These Are the 13 Most-Read Health and Science Stories of 2024

Food & Wine ^ | Stacey Leasca

[nickcarraway]

From toxic cinnamon powder to powerhouse veggies, we learned a ton about the foods (and drinks) that fuel us.

From unexpected health risks in everyday items to new insights about nutrition, the biggest science- and health-related stories of 2024 were packed with surprises.

Over the last 12 months, we have learned about plenty of dangers lurking in seemingly innocent foods. But it wasn't all doom and gloom—we also learned more about the ingredients that could fuel us in unexpected ways.

This year, Food & Wine readers found themselves enthralled with storytelling that was a mix of curiosity and caution, including everything from finding out our favorite cinnamon brands may contain toxic levels of lead to learning that the unassuming watercress may just be the best thing we can mix into our next meal.

All of 2024's most-read science- and health-related stories underscored one truth: knowledge is power. Here's what F&W readers loved learning about most this year.

01 of 13

Watercress Is the Most Nutrient-Dense Vegetable

Move over kale. Watercress is the new leader in vegetables. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), watercress is the most nutrient-dense vegetable, boasting an unbeatable combination of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to other common produce. The CDC found that it's particularly rich in vitamin K, which is known to support bone health, improve digestion, and even combat oxidative stress.

02 of 13

'Dirty Dozen' Produce: The 12 Most Contaminated Fruits and Vegetables Produce in grocery store

The annual “Dirty Dozen” list always grabs people's attention, and 2024 was no exception. This year’s report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) ranked the fruits and vegetables most likely to contain pesticide residues, with strawberries, spinach, and kale topping the list for yet another year. While the EWG doesn’t suggest avoiding these nutrient-rich foods altogether, it highlights the importance of washing produce thoroughly and, when possible, opting for organic options.

03 of 13

Consuming Too Much Fruit Juice and Fizzy Drinks Increases Your Likelihood of Stroke

Sorry, soda lovers, but according to two studies published in the Journal of Stroke and the International Journal of Stroke, excessive consumption of sugary beverages like fruit juice and soda has the potential to significantly increase your risk of stroke. And while the team couldn't pinpoint the exact link, the researchers explained it likely boils down to the high sugar levels in these drinks and their impact on blood pressure, inflammation, and vascular health. “We suspect that fizzy drinks contain substances that may have adverse cardiovascular effects,” Andrew Smyth, Ph.D., and lead researcher for both studies, shared. “Full sugar fizzy drinks will contain additional sugars that may impact caloric intake and potentially weight gain, but they may also contain other substances — e.g., sweeteners in artificially sweetened drinks — that could also impact health.”

04 of 13

Eating Like Salmon Is Better Than Eating Actual Salmon

A 2024 study published in the Nature Food journal flipped the script on the long-held advice that eating salmon is part of a well-rounded diet. Instead of focusing on eating salmon, researchers highlighted the benefits of adopting the diet of wild salmon itself, which is rich in omega-3s, algae, and nutrient-dense marine organisms, as the fish tends to consume smaller fish like mackerel, anchovies, and herring. And this way of eating, the team noted, could offer a more sustainable way to support your overall health without continuing to overfish the world's oceans.

05 of 13

The Truth About PFAS in Your Sparkling Water

Once again, it's bad news for fizzy drink fans. A new 2024 study showcased the fact that sparkling water often contains dangerous PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals — aka “forever chemicals” that are linked to various health issues, including cancer and hormonal disruptions. In the study, Perrier Natural Sparkling Mineral Water, La Croix Natural Sparkling Water, Canada Dry Lemon Lime Sparkling Seltzer Water, Poland Spring Zesty Lime Sparkling Water, Bubly Blackberry Sparkling Water, Polar Natural Seltzer Water, and Topo Chico Natural Mineral Water all had PFAS levels higher than 1 part per trillion. The Environmental Working Group recommends only drinking water with less than 1 ppt of PFAS, so perhaps reach for some still water instead.

06 of 13

These Are the Risks of Not Washing Your Lettuce Bunches of lettuce at a market.

It never hurts to be reminded to wash our produce, but this year, we wanted to remind you that not washing our produce can lead to dangerous consequences — and that includes contracting E. coli and Salmonella. "[Washing] helps remove dirt and pesticide residues as well," Wade Syers, DSocSci, extension specialist for food safety at Michigan State University Extension, shared with F&W. And If you don’t wash that lettuce, Syers added there's a more than reasonable chance that nasty stuff will wind up in your mouth. And maybe don't trust those "pre-washed" lettuce claims, as the experts also noted that washing them again at home provides an extra layer of protection.

07 of 13

Decaf Coffee Could Potentially Be Unsafe for Human Consumption

Once again, we'll start by saying we're sorry for having to be the bearer of bad news. In 2024, scientists published new findings in Environmental Health Perspectives that raised the alarm about decaf coffee, noting it can often contain chemical solvents that might pose health risks to humans. The good news is not all decaf brands use the methods mentioned by the researchers, so the takeaway here is that if you do love a good cup of decaf, perhaps take a little time to research the best options, including water-processed decaf.

08 of 13

These Are 4 of the Healthiest Vegetables You Need to Add to Your Diet

After declaring watercress the ultimate superfood, the CDC also highlighted other nutrient-dense veggies that people should add to their diets: spinach, chard, and beet greens. The CDC explained that these leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like iron and calcium. And frankly, they are all delicious anyway, making them a win-win.

09 of 13

Ultra-Processed Foods Have Been Shown to Decrease Lifespan

By now, you likely know that ultra-processed foods aren't always the best option if you're hoping to improve your health. And in 2024, scientists presented new information at the Nutrition 2024 conference showing that diets high in processed snacks, frozen meals, and sugary drinks are linked to shorter lifespans. This, the researchers noted, is because the additives, preservatives, and excess sugar, can take a toll on long-term health. Not sure what constitutes "ultra-processed?" Read the story to find out.

10 of 13

Ginger Is an Anti-Aging Powerhouse That Targets 12 Hallmarks of Aging

After reading all about how ultra-processed foods can shorten your life span, why not take a gander at a more positive story readers loved in 2024? A scientific review published in the journal Biomolecules showed that ginger targets 12 hallmarks of aging on a cellular level, from inflammation to oxidative stress, making it a top choice for anyone looking to age gracefully. So go ahead and liberally add it to your teas and smoothies, or pop it right in your stir-fries and say "thank you" for the boost.

11 of 13

Washing Produce Will Often Not Remove Pesticides

Remember that story about why you should wash your lettuce? Yes, it's still important, but no, the practice won't remove every single thing from your fruits and veggies. A 2024 report by Consumer Reports highlighted that while washing produce can help reduce dirt and bacteria, it does little to remove pesticide residues. If you really want to avoid pesticides, the study recommended peeling certain items or opting for organic produce, when possible, to reduce exposure.

12 of 13

Can You Microwaving Plastic? Here's What Toxicologists Have to Say

Here's the short answer to that headline: No. Absolutely not. In 2024, experts like Phoebe Stapleton, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Rutgers University, shared with F&W that heating food in certain plastic containers can release harmful chemicals, including BPA and phthalates, into your meal. “This increased temperature allows for the chemicals within the plastic dish to be released into the food being reheated," Stapleton noted. Instead, the experts suggested using glass to avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals in your foods.

13 of 13

The FDA Is Warning Against Drinking Apple Cider

There really is nothing better than a glass of apple cider on a crisp fall day — especially if you're spending an afternoon apple picking or at the pumpkin patch. But this year, the FDA issued a warning: Stay away from unpasteurized apple cider. As the agency noted, unpasteurized drinks can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, thus posing a risk to consumers — especially children, pregnant women, or anyone with a weakened immune system. Don't worry. There are plentiful pasteurized options to enjoy. Just make sure to check the label before you buy.

[nickcarraway]

I read Watercress was the most nutrient dense vegetable in the 1990's.

[nickcarraway]

Ping

[Omnivore-Dan]

Watercress is delicious. But you have to know where it came from. It grows in water and is farmed in ponds. Like all foods raised in farm ponds the ponds can get polluted due to run off, and salmonella can also be a problem. But I love the stuff, a great additive to salads, gives it some zest. I just rinse it well in a salad spinner.

[ConservativeMind]

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Thank you, nickcarraway!

[Veto!]

I have the Environmental Working Group “clean 15 and Dirty Dozen” list taped to the side of my fridge. So I know what needs to be organic.

They also test water quality in certain cities. On a scale of 1 - 9, with 9 the worst, ours is a 9 and they don’t even know we have lead in the pipes. I refill gallon jugs at Natural Market. Other stores have those water machines s too, but they add certain minerals that I-don’t really want. Costs me 29 cents to refill a jug and that’s all my cat and I drink,

As for instant coffee, I buy two: the organic regular and decaf Safeway brand. My cardiologist says I can have two cups of half-caf because that equals one cup in his opinion.

[ifinnegan]

Science stories?

More like fodder for the scared of everything nervous nellies.

People love being scared.

[goodnesswins]

Yeah...the bubbly drinks they listed had 1 part per trillion in PUFAs??

[goodnesswins]

PFAS

[reasonisfaith]

Are there still people out there who take the FDA seriously?

[Red Badger]

Liek watercress? Try Dollar weed...........

[Red Badger]

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2018/02/08/dollarweed/#:~:text=The%20good%20news%20is%20that,less%20bitter%20than%20the%20stems.

[Omnivore-Dan]

I says it grows in the south, mainly Florida. I don’t think It’s anywhere near northwest Jersey. I would definitely try it if was available.

[Red Badger]

It will take over you yard in short order if you don’t keep vigilant. If you don’t use chemicals to kill it, and a lot of people don’t, you have to dig it up, one vine at a time..........

[Omnivore-Dan]

Ok, no thanks. You can keep it down there. But...we have had kudzu for a long time, it made it’s way north a lot faster than was surmised. Invasive species have a way of adapting it seems.

[Red Badger]

Dollarweed is like underground kudzu, but you can eat it..........

[spankalib]

I ate this 'delicious spinach' at a church lunch, and found the lady who prepared it - to get her secrets of course -

...she told me it wasn't spinach. It was lamb's quarters.

Good stuff.