Food Is Medicine: Eating for better health and healing

  • Harvard Health Online Course
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This online course from Harvard Health Publishing brings you evidence-based guidance from Harvard experts on how to use food as medicine—so you can nourish your body, support good health, and help prevent disease with every meal.

  • Online; Self-Paced

$29.99

Certificate

Two Weeks, 2-6 Hours/Week

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Overview

In this online course from Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard faculty explore the age‑old idea that “food is medicine” through the lens of modern science. This lively, interactive program shares evidence-based guidance, practical strategies, and preventive steps to help you confidently use nutrition to support your health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Over the course of 70+ engaging lessons, you’ll gain essential facts about how the foods you choose can nourish your body, bolster your defenses, and help ward off a wide range of conditions. You’ll also learn how to translate the “food is medicine” principle into everyday meals that are both enjoyable and health-promoting.

Get information you can use from a source you can trust. Learn from leading physicians and nutrition experts—where and when it’s convenient for you—through interactive lessons, downloadable resources, quizzes, video presentations, a resource library, and more.

Learning Objectives

  • Explores the science behind the age‑old idea that “food is medicine” and what modern research reveals about it.
  • Shows how a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet supports overall health and resilience.
  • Identifies dietary patterns and food choices that can help ward off common chronic conditions.
  • Explains how specific foods and nutrients work in the body to nourish organs, systems, and cells.
  • Guides you in applying “food is medicine” principles to everyday meals and grocery shopping.
  • Helps you create practical, sustainable eating habits that promote long‑term health and disease prevention.
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Syllabus

For questions and support, please contact hhp_info@hms.harvard.edu.

  • About Our Course
  • Nutrient Basics
  • Nutrients and Nourishment
  • Test Your Knowledge
  • The Basics
  • Fruits and Veggies
  • Whole Grains and Legumes
  • Healthy Protein
  • All About Fats
  • Dairy and Nondairy Alternatives
  • Test Your Knowledge
  • Eating to Beat Disease
  • Heart Health
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Gut Health
  • Bone Health
  • Kidney Health
  • Cognitive and Mental Health
  • Test Your Knowledge
  • Cooking, Shopping, and Eating
  • Simple, Healthy Recipes
  • Test Your Knowledge
  • Points to Remember

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Program Topics