Tag: Health and Wellness

These Are the Unexpected Dangers of Eating Reheated Rice

Rice is a versatile and delicious food enjoyed worldwide. However, reheating rice can be more dangerous than many think. The main issue lies with the bacteria Bacillus cereus, which can survive the cooking process. If cooked rice is left at room temperature for too long, these bacteria can multiply, producing toxins that aren’t eliminated by reheating. This can lead to food poisoning, causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

To minimize risks, it’s crucial to store cooked rice properly. Once cooked, rice should be cooled quickly and stored in the refrigerator within an hour. Keeping rice at a safe temperature is essential to prevent bacterial growth. Additionally, it’s advisable to consume reheated rice within 24 hours to reduce the risk of food poisoning. These simple steps can make a big difference in food safety.

When reheating rice, make sure it’s piping hot before eating. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F to ensure any present bacteria are killed. Using a kitchen thermometer can be a handy tool to check the temperature. Also, avoid reheating rice more than once, as each cycle of heating and cooling increases the risk of bacterial growth.

It’s important to remember that not all reheating methods are equally effective. The microwave, for instance, might not heat rice evenly, leaving some parts at lower temperatures where bacteria can survive. Opting to reheat rice in a pan or steaming it can be a safer option, ensuring even and thorough heating.

Besides bacterial risks, reheating rice can affect its texture and flavor. Reheated rice tends to become dry and gummy, which can ruin the culinary experience. To improve the texture, you can add a bit of water or broth to the rice before reheating, which will help keep it moist and tasty.

While rice is a delicious and nutritious food, it’s crucial to handle it with care to avoid health risks. By following proper storage and reheating practices, you can enjoy this food without worries. Food safety starts at home, and with a little caution, you can protect yourself and your family from potential food poisoning.

Source: mui kitchens us

Photo credit: Dotdash Meredith/Janet Maples

Keep Living, Keep Stretching!

Incorporating regular stretching into your week can provide numerous health benefits. To start, consistently stretching a muscle helps improve flexibility and can lead to an increased range of motion in surrounding joints. This, in turn, reduces the likelihood of sustaining an injury during strenuous activities like exercise or playing sports.

There is still some uncertainty about the ideal stretching guidelines. To get the most bang for your buck, one review suggested following these four stretching rules:  

  1. Try to perform a stretching routine two to six times per week.
  2. Spend at least 30 to 60 seconds stretching each muscle group.
  3. Perform a stretch at 60% to 100% of your stretch tolerance (the point where discomfort occurs).
  4. Devote at least five minutes of stretching to each major muscle group per week.

In addition, there is still some debate about whether stretches should be static (held in the stretched position) or dynamic (completed by moving in and out of the stretched position). Though both varieties are beneficial, some studies suggest that performing dynamic stretching before you exercise may reduce your overall risk of injury.

When beginning a stretching regimen, start slowly and keep your routine well rounded. Though stretching may feel slightly uncomfortable (especially if you are inflexible), you should refrain from forcing your body into painful positions.

Regular stretching can increase your flexibility, improve your balance, and reduce your chances of sustaining an injury. The best stretching regimen is one that is well rounded and doesn’t cause pain. You should stretch each of the body’s major muscle groups two to six times per week. Hold your stretches for a minimum of 30 seconds apiece.

Popular Cheeses That Contain Wood Pulp

Check the label next time you buy shredded cheese, because you may get more than what you bargained for. The first example is a Great Value finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese which contains real cheese, along with some powdered cellulose to prevent caking. The Sargento four cheese blend also contains this substance. Even Frigo’s flaked Parmesan or Kraft’s grated version has it too.

What is Cellulose Powder?

This substance is Basically just plant fiber that you can extract from any plant. But the industry tends to use wood because it’s more available and cheaper. Unfortunately, it offers no nutritional benefits like other plant fibers do. According to regulators, cellulose in large amounts does little more than add dietary bulk and may cause a laxative effect. This could be the body’s way of trying to remove substances it shouldn’t take in.

Even though this cheese might not have any nutritional value, the FDA considered it to be safe. The bigger problem has been companies like Walmart and Kraft, both of whom faced lawsuits for advertising their products as 100% cheese. The FDA allows 4% cellulose to be in them, but lawsuits claim some had 9%. Therefore, makers like Great Value have removed the phrase 100% cheese from their packaging.

Some argue this filler is not only an anti-taking agent but also a cost-saving measure for companies. If you want to avoid consuming this filler, buy blocks of cheese and shredding it yourself. Not only will this help you know exactly what you’re eating, but the food you prepare with it will also have a more desirable result.

Shredded Cheese With No Filler

Thankfully, we still have a few filler-free prepackaged options available. Grated Parmesan from 4C does not contain this substance. Cracker Barrel and Tillamook shredded varieties are also made free from cellulose. Raw Farm shredded cheddar, which can be found at Sprouts, is made with only milk, cultures, and salt.

It’s hard to believe non-food products are so prevalent at the grocery store today. Hopefully one day, we won’t need to worry about ingesting unsuitable substances.

Source: ©Delishably.com

Four houseplants that remove mold and condensation

Black mold fungus growing on windowsill © Getty

Mold is an issue that plagues many households, to varying levels of severity. But nobody should want to have it in their home, and we should be doing things to avoid it where possible.

So, if you are able to reduce the likelihood of mold in your home, you should do it. If you can do so while also brightening up your home with houseplants, it’s a no-brainer to do so.

Experts at Gardening Express recommend using plants to control humidity and keep mold at bay. The ability of a plant to absorb dew, fog, and moisture through its leaves plays a crucial role in reducing humidity. This natural solution not only improves the air quality but also adds aesthetic appeal to your home.

English ivy

English ivy can remove airborne mold from humid spaces, making it an excellent choice for smaller bathrooms.

Peace lily

Peace lilies have a number of benefits and can be great for those with allergies or asthma. However, it’s important to keep them out of reach of pets as they are toxic to animals.

Snake plant

This one grows best in bright light and warm temperatures, making it ideal for controlling condensation or moisture.

The leaves not only absorb excess moisture but also filter common household toxins.

Palms

Palms, such as areca palms, bamboo palms, lady palm, dwarf date palm, and reed palm, are excellent choices for controlling humidity and keeping mold at bay.

Source: Irishstar©

Why Dietitians Love Zoodles with Meat and Grain Sauce

Zucchini noodles called zoodles

This nutrient-packed dinner idea comes from Jenna Volpe, RDN, an Austin-based registered dietitian. She recommends swapping out traditional pasta noodles for noodles made from zucchini as a way to sneak in more veggies.

And no pasta dish is complete without a hearty sauce, so Volpe recommends whipping up a tomato-based sauce packed with protein-rich ground turkey and complex carbohydrate-rich quinoa.

How to Make This Meal

This meal comes together in three simple steps, and there are plenty of shortcuts (like using store-bought sauce and zoodles) that’ll help speed up your prep time.

  1. Use a vegetable spiralizer to make your own zoodles or buy them pre-cut. You can either enjoy them raw or warm them up.
  2. Combine tomatoes, cooked ground turkey and cooked quinoa for the sauce. You can make a batch of homemade sauce or purchase a store-bought spaghetti sauce, such as Rao’s.
  3. Combine zoodles and sauce together and serve.

1. It’s High in Protein

2. It’s a Good Source of Vegetables

3. It’s Lower in Saturated Fat

4. It’s Rich in Dietary Fiber

This meal puts vegetables at the center of the plate in an appetizing way, that this recipe is also customizable. If you enjoy regular spaghetti noodles, you can use those instead of zoodles — just up the veggies in other ways. Alternatively, you can swap out noodles for whole-grain pasta, which is typically high in fiber and other nutrients.

You likely already have a jar of spaghetti sauce on hand, so pick up some zucchini, ground turkey and quinoa on your next grocery run to make this wholesome dinner.

Source: livestrong.com©

Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The 2020 Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands in America

How many of these top picks are your go-to brands?

What are the most trusted brands in America? For the sixth year, Reader’s Digest teamed up with research firm Ipsos Connect to find out. This time, we asked more than 3,500 Americans which brands they rely on in 40 categories of household, pet, health and wellness, and travel-related products. Here are the winners.

Household Cleaning Product: Lysol

Lysol products are distributed by the Reckitt Benckiser Group. They run the gamut from liquids to wipes to sprays—all top sellers.

Why Americans Love It: “I’ve used Lysol Spray and trusted it for as long as I can remember.”

Laundry Detergent: Tide

Tide, manufactured by Procter & Gamble, has been helping Americans (and people worldwide) keep their clothes clean since 1946.

Why Americans Love It: “I’ve always had clothes that smell great after using Tide.”

Disinfectant Wipes: Clorox

The Clorox Company is an American company, based in California. They are committed to complete transparency when it comes to what’s in their products, helping to boost that trust factor.

Why Americans Love It: “It offers different size packages to suit my needs. Clorox also offers a variety of fragrances that I like.”

Contact Lens Solution: Bausch & Lomb

The company makes two different formulas for soft lenses, another four for gas permeable contacts, and eye drops for both lens types.

Why Americans Love It: “I have tried other cheaper brands and they have not been as effective as Bausch & Lomb.”

Eye Care: Visine

Called Vispring in some countries including Greece and Spain, their drops remove redness by shrinking blood vessels on the eye.

Why Americans Love It: “My eyes felt instant relief after just one drop.”

Footcare: Dr. Scholl’s

The company now offers custom, 3D-printed inserts made from foot scans users can take themselves with their cellphones.

Why Americans Love It: “Dr. Scholl’s has a wide variety of foot care needs and I can always find what I need to care for my feet.”

Sun Protection: Coppertone

There are no excuses to skip sunscreen, especially now that Coppertone offers one with a built-in shimmer and a lotion designed to help you tan safely.

Why Americans Love It: “Coppertone has been around a long time and works well.”

Lip Care: Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees is a personal care products company. A subsidiary company of Clorox, they describe themselves as “Earth friendly” and take pride in creating products without harsh chemicals to nourish your skin as naturally as possible.

Why Americans Love It: “I love Burt’s Bee because it’s natural, and it has a good fragrance.”

Soap and Bodywash: Dove

The company has partnered with the Girl Scouts on their Self Esteem Project, which aims to help young people build body confidence.

Why Americans Love It: “Dove is very moisturizing and great for people with sensitive skin. It lathers very well. It is affordable and can be found everywhere.”

Anti-aging Skincare: Olay

Retinol—commonly known as Vitamin A—is the main ingredient in the latest iteration of the Olay Regenerist moisturizer, one of the company’s top sellers since debuting in 2003.

Why Americans Love It: “I am almost 51, and have been using Olay since I was 16. I literally do not look over 35. I tell everyone to use their products.”

Body Lotion: Aveeno

Aveeno is known for its oat-based skin care, and continues to produce new products with the hero ingredient oat to nourish and soothe skin.

Why Americans Love It: “Aveeno is cleanly made and it works well.”

Sleep Aid: NyQuil

NyQuil is part of the Vicks family of brands, a trusted brand that has been helping people feel better, sleep better, and find relief from the common cold and other ailments since the late 1800s.

Why Americans Love It: “Nyquil helps me feel better, faster.”

Allergy Relief: Claritin

The company also offers a free service called Blue Sky Living that sends members personalized allergy forecasts.

Why Americans Love It: “Claritin is an old, well-known, and reputable brand. I’ve taken this on and off through the years. I know I can depend on this for relief.”

Cold + Flu Remedy: NyQuil

Manufactured by Vicks, maker of vapor rubs, Nyquil Severe with Vicks VapoCOOL is liquid medicine with the added effect of soothing vapors.

Why Americans Love It: “Nyquil and Dayquil are critical to optimal functioning while I’m sick.”

Headache/Pain Reliever: Tylenol

With redesigned packaging, the bottle caps are now easier to open while also generating minimal plastic waste.

Why Americans Love It: “I trust Tylenol. It takes care of my family.”

Source: rd.com©

Taking Ibuprofen Safely

Like any drug, ibuprofen comes with side effects such as dizziness, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal issues. Taking ibuprofen comes with several risks, including the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Ibuprofen can also cause bleeding in your stomach, esophagus, or intestines, particularly if you take it for a long time or take high doses. People with certain conditions should speak to their doctor before taking ibuprofen because it might make their condition worse or increase side effects. Ibuprofen can aggravate symptoms or trigger a flare-up of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

People who are pregnant should avoid taking ibuprofen because ibuprofen can harm your fetus, especially if you take it during your 20th week. You should let your doctor know if you’re taking ibuprofen if you plan to become pregnant. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs like naproxen, you should avoid ibuprofen.

Adults over 75 who are taking ibuprofen for arthritis or other conditions should talk to their doctor about the risks of taking it long-term. Regardless of age, you shouldn’t be taking ibuprofen daily for more than 30 days in a row, according to Mercy Hospital. With each dose ranging from 400 to 800 milligrams, you shouldn’t take more than 3,200 milligrams of ibuprofen a day unless you’re under a doctor’s supervision.

You should let your doctor know if you’re taking ibuprofen, especially if you’re taking blood thinners, oral steroids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Look for aspirin or other NSAIDs in other over-the-counter medications, such as cold medicine, so you’re not taking two types of pain relievers at a time.

Article by healthdigest.com

Photo by health.harvard.edu

The Princess of Wales’s statement

The Princess of Wales has announced she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.

She revealed the news in an emotional video message that was broadcast on Friday evening.

Here is the statement in full:

“I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

“It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits

The Princess of Wales

“In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.

“The surgery was successful.

“However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.

“My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

“This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

“As you can imagine, this has taken time.

It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.

“But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.

“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too.

“As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you.

“It means so much to us both.

“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.

“My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

“For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope.

“You are not alone.”

Article by Evening Standard©

Photo by © PA Wire

How to get rid of muscle knots – neck, shoulders, and back

WHAT ARE MUSCLE KNOTS?

Muscle knots are hard, sensitive areas in our muscles where the muscle is in a shortened, contracted state even when the muscle is supposed to be at rest.

hese muscle knots are commonly found in our neck, shoulders, upper back, and hips and are a common condition that affect millions of people everyday.

These tight areas of contracted muscle are also referred to as “trigger points” as oftentimes touching these areas can “trigger” pain in different location in your body.

Muscle knots can cause a painful, aching sensation in the muscle that can refer to nearby joints as well. When you touch it it feels tight and contracted despite your efforts to relax that area.

Muscle knots can also feel swollen and inflamed and can contribute to other associated problems including headaches, stress, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.

WHY DO YOU GET MUSCLE KNOTS?

Muscle knots are most often caused by:

  • Poor posture
  • Muscle weakness
  • A sedentary lifestyle/Lack of activity

Other contributing factors can include stress/anxiety, unhealthy eating habits, and dehydration.

HOW TO TREAT MUSCLE KNOTS

Keep in mind that treating your muscle knots can take some time. You didn’t develop them overnight; chances are they’re not going to go away overnight, also.

To treat your muscle knots you’ll need to break up the knotted tissue and calm down the inflamed nerves.

1. Heat: applying heat to an area causes capillaries to dilate, thereby promoting more blood flow into that area. Increasing blood flow to a muscle can be an effective means of getting knots to release.

2. Stretching: as mentioned previously, muscle knots are areas of the muscle that fail to fully relax/elongate. Stretching the muscles in which these knots lie is an effective way to stretch out the knot, decrease tension, and decrease your pain.

The two stretches I like best are an “upper trapezius stretch” and a “levator scapula stretch”. See the video above for demonstration on how these are to be performed.

3. Muscle Activation: working muscles demand increased blood flow to effectively contract and relax. By working the muscle in which your knot lies you can increase blood flow into that spot and promote relaxation. Contracting these muscles is also a good way to fatigue this area and get the muscle knot to release.

Shrugs with shoulder blade retraction are the best exercise to eliminate knots in the upper back and neck; check out the video above to see how these are performed.

4. Postural Correction: poor posture is one of the primary contributing factors predisposing one to muscle knots. Taking actions to correct poor posture and promote improved alignment can significantly improve muscle tension and pain.

Chin tucks are my go-to exercise to get your head back over your shoulders where it belongs. Combine it with some foam roller stretching and you’ll start to notice an improvement. Again, these are demonstrated in the video above.

5. Postural Strengthening and Muscle Activation: Stretching the tight structures through the front of the chest and shoulders while strengthening the weak muscles of your upper back in between your shoulder blades is key in improving posture and decreasing propensity for muscle knots.

“Wall angels” and “wall slides” are my two favorite exercises to improve postural strength and decrease your muscle knot pain and symptoms.

6. Massage: massaging muscle tissue is a great way to decrease tension and “break up” those chronic muscle contractions. We decrease tension and promote blood flow into an area when we massage it, so massage is great at alleviating muscle knots and associated pain.

7. Trigger Point Release: Trigger point release is applying a deep pressure directly on a muscle knot and maintaining that pressure 15-60 seconds. The theory here is that we actually compress capillaries and “starve” the knot of blood and oxygen. After the muscle fibers “release” we then release our pressure and blood/oxygen comes rushing back into the spot, thereby maintaining the relaxed state.

You can perform a “self-trigger point release” at home using a tennis ball; another favorite tool of mine is a Theracane back massager. Both are great at applying point pressure right over your trigger points. See instructions in the video above.

Source: tone-and-tighten.com