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Almost everyone sees worse with age – because the eyesight decreases. But there is a lot you can do to keep your eyes healthy for as long as possible. Here you can find out which foods and nutrients support your vision and prevent eye diseases.

#1 Vitamin A – Carrots, Eggs and Milk

Carrots are the classic when it comes to healthy foods for the eyes. right? no In fact, carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into valuable vitamin A.
Vitamin A is needed mainly because of its antioxidant effect, as reported, among other things. This can delay symptoms of the disease. The vitamin protects the retina from diseases and slows down the age-related loss of visual acuity.

The health portal ranks liver as a great source of vitamin A, as does eggs and milk. Beta-carotene, on the other hand, is also found in peppers, spinach and kale.

#2 Vitamin B – Fruits and Lentils

In order to function well, the eye needs various B vitamins, such as B2, B6, B12 and folic acid. Regular intake of vitamin B prevents a deficiency and an associated increase in the homocysteine ​​level in the blood

This is of great importance, because too high a homocysteine ​​level can ultimately promote “age-related macular degeneration”. This damages the yellow spot on the retina of the eye, leading to loss of vision. Furthermore, B vitamins protect against the eye disease “cataracts”.

#3 Vitamin C – Cabbage and citrus fruits

The most well-known vitamin also has an important function in the eyes. Specifically, the cells of the retina need the versatile vitamin for their work
Vitamin C also provides the eye with valuable antioxidants and provides important eye vitamins that are needed to prevent macular degeneration.

The vitamin is mainly found in fresh fruit and vegetables. Veritable vitamin C bombs are kale and Brussels sprouts

#4 Vitamin E – Oils and Nuts

Vitamin E performs a similar job to vitamin C – the antioxidants are needed to protect the eye from damage. In addition, the vitamin protects our immune system.

Oils in particular contain a lot of vitamin E: for example, 100 grams of wheat germ oil contains a good 174 mg of the vitamin. 100 grams of sunflower oil contain about 62mg of vitamin E, with rapeseed oil

In addition, various nuts are natural sources of vitamin E. Peanuts in particular are a good supplier. The vitamin is also found in fruit and vegetables, such as peppers, mangoes and black currants.

#5 Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Fish

The eyes need omega-3 fatty acids mainly to prevent retinal diseases. For example, the occurrence of macular degeneration can be prevented.

In addition, the fatty acids are also required for two functions in tear production. On the one hand for the amount of tears, as well as to improve the tear fluid.

Foods containing omega-3 are mainly oils and fish. In addition, various cooking oils, some types of vegetables – such as Brussels sprouts and spinach – or nuts and seeds also belong to omega-3 sources.

Coffee after lunch is simply part of it? You should reconsider this, because the tannins it contains prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients.

Why should you avoid the cup of coffee after a meal?

Coffee contains tannins – so-called tannins. With digestive enzymes and proteins, they are able to form complexes that make it difficult to absorb vitamins and minerals from plant products. For example, the iron absorption. In this way, the iron is absorbed, but without being utilized by the body. However, iron is essential for the body because it enables it, for example, to form blood.

You should therefore make sure not to drink coffee for at least half an hour after eating. This gives the body enough time to utilize all the vitamins and minerals in the food.

However, these tannins should not be seen exclusively negatively, because some of the tannins are considered anti-cancer, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory. It is also important that tannin does not affect the absorption of iron from animal products; the inhibition can only be seen in plant products.

This is why iron is so important for the body

Iron is so incredibly important for the body because it forms the basis for the formation of the red blood pigment. Iron also plays a significant role in transporting oxygen in the blood. Iron is indispensable for the formation of blood.

Iron is also essential for the metabolism. There it is a component of enzymes. Iron plays a particularly important role in growing children and adolescents because it is important for brain development. In principle, adolescents, pregnant women and women in general have a very high iron requirement.

consequences of iron deficiency

The consequences of iron deficiency are clear: iron deficiency clearly has a negative effect on physical performance. In addition, the number of red blood cells, in the formation of which iron is involved, decreases. This leads to impaired oxygen transport in the blood. This in turn leads to a feeling of exhaustion. In addition, the body is more susceptible to infections.

Vitamin C increases iron absorption

If you have problems absorbing iron or even suffer from an iron deficiency, you can follow a few tips to make iron absorption easier. It is important that the supporting food contains vitamin C, because this vitamin has been shown to promote the absorption of iron in the body.

A glass of orange juice with food helps with iron absorption.
Also peppers, which you can cut into the salad, for example.
We also recommend stirring sea buckthorn butter* into your muesli.
Lactic acid, which is an organic acid, also supports iron absorption. This is contained, for example, in sauerkraut and in sour fruits.

These foods inhibit iron absorption

In addition to coffee, there are other foods that have a significantly negative effect on iron absorption. These foods no longer impede iron absorption once they are soaked, fermented, or sprouted. This produces the enzyme phytase, which enables absorption. Examples of these foods are:
legumes
Black tea
Grain

Conclusion

It is better to avoid coffee with breakfast or immediately after lunch in the future: the tannins it contains inhibit iron absorption in the body. However, this only applies to iron from plant products, but not to animal products. This is all the more important for vegetarians or vegans. With the help of foods containing vitamin C, there is even the possibility of improving iron absorption.

Olive oil is mainly used as a cold-pressed vegetable oil in the kitchen. But just like other vegetable oils, olive oil has a healthy effect. Therefore, olive oil is equally suitable for hair and skin. We have collected the most important information and areas of application.

The History of Olive Oil

Historical finds indicate that for centuries BC. BC olive oil was produced, traded, and consumed. Because the oldest petrified olive stones are 10,000 years old and were discovered in Nahal Zehra. The Caucasus and Iran are also considered areas where olive oil was widespread. Later in the 5th century AD, olive oil also established itself in Europe. Olive trees can bear up to 300 kg of fruit. A good liter of yellow oil can be squeezed out of 30kg. This is obtained from the meat and the pits of the olive fruit. It is grown in the Mediterranean countries, primarily in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece and also Croatia, Tunisia, and Turkey.

Effect of olive oil is healthy

Olive oil is healthy as long as you use a high-quality product. Because it has a preventive effect against breast cancer, heart disease, depression, and diabetes. Since it contains unsaturated fatty acids, it has a stronger anti-cholesterol effect. It also protects the gastric mucous membranes and reduces the formation of gallstones. Therefore, it makes sense to integrate healthy olive oil into your own diet.

Use of olive oil in cooking

It is often used in the kitchen to prepare salads. But also for searing and deep-frying all kinds of food. Consequently, olive oil is a healthy all-rounder that no kitchen is missing. You can also use it to pickle vegetables or cheese. And it is also suitable as an ingredient for fresh fruit and vegetable juices or homemade smoothies. You can also use the good oil to bake cakes and cookies.

Use as a home remedy

High-quality olive oil is a good all-around care product. Everyone knows the problem: you need a new face cream, body lotion, hair conditioner, wound protection cream, baby care cream, etc. What do you use and what is right? What can be used to trigger allergies and what can be used to alleviate allergy symptoms? You quickly lose track of all the cosmetic products. The solution is the versatile olive oil:

1) Olive oil for the skin

The cold-pressed oil is good for the skin. Already in ancient Egypt, olive oil was said to have the same cleaning powers as donkey milk, in which Cleopatra is said to have bathed. The oil is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. If you feed your skin with it, it can slow down the aging process. To do this, oil yourself with it or use it as a bath additive. Consequently, it is a good home remedy for delicate and soft skin. Also, note other useful and healthy vegetable oils.

2) Babycare with olive oil

For baby care, olive oil is very well suited as the sole care product. Because it keeps the skin supple and soft, is suitable for the hair, and gently cleanses the body. You can also do the diaper region well with olive oil
care, as olive oil has an anti-inflammatory effect. When using baby cream, you should avoid artificial ingredients.

3) Make a homemade scrub

You can also make a homemade peeling from olive oil and sugar and use it to care for your sensitive skin. To do this, mix a paste from about 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Then you can rub it into your skin. The sugar grains wear away old skin cells and the olive oil nourishes the skin. This peeling can be used for any part of the body.

4) Home remedies for dry elbows

As a home remedy for dry and rough elbows, Mediterranean oil works wonders. Accordingly, fill the oil in a bowl and heat it in a water bath to about 38 degrees. Then you can bathe your dry elbows in it for 10 minutes. With daily use, your elbows should be soft and supple again after a week. You can also use the peeling mentioned above.

5) Olive oil for hair

You can also care for your hair with olive oil by using it for homemade hair treatment. It’s even easier if you massage the oil into your hair after washing your hair. Then leave it on for an hour and wash it off with a mild shampoo. This makes it the perfect home remedy for dry hair. If only your tips suffer from split ends, treating them with the oil is sufficient.

6) Application for allergies

Olive oil is not only good for skin and hair. You can also use it as a care product for allergies. Since many industrially manufactured care products can cause skin irritation and allergies, it is better to use natural oils. In addition, it has a healing effect and can therefore also be applied well to irritated skin areas. You can also order natural cosmetics online and use them for sensitive skin.

7) Strengthen immunity

Since olive oil is healthy, you can use it to strengthen your immune system. If you consume a tablespoon of olive oil every day, you provide your body with valuable ingredients that positively support your cardiovascular system. If you don’t feel like eating a spoonful of oil, you can mix it into your breakfast oatmeal.

8) Olive oil is said to prevent depression

The Mediterranean cuisine is very rich in olive oil. Some studies suggest that Mediterranean cuisine can help prevent depression. It should also reduce the risk of tumor formation. Of course, a holistic healthy diet is essential.

9) Reduce the risk of stroke

Several studies show that a diet high in olive oil can significantly reduce the risk of stroke by about 30 percent. This is probably due to the linoleic acid it contains, which is supposed to protect against vascular deposits. Mediterranean cuisine is therefore particularly advantageous for high-risk patients.

The dandelion plant is a true remedy. Because it not only helps against many physical ailments. Therefore, dandelion milk and dandelion tea are effective insider tips with a positive effect on your body. Consequently, you should eat dandelions more often.

The yellow “weed” is a great home remedy for detoxification, fighting fatigue, and digestive problems. Because it has a digestive, metabolism-enhancing, and blood-cleansing effect. Therefore, the versatile use of the dandelion plant in the household is worthwhile.

The effect on the body

The ingredients of the miracle plant have a healing effect on your organism. Because they are digestive, metabolism-enhancing, hypotensive, blood-purifying, cholagogue, and diuretic. And thanks to the detoxifying effect of the dandelion and the simultaneous supply of the organism with important vitamins and minerals through the dandelion, you can achieve two important steps at the same time. You remove unwanted toxins from your body and at the same time add important substances to your body that it needs every day.

What do the bitter substances do in the body?

Centuries ago, people used the healing powers of the plant, e.g. to combat jaundice. The entire plant, which can be up to 50 cm high, can be used as a medicine. The bitter substances contained in dandelion are very rare in nature.

These bitter substances are called Eudesmanolide Tetrahydroiridentin B or Germancranolide Ainslioside. The root also contains mucilage, sugar, and inulin, especially in autumn. In contrast, the herb contains potassium. Overall, bitter substances have a positive effect on digestion and gallbladder activity. Also, note the healing power of real chamomile.

Application of the dandelion plant

The dandelion is versatile and its ingredients are very valuable for your body. Therefore, we will show you how you can use the dandelion plant for you and your health. Consequently, you can fight health problems and benefit from dandelion. Also, note the application tips for sage and other tips on natural medicinal plants as home remedies.

1) Dandelion for wound healing

Dandelion is a miracle cure, especially on the skin. Since the plant has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it can also be used to treat wounds. Consequently, the wounds are not only disinfected but infections are also prevented. In addition, note what to do in the event of burns.

2) A remedy for warts and corns

The juice in the leaves and stem is called dandelion milk. And this dandelion milk is incomparable in the treatment of corns or to fight warts. Consequently, wet the affected areas with the plant sap two to three times a day. After several weeks of use, warts and corns have disappeared from the skin.

3) Dandelion Milk for Itching

If you are plagued by mosquito bites or other itchy insect bites, moisten them with dandelion juice as well. So you can effectively combat the itching on the skin. If the juice is not enough, you can chop the entire dandelion plant in a blender. Then apply the pap, just like the juice, to the affected area.

4) Detoxify the body with dandelion

The dandelion with all its components has a cleansing effect on the liver and kidneys. Consequently, it serves you as a useful means of detoxifying the body. And you can use the root, especially for liver problems and digestive problems. The active ingredients and the diuretic effect of the leaves ensure that the body is cleansed. Accumulated water and toxins are flushed out of the body.

5) Stimulate digestion and fight constipation

The bitter substances in the plant cause more saliva and stomach acid to be produced. At the same time, digestive enzymes and digestive hormones are released. This stimulates the activity of the gallbladder. The activity of the gallbladder and the enzymes and hormones are responsible for an increased appetite. This stimulates digestion and dandelion tea is a good remedy for constipation.

6) Good remedy for urinary tract

Since the dandelion has a strong diuretic effect, but at the same time provides important minerals, it is better than synthetic diuretics. As a result, the kidneys are well flushed with it without chemical drugs. And in naturopathy, it is used as a remedy for urinary tract infections or an irritable bladder. In line with this topic, also note valuable tips against bladder weakness.

7) Instructions for making dandelion tea yourself

If you struggle with an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after a high-fat meal or if you are plagued by annoying digestive problems, then drink dandelion tea. This is because it aids in digestion and can alleviate symptoms. Consequently, we have instructions on how to make healthy dandelion tea yourself. Read how you can quickly bring hot tea to drinking temperature.

Cumin is best known for its taste – but the oriental spice can do much more. Studies have shown that cumin helps with weight loss. Cumin also relieves stomach problems and can even have a stress-reducing effect.

Studies show: weight loss and lower BMI thanks to cumin

Targeted weight loss is often not that easy: Some foods are actually real calorie bombs – but this does not include cumin, as a study published in 2014 by the “Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences” shows. It involved 88 overweight women who were randomly divided into two groups. One of the two groups ate plain yogurt with three grams of cumin twice a day. The second group also got two portions of yoghurt per day – but without the addition of cumin. As the authors of the study report, the diet plans of the two groups were otherwise identical.

The result is quite remarkable: the cumin powder helped, among other things, to lose more weight and fat mass. In addition, the body mass index (BMI) and the waist circumference decreased. In summary, the authors of the study state that cumin powder in a weight-reducing diet shows an improvement in anthropometric and biochemical parameters in overweight or obese women.

A study by the Iranian “Kashan University of Medical Sciences” with 78 subjects between the ages of 18 and 60 also caused a stir. The participants were divided into three groups and had to swallow one capsule three times a day for eight weeks. One group received a cumin capsule, and another group received a fat blocker capsule. The third group only received a placebo. The results showed that the cumin group achieved about as much weight loss and reduction in BMI as the fat-blocker-agent group. Subjects who only received a placebo lost less weight. In addition, taking cumin had a positive effect on insulin metabolism

Aid in digestion and stress-reducing effect

The essential oils of the spice, which account for up to six percent, are also healthy. Cuminaldehyde is particularly valuable because its intake stimulates the formation of various digestive juices, such as gastric juice and pancreas. In this way, cumin helps to improve the digestive process. This function can be used in dishes that often cause digestive problems.

Cumin is also said to help with various intestinal complaints, such as constipation. An Indian study published in 2014 also showed that cumin helps with diarrhea by inhibiting the frequency of diarrhea, for example. Flatulence and discomfort are also said to be alleviated by eating cumin.

In addition, cumin is said to have other positive effects: a study with rats showed that cumin seeds can have a stress-reducing effect. The anti-inflammatory effect is also interesting

Cumin in the kitchen: healing properties in tea

In the kitchen we can also benefit from the taste and the positive effects. A popular tea is cumin, which can help with indigestion. Only a few ingredients are required for the preparation: cumin seeds, ginger – a real all-purpose weapon – honey and lemon.

Difficult to digest meals can also be enriched with cumin. Recipes with peas, lentils or beans quickly trigger digestive problems – the addition of cumin can prevent this.

Little is known about the side effects of cumin. However, those suffering from diabetes should be more careful: Since the consumption of cumin lowers blood sugar levels, the blood sugar balance can be shaken.

Drilling without dust – collect dust when drilling with the drill. When drilling holes, dust and dirt from the drilled hole tends to spread around the drilling location on furniture and floors. With our tips, you can prevent this problem and save yourself the hassle of cleaning.

1) Collect dust when drilling with a vacuum cleaner

You can prevent dust and dirt from spreading on the floor and furniture after drilling if you hold the vacuum cleaner tube of the switched-on vacuum cleaner very close to the drilling location while drilling with the drill. In this way, all the dust is already removed during the drilling process and does not cause dirt on furniture or the floor. Also, see our article on removing dust stains from walls and avoiding common vacuuming mistakes.

2) Wet rag to catch dirt

If you want or need to drill dirt-free and there is no vacuum cleaner or there is no electricity, there is a simple and free alternative: Use a damp cloth, towel, or similar. While drilling, you press the wet fabric under the drill – without touching it, of course – against the wall. The dust sticks to the wet fabric. This is an easy way to catch the dust. A helping hand can’t hurt here either.

3) Collect dust with masking tape and paper

Another alternative to drilling without spreading dust throughout the apartment is to use masking tape and folded paper, for example from a collage pad.

4) Professional helpers against drilling dust

A professional way of avoiding dust when drilling is offered by special attachments for the drill or between the drill and the wall. They are not expensive and you can easily use them to ensure a dust-free environment when using the drill.

Alpha lipoic acid is a prime example of the advances that nutritional science has made in recent years. We tell you everything about the scientifically proven weight loss effect of lipoic acid.

What exactly is lipoic acid?

Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that plays an important role in energy metabolism. The sulphur-containing fatty acid also neutralizes free radicals and thus slows down the aging process in the body. However, alpha lipoic acid has now come into focus mainly because of its effect on weight loss.

Scientists at Oregon State University in the US have shown that lipoic acid has a positive effect on weight loss. The researchers found that people who regularly consumed alpha lipoic acid clearly lost body fat and weight. According to the researchers, people who are very overweight and women in particular benefit from lipoic acid.

But why exactly is that? Normally, the body only produces a minimum of lipoic acid to meet the needs of the enzymes involved in energy metabolism. If you take additional alpha-lipoic acid, the fatty acid also has a positive influence on glucose metabolism, an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory effect.

Lipoic acid as a dietary supplement?

Although this assumption is still sufficiently proven, the US researchers assume that alpha-lipoic acid also has positive effects on diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or age-related cognitive impairments such as senility. According to Gerd Bobe from the research team, people who took lipoic acid showed significantly greater success in losing weight.

As a dietary supplement, the fatty acid is mainly available in pill form. A regular intake of alpha lipoic acid pills should also have a significant effect. The only downside to the pills is the higher price, according to Tory Hagen, a professor of biochemistry and biophysics at the University of Oregon. But this cannot be said in general, since you can get 60 pills for less than 20 euros.

Other areas of application

However, alpha lipoic acid does not only work when you lose weight. As a powerful antioxidant, it is also used to treat some forms of dementia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Lipoic acid is also used in cancer therapy, in heart and liver diseases or in metabolic disorders.

In general, a daily dosage of 100 to 300 mg of alpha lipoic acid is recommended. However, you should always speak to your family doctor first before treatment or dietary supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid and coordinate the dose exactly.

Important rules and a simple guide to the fridge will help you to avoid common fridge mistakes. As a result, storing food properly saves you time and money. You can also find out what absolutely shouldn’t be in the fridge and what fridge size is right for you.

Proper storage of food is important

If you follow a few simple tips when storing the fridge correctly, you will not only save time that would be spent searching but also money. Because the food has a longer shelf life. And in extreme cases, even harmful germs can form. The rules of physics also apply to the refrigerator. Warm air rises. That means there are different temperatures in the refrigerator and there are different cooling zones. You should consider this fact for the correct storage of food. But what does the correct storage of food in the refrigerator look like and what mistakes can I avoid?

Correct instructions for the refrigerator

Refrigerators have different cold zones, which can differ by up to 7°C. Accordingly, it is warmer in the upper compartments than in the lower compartments. It’s coldest on the back wall and on the glass shelf above the vegetable compartment. And it’s warmest in the refrigerator door. Since some foods need to be stored cooler than others, it makes sense to follow a few rules here.

Avoid common fridge mistakes

Storing food incorrectly in the fridge is a common mistake. When storing the refrigerator properly, the milk should never be in the refrigerator door, as the temperatures here are too warm. In addition to these mistakes, there are others that you should definitely avoid:

1) Do not store tropical fruits in the refrigerator

When storing the fridge correctly, remember that tropical fruits such as bananas or mangoes do not belong in the fridge. Because that would spoil the taste. Tomatoes and courgettes also react negatively to the climate in the refrigerator. Therefore, it is better to store them in a shady place in the kitchen. Eggs don’t necessarily have to be stored in a cool place either unless they are washed. You can put them in the fridge after a certain time stated on the packaging. Also, read tips on storing eggs. In addition, cucumbers should not be stored in the refrigerator because of their high water content. Likewise, potatoes are not suitable for the cold. Fresh herbs last longer in the crisper, with the exception of healthy basil.

2) Avoid hot food in the refrigerator

Mistakes often happen even with correct storage. Who does not know it? There was a lot of cooking and half of the lunch left. Quickly in a Tupperware and the warm food in the fridge. And now we have an error. Refrigerators remove the heat from the products. The warmer an object is, the more electricity is used to cool it. So let the food cool down first. Then you can save electricity.

3) Stock the fridge properly with the right packaging

Well packed, you protect your food from drying out. You also prevent odors and germs from forming. Therefore, use cling film or storage boxes to store the products properly. In addition, storage boxes create a good basic organization in the refrigerator. A “sausage box” and a “cheesebox” are recommended. Nothing is lying around openly and everything can be stacked better. You should also defrost and clean your refrigerator regularly. This way you can avoid a musty stench in the fridge.

  • Use cling film to preserve flavor and prevent germs
  • Use storage boxes to avoid chaos and save space

4) Pay attention to hygiene when storing the fridge correctly

In order to avoid germ formation and damage to health from spoiled food, you must ensure adequate hygiene. Consequently, make sure that when storing meat and products with raw eggs, juice cannot leak. These should be packed well. Food that is placed in the refrigerator for defrosting should also be placed in a bowl that catches the defrost water. This is very important with meat and poultry because hygiene is the be-all and end-all here. The refrigerator can be washed out with lukewarm water once a month. A splash of vinegar essence in the wash water prevents the formation of bacteria and mold. You can read more about this under the tips for cleaning and cleaning the kitchen.

5) Bought the wrong refrigerator

In order to avoid mistakes when buying a refrigerator, you should estimate the required refrigerator size. In general, you can assume that size of 120 liters is sufficient for a single person. Tests have also shown that an additional 60 liters are required. This means that a refrigerator for 3 people should have a capacity of around 240 liters. Of course, these are only guidelines. Here it depends on my own shopping behavior and how often I find time to shop. If you enjoy doing a large weekly shop, then the above estimates are realistic.

Fridge size guidelines

  • One person: 120 liters
  • Two people: 180 liters
  • Each additional person + 60 liters

Are you one of those people who eat at irregular times and often skip a meal? A recent study examined the impact of an irregular eating rhythm on health. The results are terrifying.

US study: Negative consequences of irregular mealtimes

A long working day forces many people to take meals irregularly and as quickly as possible or to skip them altogether. US researchers were able to find out in a study that irregular food intake has a negative effect on the heart and circulatory system. According to the scientists, a widespread disease in particular is favored.

The team led by Nour Makarem from Columbia University came to the conclusion that evening feasting in particular increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, reports. “Here we show that it’s not just about the timing of food intake – it’s also about the daily regularity and the regularity of the weekend and weekday food intake,” Makarem is quoted as saying in a statement from the American Heart Association (AHA). .

The US researchers had examined the eating habits of 116 women aged 20 to 64 years. The study participants kept an electronic food diary for one week in which they recorded what and when they ate. A year later, 99 of the subjects repeated the process. Among other things, the researchers evaluated when the first and last meal took place, what percentage of the daily calorie intake was consumed after 8 p.m., how long the meals lasted, and compared this data with the blood pressure values ​​and the body mass index (BMI ) the participant.

Elevated blood pressure due to late meals – BMI also increases

It was found that sumptuous meals in the evening had a negative impact on blood pressure: According to the portal, for every ten percent increase in calories consumed after 5 p.m., systolic blood pressure increased by almost three points and diastolic blood pressure also rose by more than two points. The long-term blood sugar level HbA1c also rose. The study participants who consumed the majority of their daily calories after 8 p.m. also had an increased risk of storing abdominal fat and their BMI was also more likely to increase in this case. Also striking: the greater the difference in time between meals taken during the week and those taken at the weekend, the more negative the impact on blood pressure and BMI – two factors that have a significant impact on heart health, according to the online portal.

The best before date (MHD) is often understood as an expiry or use-by date. However, this is a big mistake. The Hamburg consumer advice center gives useful tips on how to save food and how long it can generally be eaten.

Risk of confusion between the best-before date and the use-by date

However, food that is actually bad no longer belongs on the plate. Food infections or mold toxins are not to be trifled with. More than 200,000 people fall ill every year, mainly due to poor kitchen hygiene, insufficient heating or insufficient cooling, according to the Hamburg consumer advice center. When stored and at the right temperature, foodstuffs can often still be eaten without significant losses in taste and quality or any health risk. As a rule, the food is still edible after the specified best-before date.

The consumer advice center points out that there are two different information on the expiry date. Specifically, the best-before date (MHD) indicates the point in time up to which the manufacturer can guarantee that the food will retain its properties such as smell, taste and nutritional value. However, this always refers to unopened – i.e. completely airtight packed – and correctly stored goods.

The use-by date, in turn, indicates by what point in time a perishable food such as minced meat must be consumed in any case. Food such as raw meat can pose an immediate health risk after just a short time and is therefore marked with the use-by date.

Shelf life of food: This is how long grain and dairy products, drinks, fruit and vegetables can be kept

When it comes to the shelf life of bread, a distinction must be made between fresh bread from the baker and home-baked and packaged bread from the supermarket. The latter lasts much longer – even beyond the best-before date.

Packaged Bread:
Thanks to the enzymes used in production, they can be kept for up to eight weeks and generally still edible after the best-before date has expired
Tip: store in airtight packaging at room temperature and not in the refrigerator. The cold temperatures spoil the bread faster

Fresh bread:
Wheat bread*: can be kept for up to three days
Mixed wheat breads*: keep for three to five days
Mixed breads: keep for four to six days
Mixed rye breads*: keep for five to seven days
Rye breads: keep for six to ten days
Rye meal/wholemeal breads*: keep for eight to twelve days
Tip: it is best to store the bread in clay or stone containers and wipe them out regularly with vinegar. Place sliced ​​bread cut side down and do not refrigerate

The useful life of grain products

Grain products are generally still edible after the best-before date has passed. However, if the best-before date is a little longer, the products should be checked for appearance, mould, smell and, of course, taste before consumption.

Noodles:
Hard and dry noodles can be kept for a very long time after the best-before date has passed
Fresh pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for between three and four weeks
Egg noodles should no longer be eaten after the best-before date
Tip: Make sure it is stored dry
Rice:
Can be kept for up to two years. The following applies: Because of the lower fat content, white, polished rice has a longer shelf life than brown rice
Tip: store dry and airtight
Flour:
Wholemeal flour and meal: shelf life between three and four weeks
Very fine flour: shelf life between two and three months
Very coarse flour: can be stored for up to more than a year
Tip: always store dry, cool, dark and above all tightly closed
Muesli and cornflakes:
Can be kept for months after the best before date has passed
in the event of mold growth, the entire muesli must be disposed of
Tip: always store dry and tightly closed

The lifespan of beverages

Some drinks, such as wine, can be kept for a very long time after the BBD has expired. In general, these are all drinks, but they should be checked for appearance, smell and appearance before consumption.

Mineral water:
Unopened, the bottles can be kept almost indefinitely
Tip: store in a cool, dark place. Plastic bottles in particular should be protected from direct sunlight
Cola:
Can be kept long after the best-before date has passed
However, cola can eventually lose carbon dioxide in PET bottles
Tip: always store in the dark

Juices:
In glass bottles: up to one year after the expiry date
In boxes: up to eight months after the expiry date
In plastic bottles: can be kept for up to three months after the best-before date
Once opened, it only lasts a few days
Tip: always store in a dark and cool place
Beer:
Generally good for months after the expiry date
Pasteurized, heavily hopped beers with a high alcohol content have a longer shelf life
Tip: store in a dark and cool place, avoid strong temperature fluctuations
Wine:
Shelf life varies greatly depending on alcohol and acid levels or cork
Can be kept between one year for normal quality wines and ten years for Beerenauslese wines
Red wine generally has a longer shelf life than white wine. If the bottles are stored horizontally so that no oxygen can get to the cork, red wine will last for many years (and is said to keep getting better)
Tip: store in a cool place and protect from direct sunlight

Milk and milk products – that’s the shelf life

As long as the milk or milk products are unopened, they can still be kept past the best-before date. But once they’re open, caution is advised.

Milk:
Unopened milk packs: best for approximately three days after the best-before date
Raw milk: two to three days after the best before date
Pasteurized milk: Shelf life approximately six days after the expiry date if refrigerated and unopened. Can be kept two to three days after the expiry date if opened
UHT milk: closed, keeps for around eight weeks after the best-before date, opened for around two to three days
Tip: store in a dark and cool place

Butter:
Stored cool: stable up to three weeks after the expiry date
Tip: It is best to store the butter in a butter compartment in the refrigerator in a porcelain or plastic butter dish
Cheese:
Whole pieces of cheese: can be kept for several weeks after the best-before date
Fresh cheese that has been opened or individual slices: can be kept for up to one week after the best-before date
Shrink-wrapped cheese slices: can be kept for up to three weeks after the best-before date
Cheese with a low water content has a longer shelf life
Tip: store in a dark and cool place and separate from other foods. The packaging should not be airtight
Yoghurt and quark:
Unopened: 10 to 14 days past the best before date
Once opened: 3 to 4 days after expiry of the best before date
Tip: store in a dark and cool place
Cream:
Unopened: Can be kept for about four weeks after the expiry date
Once opened: 3 to 4 days after expiry of the best before date
Tip: store in a dark and cool place

Perishable foods: fruits and vegetables

There is no best-before date for fruit and vegetables as they are among the perishable foods.

Fruit and vegetables generally do not have a particularly long shelf life, as their high water content makes them very susceptible to mould
if mold is severe, you should always discard the entire quantity of affected food – even the pieces where the mold is not obvious are likely to be affected
Tip: keep local varieties in the fridge and tropical fruits at room temperature. Apples and tomatoes should always be stored separately from other fruits and vegetables as they release ethylene. As the Hamburg consumer center explains, the plant hormone would accelerate the ripening process of the other fruits and they spoil faster as a result.