A tranquil forest path with sunlight filtering through trees, symbolizing the connection between nature's healing power and the structured approach of time-restricted eating for overall health.
Nutrition

Nature's role and time-restricted eating for health

A 2024 pilot study revealed 83% of teachers report their school communities have been affected by an extreme weather event, highlighting a hidden toll on mental health and access to nature, according

Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read

Microscopic view of diverse gut bacteria, illustrating their connection to human health, digestion, immunity, and the brain.
Nutrition

What is the gut microbiome's role in digestion, immunity, and well-being?

In December 2023, research revealed that symptoms experienced by people with social anxiety disorder could be transferred from humans to rodents through a simple faecal transplant, according to Nature

Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read

A colorful assortment of healthy, low-sugar condiments including mustard, vinegar, and salsa, presented invitingly on a wooden surface with natural lighting.
Nutrition

Healthy Condiments That Won't Spike Your Sugar

Many popular condiments, often considered minor meal additions, are secretly packed with enough added sugar to cause significant blood sugar spikes, according to Health: Trusted and Empathetic Health

Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read

People of diverse ages and backgrounds enjoying a peaceful evening walk in a park, highlighting the benefits of nightly steps for heart health.
Trends

New Study Shows Nightly Steps Significantly Boost Heart Health

A groundbreaking study of 78,000 participants found that taking just 2,500 steps after dinner can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 15%, according to research highlighted by Health .

Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read

A bright orange sweet potato, rich in vitamin A, is presented as a superior nutrient-dense food compared to less vibrant common green leaves.
Nutrition

Top 8 Nutrient-Dense Foods Outperform Common Greens

A single sweet potato, costing just $1.

Jun 6, 2026 · 6 min read

A diverse group of people happily preparing and eating a healthy, colorful meal featuring various plant-based protein sources in a bright kitchen.
Nutrition

What are plant-based proteins and why do they matter in 2026?

In 2025, 60% of U.S. households purchased plant-based foods, demonstrating significant market penetration. Yet, unit sales for these products dipped 3% from 2024 to 2025, according to GFI . This compl

Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read

A person preparing a healthy meal with fresh fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the connection between nutrition and mental well-being.
Nutrition

Healthy Eating Habits for Mental Well-being

Nutrition, often seen as a physical health concern, offers a surprising and accessible pathway to prevent a wide range of mental disorders.

Jun 5, 2026 · 4 min read

Split image showing healthy foods and a representation of a developing teenage brain, highlighting the impact of diet on cognition.
Nutrition

Adolescent Diets: Impact on Teenage Brains and Cognition

In 2020, American children and adolescents scored a dismal 54 out of 100 on the Healthy Eating Index, far below the healthy minimum of 80.

Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read

Comparison of plain Greek yogurt and a sugary, artificially colored yogurt cup, highlighting the difference in sugar content and health appeal.
Nutrition

Greek Yogurt vs Other Yogurts: Finding Lower Sugar Options

Only two out of 101 children's yogurt and fromage frais products surveyed qualified as low sugar (5 grams or less per 100 grams), according to a 2026 study published in PMC .

Jun 5, 2026 · 5 min read