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A Dessert Better Than Frequent Snacking

Those with a sweet tooth can’t get enough of sweets! The temptations are just too great: golden-yellow honey for breakfast, a piece of cake in the afternoon, and in between candies, chocolate and the like make you weak. But this permanent consumption of sugar is not healthy. It is better if the dessert is eaten immediately after lunch and frequent snacking is avoided.

A dessert after lunch

A candy here, a piece of chocolate there, and brightly colored rubber toys are also attractive. But frequent snacking has its pitfalls: the sugar bombs ensure that the insulin level keeps shooting up – and just as quickly falls again. This causes ravenous hunger and, with a corresponding predisposition, increases the risk of developing diabetes.

If you want to avoid a constant load of sugar, you should limit yourself to a light dessert – preferably after lunch. After the big meal, the sugar is not absorbed by the blood as quickly, as Silke Schwartau, a nutrition expert at the Hamburg Consumer Center, explains. Of course, you should also make sure that the dessert itself is not too sugary.

Sugar Consumption Guidelines

The World Health Organization (WHO) updated the guidelines for sugar consumption in March 2015. These now recommend consuming just 5 percent of your daily calories in the form of sugar – the equivalent of about six teaspoons a day.

This includes not only conventional household sugar and products made from it but also foods that naturally contain fructose, such as honey, syrup, or fruit juices.

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health

Pedaling Fast or Slow – Which is Better When Cycling?

Among cyclists, there is both the fast and the slow pedal camp. Both are of course convinced that their driving style is better. But which variant is really more economical and healthier?

In cycling, for a long time it was the duel between Jan Ullrich and Lance Armstrong: while Ullrich pedaled more “thump”, Lance Armstrong pedaled at a faster rate and sometimes eluded Ullrich with a quick start on the mountain stages of the Tour de France.

But how is it on a comfortable city bike or Dutch bike: is fast pedaling the trump card here? Because pedaling more slowly and therefore in a higher gear definitely looks more casual than kicking.

Achim Schmidt from the German Sport University in Cologne advocates a high pedaling frequency. “When cycling, it’s important to pedal continuously instead of letting yourself roll all the time,” said Schmidt in an interview with the Hamburger Morgenpost. A high cadence in an easier gear not only has a better training effect but also protects the joints.

Professional cyclists often cycle at a high cadence of up to 100 revolutions per minute, while untrained cyclists often only do 50 revolutions. However, this not only impedes the optimal blood flow in the leg but also puts more strain on tendons and joints than necessary. Even amateur cyclists should pedal at a frequency of at least 70 revolutions per minute. The cardiovascular system is also positively influenced by the high pedaling frequency.

The easiest way to measure the cadence is with a bike computer that has a crank sensor.

Adjust the bike correctly

In order to achieve a higher cadence, the saddle must not be set too high. First, having to stretch your legs too much isn’t comfortable, and second, over-stretching puts stress on your muscles and joints.

You can easily determine the correct saddle height: Sit on your bike and place your heel on the lower vertical pedal crank. The saddle is at the right height when the heel with the leg pushed through is just touching the pedal.

Cycling makes you fit and happy

Regardless of whether you want to adapt your riding style or continue to be one of the slow movers: Cycling is good for your body and your mind. Just cycling a quarter of an hour to work is enough to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Even now, when the days are getting shorter, try to cycle as much as possible: because the daylight that your body absorbs while cycling is good for the psyche and can help to escape the winter blues.

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health

Expert Advises Women: It’s Better to Sleep Naked Now – That’s Behind it

Forget pajamas and underwear – sleeping naked is far healthier, preventing disease and even mobilizing fatty tissue. An expert recommends women in particular to sleep better naked.

Expert advises: women should better sleep naked – for this reason

Since the tight-fitting underwear restricts the ventilation of the intimate area, women in particular should sleep without panties at night. In addition to hormonal changes, very frequent washing or inadequate toilet hygiene, tight underwear, which is worn primarily at night, can trigger symptoms of illness in the vaginal area.

According to the Dutch gynecologist Alyssa Dweck, women in particular, who are more likely to have infections in the genital area, are recommended not to wear underwear at night. The fresh air makes it harder for fungi to multiply and thus prevents infections.

However, if you sleep naked, you have to change the bed linen more often. Bacteria are transmitted significantly more from bare skin than from pajama fabrics and underwear. That is why it is recommended to change the bed linen once a week so that the bacteria do not multiply so quickly.

Heat can cause diseases such as fungal infections

Yeast fungi are known to multiply with heat and moisture. The female intimate area can thus provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to spread. Especially if you wear tight trousers and underwear not only during the day but also at night, the intimate area gets almost no air.

Three out of four women will have a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives. In some cases, the disease keeps coming back. 90 percent of a fungal infection of the vulva and vagina is caused by the yeast Candida albicans, in rarer cases it is other types of Candida. These symptoms of an infection in the genital area can be mild to severe:
Mild to severe itching inside and outside the vagina
Burn
Redness and swelling of the vagina and labia
The feeling of being sore
Yellowish white discharge
Small injuries in the intimate area
pain during sexual intercourse
Burning when urinating, as the urethra can also be affected

Don’t want to sleep naked? You should note that

Many people feel uncomfortable sleeping naked or freeze easily. Under these circumstances, the gynecologist recommends loose sleeping clothes such as loose nightgowns or cotton pants that are particularly airy. Nevertheless, the more naked the better. However, if you freeze at night, you should not wear thick socks, but rather grab a hot water bottle*. It cools down over time and can be kicked out of bed more easily if it gets too warm.

More tips:
Loose boxer shorts instead of briefs, it is better to wear loose boxer shorts
Loose instead of tight clothes
Don’t wear underwear underneath your pajama bottoms
Swap underwear for a thicker blanket
Avoid sleepwear made of polyester or other synthetic fabrics
Prefer cotton or silk sleepwear
Conclusion: Sleeping naked can be very pleasant, especially in warm months. If you’re cold, you can always get a second blanket. Definitely worth skipping pajamas for. Not only will this benefit your health, it may also lead to more fun in the bedroom!

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Lifestyle

Power Failure at Home: What You Can do Now – and What You Should Better Leave Alone

A power failure in the house is always annoying. A quick look into the fuse box helps to find a solution. Did the fuse just blow or is the problem somewhere else?

Power failure can have many reasons

There can be many reasons for a power failure in the house. It is best to try to find out the causes step by step after the process of elimination. In the event of a severe storm, for example, a lightning strike, e.g. in a substation, can be responsible for leaving several households without electricity. So if you look out the window and everything is dark (in the evening), you probably won’t be alone with the power failure.

What is an RCD?

You may have heard the term “RCD” before. Colloquially, it is the designation for the residual current circuit breaker, which has been mandatory since February 1, 2009. Retrofitting does not necessarily have to be carried out in old buildings if the installation complied with the safety regulations of the time. However, if you significantly change or modernize such older electrical installations in an old building, retrofitting with residual current circuit breakers becomes a must. RCDs can therefore be found in newer houses or apartments in every electrical box. The “F” stands for error and the “I” corresponds to the formula symbol for current.

The FI switch breaks the circuit in the entire house as soon as an irregularity occurs in the mains. In a fraction of a second, the FI switch then switches off the current flow in the entire area. In order to be able to detect the irregularity, the current flowing in and out of the switch is continuously measured. Without a difference, the measured value is zero. However, if either more current flowing away or more current flowing in is measured, a difference arises, the RCD is triggered and the current flow is stopped.

If you can’t just turn the RCD that jumped out back on and it jumps right back, you should work through the cause of the error step-by-step.

How to deal with a power outage

First, turn off all fuses. They protect the power lines from overloading, for example, and switch off to prevent damage. If the electrician did a good job, you should be able to find a list on the inside of the electrical box door that shows the fuse assignments. Now try turning the RCD back on. If it flies out again immediately, you have to unplug all devices in the entire house or apartment from the power supply. If you still can’t turn the GFCI back on after this, you probably have a more complicated issue. Then it is advisable to call in an electrician you trust.

However, if the RCD turns on again after you’ve turned off all the fuses, you can just turn them on again one at a time. As soon as the FI switch flies out again, you have initially found the faulty circuit. In the kitchen, for example, this could be the fuses for the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher and sockets.

The next thing you have to do is find the device that is causing the fuse to turn off. Disconnect the devices in the faulty area (e.g. in the kitchen) from the circuit by simply pulling out all the plugs. Switch the RCD on again and gradually reconnect the devices to the mains. As soon as the FI switch switches off again, you have found the source of the power failure. If in doubt, the device or the socket is defective and must either be repaired or replaced.

When does the insurance pay?

A power failure can cause major damage in the house or apartment. Food can spoil, electrical devices such as televisions, PCs or laptops can break. Who is responsible for the damage in such a case? Basically, the polluter pays principle applies. The network operator is liable for damage caused by mains overvoltages in the event of a power failure. That’s what the Federal Court of Justice decided. In order to receive compensation, you must:
prove the direct connection between power failure and damage,
inform the network operator immediately (he is liable, not your electricity provider!),
document the damage with photos and, if necessary, name witnesses.
However, if the power failure was caused by force majeure, such as a lightning strike, the network operator is not liable. Whether your household contents insurance covers damage caused by a power failure, for example caused by defective appliances or sockets, depends on the contract. In the basic protection, a power failure does not usually represent an insured risk. However, this can be included in the insurance cover for a surcharge with many insurance companies.

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Food

Cheese Rind: Which Ones Are Edible and Which Are Better Not?

Anyone who likes to eat cheese often encounters uncertainty about the rind as to whether it is edible or not. A few tips can help with orientation.

Cheese rind: edible or not?

As a rule, the question of whether a rind is edible or not can be answered quickly for you if you have bought a packaged cheese. On the packaging there is usually an indication of whether the bark is edible or not. If the bark is “not suitable for consumption”, it is often an artificial bark made of wax or paraffin or a plastic coating.

If the preservative E 235, also known as natamycin, is used, this must be noted. According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, it is harmless to consume small amounts of the substance. However, if you want to do without it, you should remove the bark. In principle, it is recommended for pregnant women, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system to always remove the artificial bark, otherwise health problems could occur. This risk should be avoided at all costs.

However, some cheese rinds also mature naturally. This is a bacterial flora that forms the fresh milk during maturation. The rind often plays an important role in developing the full flavor of the cheese and should therefore not be removed; unless the rind is too hard and therefore not edible. Types of cheese that have a rind with a characteristic taste are, for example, blue cheese, Emmental, Roquefort and Parmesan.

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Lifestyle

Better Than Hamsters: This is How You Cleverly Stock Up on Supplies For Emergencies

The phenomenon of hamsters is currently reappearing frequently. It makes more sense to cleverly stock up on supplies for emergencies instead of hoarding indiscriminately.

Everything about hamsters and possible alternatives

For example, you could process and preserve vegetables so that you have something of regional vegetables for a long time throughout the season. For preserving, you simply have to fill finely chopped beetroot, peas and carrots into boiled disposable glasses, pour water over them and add about half a teaspoon of salt. Finally, put the closed disposable jars in a preserving pot, fill it with water and, depending on the food, let it boil for about 10 to 90 minutes.

Alternatively, you could try lactic pickling. This works particularly well with cabbage vegetables, cucumbers, beans and peppers. You simply have to put the raw, finely chopped vegetables in a mason jar and fill it with boiled salted water. Close the jar tightly and leave it at around 20 degrees for 1.5 weeks. Finally, let the glasses rest for about five weeks at cooler temperatures of up to ten degrees. If you cool the pickled vegetables well, they will keep for about three months. You can even freeze ready meals, sauces or soups. It is important that the food has cooled down before you freeze it.

Helpful food storage tips

You can also use regional and seasonal fruit and berries to make jam or compote. If you want to make a compote from pears, apples, cherries and plums, you need about 2 kilograms of fruit, a squeeze of lemon juice, a stick of cinnamon, 1 vanilla bean and sugar to your liking. First you cut and clean the vegetables. Then you put it in a pot and fill it with water so that the fruit is covered. Ripe fruit usually requires little added sugar. Then let everything boil down and fill it into mason jars. When storing it is important that you choose a dark place where the temperature is below 20 degrees.

If you keep potatoes in a dark, cool, dry and frost-free place, they will keep for several weeks and are therefore worth stocking up on. The same goes for apples, root and tuber vegetables. Store apples in a cool but slightly damp place; here they usually last for several months. You can ideally store the root or tuber vegetables longer in a wooden box with slightly damp sand. To create your own supply, it can make sense to grow winter vegetables. These include Brussels sprouts, lamb’s lettuce, green cooling, beetroot and salsify. You can get suitable seeds in organic shops, for example.

In order to be able to store food longer, it is helpful to sort the contents of the refrigerator correctly. To top it off, you should store packaged cheese and already cooked or cooked food in fresh storage boxes. Dairy products such as cream, quark and yoghurt as well as opened products are best stored in the middle. If you have perishables such as sausage, fish or fresh meat in the fridge, you should store them at the bottom. The fridge door is ideal for storing butter, eggs, mustard, olives and opened drinks. In the vegetable drawer you can store lettuce, herbs, mushrooms, leeks, cabbage and root vegetables. You can also store dry supplies such as spices, sugar, salt, flour, rice and oatmeal for a very long time if you keep them dry and tightly closed.

With a well-planned and organized stockpiling, you are well prepared for emergency situations even without hamsters.

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Lifestyle

Toilet Paper Can be Harmful to Health: These Are Better Alternatives

The corresponding toilet paper is not only a major polluter, but can also contain dangerous chemicals.

270,000 trees are cut down every day to make toilet paper

Where does our toilet paper come from? If you get to the bottom of this question, the price for toilet paper that we pay in the supermarket or drugstore seems too low: According to Statista.de, 270,000 trees are cut down for the production of toilet paper every day.

This means that every two seconds an area of ​​primeval forest the size of a soccer field disappears. According to a study by the Industry Association for Personal Care and Detergents, every German uses around 64 rolls of toilet paper per year.

With our consumption, we are in the middle of the field worldwide. In the south, in Spain for example, only about half of our toilet paper requirements are consumed, while in Sweden twice as much. Americans top the list using an average of 141 rolls per capita per year.

Alternative to toilet paper: rainforest becomes toilet paper

The consumer determines the market – this is also the case here in Germany with toilet paper. Since we Germans prefer to use comfortable, white, soft, multi-layer, tear-resistant and fragrant toilet paper, the market also responds to our request. Since 1928, new toilet paper has been produced for us from freshly cut trees. For the production of toilet paper, the jungle has to give way for the cultivation of suitable trees, which are planted like plantations on the cleared jungle area.

Usually these are eucalyptus trees. The largest planting areas of eucalyptus plantations are in Brazil, Chile, Canada, Russia and Uruguay. In addition to eucalyptus, the woods of birch and spruce are suitable for processing. Cellulose fibers are required for the processing of toilet paper. To do this, these fibers must be detached from the wood of the tree in a specific process. However, around half of the tree is unusable for the production process and is burned after processing. Another problem: around 12,000 liters of water per hectare of plantation area are needed per day for eucalyptus plantations, as the Tropical Forest Foundation explains. This lowers the groundwater level drastically.

What a waste for a disposable item! Around 122,000 square kilometers of rainforest were lost last year for reasons such as the production of toilet paper. 42,100 square kilometers of it were previously untouched jungle. After long transport routes, the pulp finally reaches Germany from the production countries for further processing. There, the toilet paper is finished using a high level of energy and water consumption and is then placed on the shelves for us.

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Lifestyle

Why Linen is Better than Cotton

Cotton, like linen, is very commonly used for sewing various garments and other items. But which of these materials is better? Linen or cotton? We show the most important properties and advantages of the different fabrics.

Production costs

Linen products are significantly more expensive to produce than tree products. This is because the work process is relatively complex. In the manufacture of linen products, all processes and work steps are mechanical and are therefore quite time-consuming. On the other hand, they usually last much longer than the cotton versions. In the long run, it is therefore worth spending a little more money. In addition, buying clothes made of linen can be more sustainable and you make an effective contribution to environmental protection.

Linen or cotton? The properties in comparison!

Linen yarn is made from so-called bast fibers and is very durable. This is partly due to the large thread strength of 70 tex (cotton only has 28 tex). For this reason, linen fabrics can be used for many years and even after 20 years they do not retain their excellent properties. This is usually different from cotton products. Because these often fade from the sun and then no longer look new. In addition, linen has a lower breaking load and higher abrasion resistance.

The main advantages of linen fabric:

  • robust
  • durable
  • more breathable
  • abrasion resistant
  • doesn’t fade that quickly
  • better water absorbency and water release

Another advantage of the linen fabric is the fact that it is much better protected against heat and therefore does not absorb it as quickly as cotton, for example. Even when the temperature is high, it gives you a cooling feeling and when it’s cold outside, it keeps you warm. There are therefore many advantages that speak in favor of the former when comparing linen vs cotton. Only the slightly higher price speaks against it.

Prices for high-quality cotton and linen

It was briefly mentioned above that the production of linen fabric is significantly more complex than the production of cotton fabric. For this reason, the former is also significantly more expensive. One meter of machine-woven linen with a width of 1.50 meters costs between 13 and 35 euros. Among other things, weight is crucial.

High-quality hand-woven linen is even more expensive. Here you have to pay between 35 euros and 50 euros. But you also get a handmade and qualitatively excellent product.
Cotton is usually a bit cheaper and costs an average of 12 to 16 euros per meter. Both materials have their advantages. Nevertheless, linen fabric can convince a little more on many levels and is, therefore, the first choice for many people. Also, note other properties of fabric types and their care instructions.

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health

Natural Cures For Colds: Honey Better Than Antibiotics?

Honey is a real miracle weapon against minor physical ailments. According to scientific studies, honey is even more effective than antibiotics for colds and coughs. We will tell you the most important things about honey as a natural remedy.

Honey helps with coughs and colds

Honey has a more positive effect than antibiotics, especially in the case of a disease of the upper respiratory tract. This is the conclusion reached by the researchers at the University of Oxford in the meta-study. They found that honey intake significantly reduced both the frequency of coughing and the severity of coughing in upper respiratory tract disease. Compared to antibiotics, honey also proved to be significantly more effective. This is also because colds and coughs are not always caused by bacteria that antibiotics are used to treat. They can also be triggered by viruses.

In the analysis by the University of Oxford, the scientists compared a total of 14 studies in which 1,400 subjects took part. The results were published in the journal BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. In addition to the effect of honey and antibiotics, the effect of placebo drugs on diseases of the upper respiratory tract was also examined.

But what makes honey so effective for cold symptoms like coughs? The honey thins mucus and secretions in the upper respiratory tract, which both reduces the urge to cough and helps the mucus to be coughed up.

No honey for children under one year

So honey is a good choice if you suffer from an unpleasant cough again. However, you should avoid giving honey to a baby under a year old, according to the Professional Association of Paediatricians. Because honey can contain bacteria that the baby cannot digest properly because the intestinal flora is not yet fully developed. This is how the bacteria excrete toxins in the child’s body, which can lead to infant botulism – a life-threatening poisoning.

Honey is said to have an antibacterial effect, but what’s the truth? This property has been scientifically proven for Manuka honey. The methylglyoxal found in Manuka honey is believed to be the main one for the antibacterial function. This substance occurs more frequently in this type of honey than in other types of honey. In studies, even multi-resistant germs could be killed with Manuka honey.

In addition to methylglyoxal, scientists also see the high sugar content as the cause of the antibacterial function of honey. This is because the honey is said to be able to remove water from the bacteria in the body.

Antibiotic resistance is dangerous for all of us

The danger of antibiotics is clearly the side effects. In contrast, there are no side effects to be feared when taking honey. The Robert Koch Institute warns that antibiotic resistance can develop if antibiotics are used too frequently.

But how does such resistance come about? Antibiotics kill bacteria in the body. However, some resistant bacteria are unaffected by the drug and they continue to multiply happily. Such resistant bacteria primarily occur in hospitals, but also in agriculture, since antibiotics are often used there.

The problem is that anyone can now potentially become infected with these bacteria and they are much more difficult to treat than conventional bacteria – which is why antibiotic resistance also poses such a great risk. Immunocompromised people, the elderly and children are particularly at risk. It is essential to avoid unnecessary administration of such medication and to use remedies such as honey.

Conclusion

Honey is more effective than antibiotics for coughs and colds, researchers at the University of Oxford found in an analysis of several studies. Honey has been shown to help cough up phlegm, thereby reducing both the frequency and severity of coughing. Since there are hardly any side effects to be expected from taking honey, this remedy should be preferred to antibiotics in order to avoid antibiotic resistance. Overall, honey is a useful home remedy not only to treat the common cold, but also to prevent digestive problems, prevent a heart attack or even cancer.

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Food

Hot and Greasy: You Should Better Avoid 5 Dishes During Your Lunch Break

During the lunch break, many people grab fast food – after all, there is often not much time to eat. However, there are 5 dishes that you should better avoid.

Fast food during the lunch break: because it has to be fast

Although such a lunch “to go” is anything but relaxed, it saves time and is usually delicious. The choice of the right lunch should not be underestimated. Most people leave much more time for breakfast and rethink their eating habits more often. But at midday work is pressing and people only eat because of hunger. Lunch is the prerequisite for an energetic and successful second half of the day.

In the long run, the unhealthy lunch breaks can become a habit and have some nasty side effects. Fast and stress eaters are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. These include obesity, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. In the short term, symptoms such as bloating or heartburn can be expected.

In order to prevent the mentioned possible side effects of permanently unhealthy lunches, you should avoid the following dishes in the future:

#1Pizza

A well-known lunchtime classic. A whole pizza is usually eaten up in just 30 minutes, because the break just doesn’t allow for more time. However, our favorite Italian food should remain the exception, because it contains significantly more sodium than the average adult needs per day. Elevated sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

#2 Sandwich

Even the popular sandwich or roll is not necessarily good for our body. A lavishly filled roll with greasy sauces or cold cuts usually covers half of an adult’s nitrite and nitrate requirement. It is better to choose a vegetarian alternative or a simple sandwich – without sauces.

#3 Burgers

The burger is also a popular lunchtime dish. Most of the time, fries and a soft drink are ordered as well. In combination, the calorie value of the meal naturally jumps up quite a bit. However, with this high-fat, calorie- and sodium-rich food, overweight, diabetes and high blood pressure must be expected if consumed more frequently.

#4 Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is loaded with fat and sodium. In general, fried meals are often viewed very critically. In very large quantities, they often lead to cardiovascular problems and can even have fatal consequences.

#5 Hot Dogs

The well-known sausage with a roll, roasted onions and sauce almost completely fills the daily requirement of saturated fatty acids for an adult. In addition, there is a sodium intake that should not be underestimated, because a high sodium content can lead to high blood pressure. This also increases the risk of suffering a stroke or developing heart failure. In addition, excessive intake of fatty acids leads to higher cholesterol levels. This increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke even more.

Better: Tips for a healthy lunch

To avoid all side effects and dishes, but still enjoy a healthy and relaxed lunch break, here are a few tips:
60-30-10 principle: 60 percent of the break time is meal time, 30 percent exercise time and 10 percent relaxation time.
Eat in peace and take your time.
Choose lots of fruits and vegetables for your dish.
Avoid toppings on white bread, prefer whole grain rolls.
Consume animal products in moderation.
If possible, avoid fast food altogether.
Do you drink much

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