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Make Your Own Banana Bread

This banana bread is the perfect combination of super moist, cinnamon-sweet, and crunchy crumble topping. Due to the sweetness of the bananas, sugar can optionally be omitted. We’ll show you how easy it is to make this banana bread yourself.

Banana bread with sprinkles

Once again the banana has become too ripe, but you shouldn’t throw away the good one! Because you can conjure up a wonderful and juicy banana bread from ripe bananas. And we’ll add one more thing: crispy crumbles with cinnamon.

This banana bread has everything a treat needs. Due to the natural sweetness of the bananas, you can also completely do without sugar in the dough, optionally of course without the crumbles if you want it even healthier. But sometimes it can also be a little treat!

Coarsely chopped nuts can give banana bread an extra crunch. This is how you combine many healthy ingredients: bananas, nuts, buttermilk, and cinnamon. The fruity delicacy tastes just as good warm from the oven as it does when chilled – the 15 pieces are gone faster than you can say “cinnamon banana bread with crumbles”.

The recipe for the banana bread

For the banana bread

  • 1 egg
  • 80 g sugar (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla sugar
  • 115g butter
  • 250 buttermilk
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 260 g wholemeal spelled flour
  • ½ g salt
  • 2 teaspoons of baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • coarsely chopped nuts (optional)

For the sprinkles

  • 40 g powdered sugar
  • 60 g wholemeal spelled flour
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Besides that
  • Butter for greasing the mold

Preparation steps

  1. In a large bowl, combine the egg, sugar (optional), and vanilla sugar using a hand mixer. Add the butter and mix until a fluffy mass is formed.
  2. Add buttermilk and bananas.
  3. In a second bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
  4. Gradually pour the flour mixture into the liquid mixture.
  5. Optionally, mix a few chopped nuts (e.g. Brazil nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts) into the batter.
  6. Grease a mold and dust with some flour. Pour in the batter and preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
  7. For the crumbles, melt the butter and mix with the powdered sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix with your hands and pour over the dough in the mold as a fairly coarse crumble.
  8. Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes.
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New Beauty Trend 2022: How Acid Should Care For Your Hair

Long and healthy hair is still the ideal of beauty for many women and men. But conventional shampoos often do not bring the desired success, which is why alternatives are worth a look.

Hair shampoos in the test – that says Stiftung Warentest

Stiftung Warentest regularly examines several shampoos and compares them in terms of effectiveness, the cost factor and the environmental aspect. In 2020, 18 shampoos and hair soaps were tested, including seven natural cosmetics. A total of 14 performed well, three were satisfactory and one was just sufficient. Big price differences were still noticeable, the products cost between 1 and 38 cents per hair wash. A shampoo, on the other hand, turned out to be a sham.

A new trend is currently noticeable, so-called “hair soaps*” made from oils or fats “saponified” from lye are becoming increasingly popular. In principle, such solid shampoos work no differently than liquid shampoos, they have only been deprived of water and then formed. Most liquid shampoos performed well across the board, while hair soaps performed slightly worse. The problem, however, is that these can form whitish residues when washing. The result is swelling hair that is difficult to comb. A rinse made of vinegar and water, also known as an “acidic rinse”, helps against this so-called “lime soap”. This form of hair washing has been propagated, among other things, since 2014 as the so-called “No poo” movement, which originated in the USA and today has numerous followers and groups worldwide. There are several forms of exercise, one of the most popular being washing your hair with vinegar.

But how healthy is acetic acid for hair and scalp? Does it even damage the hair in the long run and what can you do about the acidic smell?

Beautiful hair: the “no poo” movement

“No poo” simply means to wash your hair without shampoo. Shampoos are said to damage the hair, and the substances and chemicals they contain can potentially make you sick. There is also concern that conventional shampoos remove the scalp’s natural oils, thereby drying out the hair and scalp.

The movement emerged in 2014 and today there are various forms of it. One group rejects any means for the hair and only cleans it with water. Another group uses baking soda in place of shampoo and apple cider vinegar as a supplemental conditioner. The third group consists of self-mixed remedies, for example made from rye flour, eggs, clay or beer.

Since the current beauty trend in terms of hair care products is propagating apple cider vinegar, this technique is briefly presented below. Because the scalp is naturally slightly acidic (hair pH is around 5.5, well in the mid-range), acidifying hair is all about lowering the pH of the scalp and hair. This care treatment is intended to give the hair strands more shine and smoothness and to prevent the hair from charging by closing the cuticle layer and smoothing the hair structure. Numerous external influences can also negatively affect the natural pH value of the scalp and hair, which is why it is advisable to avoid using products with a basic pH value such as children’s shampoos, industrial hair masks and conditioners, cleaning shampoos and hair coloring products and to use natural products instead . What is meant here is above all the “sour rinse” (rinse = English for conditioner), which is used like a conventional hair conditioner

Preparation of the “sour rinse”

The preparation of the conditioner is simple and uncomplicated. The first treatment can also start with a tablespoon of vinegar. For this purpose, the hair is washed with normal shampoo beforehand, whereby a hair care product made from organic and natural ingredients should promise more success, since the chemicals contained in normal shampoos are said to damage the structure. After washing the hair, the acidic rinse is poured over the hair, which does not have to be rinsed out again. Once the hair dries, the vinegar smell will dissipate. If the smell is too strong, a few drops of essential oils can help. In addition to apple cider vinegar, other types of vinegar such as balsamic vinegar, herbal vinegar and lemon juice or citric acid can also be used. Be careful with citric acid, half a teaspoon is enough.

Another non-chemical, vinegar-based hair treatment is a combination of baking soda and vinegar. The shampoo is made from the apple cider vinegar and water, and the neutralizing solution is made from the baking soda and water. Instead of the shampoo, the hair is washed with a baking soda solution to neutralize the scalp and to loosen the oil from the scalp. The sodium hydroxide solution makes the skin alkaline, which then has to be balanced out with the acetic acid.

Even if this procedure is simple and good for the hair, the smell is a disadvantage. In terms of combability, the vinegar treatment is not necessarily recommended for all hair types and is particularly suitable for straight hair. In the case of hair with natural frizz and curls, however, combing it out afterwards is very painful. Another glaring problem with using baking soda is that baking soda can actively damage the scalp and hair. Also, the natural pH level could be compromised by the highly alkaline baking soda, which can lead to scalp and hair damage over time.

problem

So one of the most popular “No Poo” methods is acidifying your hair with a vinegar solution. As mentioned, there are pros and cons here. Anyone who likes to use natural care products and can handle them well should rely on a conditioner with vinegar. However, there is not enough evidence of how beneficial this procedure is for the entire hair structure in the long term. The effectiveness of other forms of care such as egg or beer rinses against problems such as dandruff, itching and dryness has not yet been successfully confirmed.

Although there was a time in Europe when body odors were highly regarded and even encouraged by a lack of personal hygiene, most people are now used to noticing pleasant smells in their counterparts. The natural body odor is less socially acceptable today and is suppressed or covered up with all conceivable methods. Without sufficient care, the hair also begins to smell unpleasantly after a few weeks, since the scalp sebum smells like rancid butter after a while. Some people are very prone to greasy dandruff and irritated scalps, which are made worse by winter and stress. If such a predisposition is present, it is even necessary to use a medicinal shampoo with an antifungal substance. This can prevent certain organic germs from growing. If you fail to do this or if you don’t wash your hair at all instead, it can develop into a massively itchy scalp surface covered with a shell-like crust of scales, from which more and more hair gradually falls out.

Some popular “no poo” methods have been shown to actually damage and irritate the hair and scalp. The oil residue on the scalp can change and oxidize, causing the oil to break down into foul-smelling by-products and causing an itchy and flaky scalp. In fact, pH is not the only reason for hair health, while some problems such as skin irritations, dandruff or allergies can be treated with a pH-adjusted shampoo, it is not the solution to all hair problems. Dermatologists continue to give the all-clear when it comes to naming the body’s own fat production on the scalp as a reason for not shampooing, because the body produces the same amount of scalp fat relatively constantly, regardless of how often and intensively the hair is treated with a conventional shampoo to wash.

Conclusion

Dermatologists are concerned that nowadays hair is washed too often and products with inappropriate ingredients are often used. In particular, allergy sufferers and people with a sensitive scalp should avoid certain ingredients (such as dyes and preservatives, cocamidopropyl betaine, parabens or silicones). Although silicones make the hair shiny and supple, there is a risk of clogging the open scalp pores and follicle openings, so that a reasonable exchange of substances through the scalp can no longer take place.

Hair specialists recommend using a mild shampoo* to wash your head every 2-3 days. In addition, the water should not be too hot, lukewarm is fine. A moderate heat should also be used when blow-drying. The use of organic products can be added as a supplement, for example in the form of a night cap with olive oil to strengthen dry or flaky scalps.

The best remedy for clean hair and a well-groomed scalp is still a good shampoo and conditioner. Modern shampoos are designed to remove scalp oils and dirt without attacking the natural layer of moisture. That is why it is even important for the scalp and hair to get rid of excess oil regularly.

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Study Shows This is What Happens to Your Body When You Smoke Cannabis

Smoking cannabis has different effects on the body. Researchers have now investigated whether there is also a risk of thrombosis.

Cannabis: what happens in the body?

As the University of Saarbrücken announced, the scientists compared the blood cells of three marijuana smokers with those of three non-smokers. All test subjects are in their mid-30s. Prof. Kaestner and his team observed that the red blood cells swelled immediately after contact with the cannabis active ingredient dronabinol – more so in people who regularly smoked marijuana than in non-users.

Dronabinol – also known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – stimulates a specific ion channel on red blood cells during smoking. The channel called TRPV2 regulates the uptake and release of certain messenger substances into and out of the cell. Cannabis consumption increases the concentration of sodium ions in the blood cells, which means that more water is absorbed. This causes the cell to swell.

However, the situation does not last long. Within an hour, the cells returned to their original shape. According to Prof. Kaestner, however, the risk of thrombosis for cannabis smokers increases slightly during this time. Because the blood cells are larger and rounder, they tend to get stuck in small capillaries. In addition, when smoking cannabis, the vessels constrict, which also increases the risk of micro-thrombosis.

Scientists: health risk is unclear

According to the German Society for Angiology (DGA), in the event of a thrombosis, vessels such as veins are blocked by a blood clot. Leg and pelvic veins in particular can be affected. If a clot forms in these areas, there is a risk of the clot being carried through the bloodstream to the lungs. A pulmonary embolism is imminent. Various factors can lead to thrombosis. One danger is, for example, prolonged lying down, for example during a hospital stay. In this case, thrombosis stockings prevent vascular occlusion. However, the tendency to thrombosis can also be inherited.

The disease can be fatal. According to figures from the DGA, around 100,000 people die every year in Germany as a result of a pulmonary embolism. This is the third most common fatal cardiovascular disease after heart attack and stroke. If thrombosis is suspected, action must be taken quickly. As a first step, the patient is injected with an anticoagulant substance. This prevents the clot from growing and leading to a pulmonary embolism.

Prof. Kaestner cannot say that the observations of the Saarbrücken researchers actually pose an immediate health risk. This question was not part of the study.

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Itching After Showering: You Can do This if Your Skin is Irritated

After a nice warm shower, they suddenly appear – red spots on the skin. Many people then complain about itching. The causes of this are usually harmless and can be remedied with simple tricks.

Red spots and itching: High temperature and alkaline shampoos as triggers

The skin can react sensitively, especially after a long, hot shower. To counteract this, lower temperatures can be tested. “Some have such a threshold temperature,” explains dermatologist Philipp Babilas. This temperature should then not be exceeded or fallen below – in this way the red spots can be avoided in many cases.

Another possible common cause is the shower gel, to which the skin is overly sensitive. This can manifest itself in two ways: In addition to red spots, many people often complain of itching after a long shower.

Shower gels often have a high pH value to which the skin reacts sensitively. Switching to pH-neutral soap can help and prevent itching. The shower process itself should also not be too long and too hot, otherwise the natural protective film will come loose. It’s also healthier for the skin after a shower to be gently and gently blotted. “Strong rubbing is unhealthy for the skin in the long run”

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Sharpen Knives: This is How You Bring Your Blunt Knives Back Into Shape

Cooking is simply more fun with a sharp knife. But how do you properly sharpen your knives? We’ll tell you.

Why do knives become dull?

Blunt knives should always be sharpened. But how does it even come about? The wrong cutting technique, a surface that is too hard or cleaning in the dishwasher are absolute no-go’s when dealing with knives. Do you already feel caught? We show you five mistakes that you should avoid in the future. Because, as is so often the case, prevention is the be-all and end-all.

If your cutting boards are made of marble, glass or stainless steel, i.e. very hard materials, these increase material wear. The harder the surface, the quicker your knife will become blunt. Wooden or plastic boards are better suited.
The wrong material to be cut, i.e. very hard food such as frozen products and bones, will damage your knife. It is best to use a kitchen cleaver for such purposes.
The wrong cutting technique also leads to accelerated blunting. High-quality kitchen knives should not be used for chopping. Instead, try to use loose and smooth cutting movements.
Stay away from the dishwasher! Improper cleaning can also damage your knife. Knives don’t handle the heat and harsh chemicals well at all. Instead, you should wash your cutting tool by hand with a mild detergent immediately after use. But you shouldn’t wait too long with it, because if the knife is left in the wet for too long, there is a risk of rusting.
Incorrect storage can also shorten the life of kitchen knives. They are best stored separately or in a knife block.

Sharpen knives at home – can I do that?

Sharpening takes practice because doing it wrong can ruin knives. Not all types of sharpening are equally suitable for beginners. If you have little or no experience, you should use a grinding machine, as it is relatively easy to use. Grinding on a whetstone delivers a particularly precise result, but this requires practice. As is well known, no master has fallen from the sky and that also applies to knife sharpening. You can definitely learn it if you are not completely untalented with your hands and you will be able to see learning progress after a short time. However, if you have two left hands or simply don’t have the time to sharpen your knives yourself, you can alternatively have this task done by professionals. Sharpening services are becoming increasingly rare these days, but if you have found a grinder, you can also have scissors, tools and garden equipment repaired there.

Sharpen knives – whetstone or sharpening steel?

Grinding with the sharpening steel

Sharpening steels are more suitable for maintaining sharpness than for actual sharpening. With them you can get your knife ready for use again quickly, but they cannot replace a basic sharpening of the blade. A basic distinction is made between two types of sharpening steels – the exciting and the straightening. Exciting sharpening steels made of ceramic or diamond remove some material from the cutting edge and thus ensure roughness. However, these sharpening steels bring only short-term success. If you want to keep your blade sharp for a long time, you should use a sharpening steel made of metal. No matter which sharpening steel you have chosen, you should make sure that it is harder than the knife to be sharpened.
When sharpening with the sharpening steel, make sure to maintain the correct cutting angle, i.e. the angle between the blade and the steel, of 15-20 degrees. The speed at which you carry out the sharpening movements is entirely up to you, just make sure that you guide the entire cutting edge along the sharpening steel. If you have aligned the angle correctly, you can now start the sharpening process. To do this, pull the knife down along the steel and repeat this on the back to sharpen the blade from both sides. You can repeat this process five to ten times, depending on the sharpness you want.

Sharpen with the whetstone

If your knives don’t cut ideally despite using a sharpening steel, you have to find another solution. The most well-known way to sharpen a knife is also the best way – for a great result with a whetstone you can get your knives particularly sharp again. This is also very flexible, because there are different stones for each grinding phase, from coarse to very fine. A sharpening stone* not only ensures a long service life for your knives, you can even use it to sharpen the knives thinly.

However, a sharpening stone also has disadvantages. On the one hand, a perfect result takes time and, on the other hand, sharpening with a whetstone requires a high degree of skill. If you change the angle even slightly during the process, it can destroy the result. For passionate grinders, however, there is no way around the grindstone. For beginners, it is advisable to use a knife sharpener guide*, which helps to keep the angle. Some sharpening stone sets* already have the guide included.

Sharpening stones differ in their grit: the higher the grit, the finer and sharper the result. With a little practice and a fine grit, you can achieve razor-sharp results. For knives that have been sharpened a lot, the so-called “thinning out” of the knife is also recommended. This will adjust the sides, which are becoming thicker and thicker as a result of the sharpening, and you will immediately enjoy your knife more. When choosing the grit of your sharpening stone, you should be guided by the degree of wear and tear of your knife. To sharpen very worn and blunt cutting tools, choose a coarse grit of 200 to 400. For normally worn knives, a grit of 800 to 1000 is recommended. If you want to fine-tune your blades or polish them, a grit of 3000 or advised from 6000.

When it comes to whetstones, a distinction is also made between water stones and oil stones, with the respective liquids forming a film on the surface. This not only reduces friction, it also prevents particles from getting stuck in it. To soak the water stones, place them in a water bath for about 15 minutes. You can tell whether they are ready for use when no more air bubbles rise. The stone must also be kept moist during sharpening, because only then can the necessary grinding sludge form, which sharpens the blades gently and at the same time very intensively.

More ways to sharpen your knives

Sharpening rods for quick sharpening

Sharpening rods are suitable for anyone who wants to keep their knife sharp. With a quick grip on the sharpening rod* you can keep your knives sharp and save yourself the hassle of sharpening with a whetstone etc. However, the sharpening rods are not suitable for sharpening knives that are already blunt or thinning knives. That’s why you should pay attention to regular grinding.

Pull-through grinder for everyday knives

Pull-through grinders* are probably the easiest way to sharpen your knives. They are very easy to use: just insert the knife, pull it out and you’re done. Repeat this process a few times depending on how hot you are. However, these sharpeners are only suitable for everyday knives. You won’t get your knives very sharp with it, since the cutting edge will always be a little frayed. The sharpness does not last long either, so regular sharpening is also recommended here. For the everyday kitchen knife, however, this is completely sufficient.

electric grinders

Electric grinders* are for those in a hurry. They are visually reminiscent of the pull-through sanders and are just as easy to use. The result of the electric grinder is definitely impressive and is even significantly better than that of the hand-operated colleagues. But: Electric grinders remove more material than e.g. whetstones, which can shorten the life of your knives.

Which method is suitable for which knife?

The sharpening stone, in particular the Japanese water stone, is the ideal tool for sharpening Japanese knives. If the grinding is carried out regularly and you value extreme sharpness, we recommend a grit of 1000. We speak of polishing stones from a grit of 2000 and up and can use this to sharpen the knives. The sharpness can be increased in this way, but the result is shorter than that of a basic grind.
European knives are comparatively more robust than Japanese ones. A sharpening steel is sufficient to sharpen these rather insensitive knives. This straightens the blade again and again and thus ensures a smooth and sharp cutting edge, but after a while a basic sharpening is also necessary for European knives.

Can you sharpen a knife with plates?

Not everyone has sharpening stones, machines or sharpening steels at home. With plates and cups it is of course quite different. In order to give you a material and wallet-friendly method of sharpening knives, we asked ourselves: What is the truth of the myth of using plates to get knives sharper? In fact, it works! To do this, pull the blades off the rough underside of your ceramic dishes several times. Of course, this DIY cannot replace the professional methods with whetstones and the like, but it does bring a small amount of success.

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Learning Languages Made Easy: 5 Tips on How to Quickly Improve Your Language Skills

Whether for school, work or just because: learning languages ​​is important for many people. But it’s not that simple – or maybe it is? Here are five tips on how you can easily improve your language skills.

#1 Podcasts, Series, YouTube and Co.

One of the easiest and most popular methods, especially among the younger generation, is to watch series or films in the original language. In particular, because puns and inside jokes are not lost. It has the positive side effect that you learn new words and phrases in a playful way without realizing it. If the original language is not the target language, you can of course switch films and series to the desired language. This is very easy to do with streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney+.

But even if you don’t want to spend money on the television services, you can easily immerse yourself in the language with the help of YouTube videos or podcasts. There are YouTubers from almost every country in the world who film and upload videos in their native language. Whether vlogs, cooking videos or specific language learning videos. The “genre” doesn’t matter in learning as long as you’re actively listening. This can lead to great difficulties in understanding, especially in the beginning. This can be remedied by subtitles, which can be generated automatically for many videos.

Podcasts also offer audios on a wide variety of topics in different languages. For example, you can easily improve your language skills on the way to work or when going shopping. Special podcasts that specialize in language learning can be particularly interesting here. The Coffee Break Podcasts, for example, upload short audio files on various topics that you can use to learn the language bit by bit. There are also a growing number of news podcasts designed to speak extra slowly and clearly to make it easier to understand.

#2 Read, read, read

If television and podcasts are not for you, you can easily read in your desired target language. Nowadays, the internet makes it very easy to find books, newspapers, etc. in all languages. If you don’t mind reading on your phone, tablet or computer, there are some apps that also offer many books in different languages. Amazon’s Kindle, iBooks or eLibrary from your local library offer a variety of e-books that you can even read on the go. A particular advantage of reading online is that you can quickly and easily look up words that you do not yet know in your target language in the dictionary on your mobile device.

Of course, conventional books have the same effect as e-books and can also help to better memorize vocabulary and proverbs due to their special reading experience.

Above all, reading promotes your vocabulary, but grammar is also learned particularly well here. Because by repeatedly reading a wide variety of phrases, tenses and sentence constructions, they can be internalized particularly well.

#3 Exchange and language trip

Exchanges and language trips are also very popular when learning a new language. Some students have the opportunity to take part in a year abroad or an exchange while they are still at school. After graduating from school, it makes sense to do a gap year while going abroad or to do a semester abroad during your studies. But not only young people should take advantage of these opportunities. There are numerous agencies that offer language trips for people of all ages.

Living with a host family during this time helps immensely to develop language skills. You also learn a lot about the culture and lifestyle of the residents in the host country, which can also have a positive effect on learning behavior.

#4 language tandem

If an exchange or a language trip is too expensive or doesn’t work for other reasons, you don’t have to do without direct personal exchange with people from the target country. Language tandems are a cost-effective and interactive alternative. Such tandems are often offered by schools, adult education centers or universities. But you can also quickly find people with whom you can work together on social networks such as Facebook or Instagram.

In such a cooperation, two people who want to learn each other’s mother tongue come together and exchange ideas. It is usually arranged in such a way that people meet about once a week for an hour and then speak the respective language for half an hour. However, everyone could also speak the respective target language and correct the partner if a mistake is made. There are no limits to the execution of the exchange, it is best for you to find out for yourself how you can get the greatest benefit from it.

#5 Language Learning Apps

As with almost everything, there are numerous apps for language learning that can help you. In addition to the book apps mentioned above, there are also special language learning apps that teach you the language in a playful way. Duolingo and Babbel, which offer their services for countless languages, are particularly well-known and popular here.

With step-by-step learning and goal setting, the apps provide a good learning atmosphere with reminders and rewards. All areas that are important for languages ​​are also learned here: listening, reading and speaking are specifically tested in the individual exercises so that you get fit in all areas.

Learning languages: It’s all in the mix!

Speaking, reading and listening are essential in language learning, so a mix of all is best to learn your target language the fastest. However, one should not overdo it either. At the end of the day, having fun is the most important thing, because without having fun, the whole thing is only half as effective!

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Bugs in The House: This is What The Ball Beetle Can do in Your Home

The ball beetle is a household pest that should not be underestimated. But what does it look like and what damage can vermin actually do in your home? What you should know about the bug and how to get rid of it.

Why are they so dangerous?

In themselves, the beetles are not directly dangerous or poisonous for us humans, but they indirectly damage our health. Since bullet beetles are omnivores, they stop at almost nothing: they eat wool, fabrics, fillings, grain, but also dead insects, animal and plant remains.

Once they have established themselves, they can spread quickly and besiege entire houses. The females produce clutches of up to 200 eggs, which is one reason for the rapid reproduction.

The beetles can infest half-timbered houses or apartments in old buildings, as these represent the ideal conditions for them.

As a result, they gradually eat their way through the building fabric and over time make living in it difficult or even unreasonable. Since the animals are very hardy and undemanding, it is incredibly difficult to drive them away at an early stage.

It becomes particularly problematic when the ball beetle also infests foods such as flour, spices or oatmeal. They contaminate food with their droppings, pupae and larvae skins

You can do that against the bugs

If you have a ball beetle infestation, you should definitely take the following measures:
Check your supplies regularly: the beetles will eat and burrow through packaging. Make sure the food is well sealed and see if you can spot any holes or debris from the faeces or larvae. Dispose of this packaging immediately.
Use masking tape: This is a great way to check if you actually have bullet bugs in your house. For example, put double-sided tape on the floor so the bugs stick to the tape.
Oatmeal and Newspaper: Set up small traps out of oatmeal and wet newspaper. The animals love the moisture and will congregate there. Therefore, use adhesive tape here as well, which you stick around your trap.
Prevent: Clean regularly, ventilate well and avoid moisture in the house. Also, make sure you regularly check your supplies and wardrobe. Always clean thoroughly and keep everything closed and dry.

However, if the bullet beetles have nested in you for several months or longer, you should definitely contact an exterminator for professional help. This is the only way you can safely rid your house or storage room of the bugs.

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This is What Happens to Your Body When You Start Exercising

One in four adults does not exercise enough. More than five million deaths could be avoided if the world’s population would exercise more. It doesn’t matter whether it’s jogging, weight training or cycling: Regular exercise not only promotes physical and mental health, but also prevents numerous diseases.

Sport: Positive effects on the body

When you exercise, your blood pressure and insulin levels drop for a few hours after exercise. After a few months, your heart gets used to the new strain during sport and thus lowers blood pressure and heart rate in the long term, even outside of training. This relieves the heart and reduces the risk of many diseases. For example, many people suffer from high blood pressure without even knowing it. This is where exercise and the right diet can help.

Strength training also strengthens the muscles and bones in particular, which in turn prevents fractures, tension or muscle tears. There is also a big plus in the positive effect on our immune system. Furthermore, sport reduces the risk of diabetes and cancer and has a positive effect on the brain, which stabilizes thinking skills.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical activity also promotes metabolic health, musculoskeletal health and the prevention of depression. Sport has an impact not only on physical but also on mental health. Physical activity improves mental well-being, increases quality of life as well as mobility and independence, especially in older people, reduces stress reactions, fears, depression and other forms of dementia.

WHO: This is what happens when you don’t exercise

According to the WHO, physical inactivity has negative consequences. Any movement is better than not moving at all. At six percent, lack of exercise is the fourth largest risk factor for premature mortality, after high blood pressure at thirteen percent, smoking at nine percent and high blood sugar also at six percent. Overweight (obesity) is another major risk factor, accounting for five percent of deaths.

For Europe, the WHO estimates the consequences of lack of exercise at one million deaths every year, which corresponds to ten percent of all deaths. There are also drastic economic costs associated with the negative effects of physical and mental inactivity.

WHO recommendations for physical activity

The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week for the adult population aged eighteen and over. That’s two and a half hours a week and should definitely be possible. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a workout in the gym, a round of jogging in the forest or a relaxed yoga session with friends, all movement promotes health. Even a long brisk walk improves endurance and keeps you fit.

In addition, muscle-strengthening activities should be incorporated that are not limited to just one area of ​​the body. A mixture of endurance and muscle training is recommended here, in units with a minimum duration of ten minutes each. At best, you spread your sports units over at least twice a week.

From the age of 65, the organization increasingly recommends physical activity that focuses on balance, coordination and muscle strengthening at least three times a week. Children should move for at least an hour a day. Children and teenagers should work up a sweat three days a week to strengthen muscles and bones. Being physically active is crucial to your health and well-being.

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Life-Threatening Belly Fat: These Are The Dangers For Your Health

A small beer belly doesn’t matter – or does it? Doctors warn of the severe effects of obesity on our health. Belly fat in particular can be dangerous because it increases the risk of life-threatening diseases.

Danger to life from abdominal fat: Increased risk of heart attack

The messenger substances set inflammatory processes in motion. “Toxic accumulations in the liver and, in the worst case, liver failure can occur,” says Matthias Blueher, an endocrinologist at Leipzig University Hospital. When abdominal fat is accompanied by high blood pressure, altered lipid metabolism values ​​and elevated blood sugar, doctors speak of metabolic syndrome.

Even three of the four factors increase the risk of a life-threatening heart attack or stroke. The metabolic syndrome is therefore also referred to as the “deadly quartet”. In addition, too much abdominal fat promotes the development of diabetes. And the risk of a tumor is also higher.

Doctors differentiate between internal and external abdominal fat

However, belly fat is not just belly fat. Doctors differentiate between internal and external abdominal fat. The outside is easy to grip with the fingers. It is subcutaneous fatty tissue – the famous rolls of fat. “The inner abdominal fat is actually dangerous because it is not noticeable at first,” says Blüher.

Everyone can measure for themselves whether the proportion of abdominal fat is too high or not. A tape measure is placed at the waist between the ribs and pelvic bones. If the waist circumference is less than 94 centimeters for a man and less than 80 centimeters for a woman, everything is fine. “It becomes critical when the waist circumference of a man is over 102 and a woman over 88 centimeters,” explains Riedl. Then it is essential to reduce your own weight.

Avoid alcohol and heavy meals

Men aged up to 50 are particularly prone to internal abdominal fat. This is probably due to the sex hormone testosterone. “There is also increasing evidence that the development of internal abdominal fat is hereditary,” says Blüher. In addition to genetic factors, a diet that is too high in sugar and fat and too much alcohol such as beer also play a role.

If you want to lose weight and thus reduce your belly fat, you should therefore not drink alcohol for a while and avoid lavish meals. A healthy and balanced diet with lots of vital substances and minerals is beneficial. Because sugar and white flour cause blood sugar to rise, health-conscious people prefer to eat less.

Squats and bench presses for less belly fat

But nutrition is not everything. Movement is just as important. “Physical activity is a guarantee that the belly fat will be reduced,” says Prof. Ingo Froboese from the German Sport University in Cologne. The most important basic exercises of strength training include squats as a strength exercise for the legs or the so-called bench press for the entire upper body.

Ideally, those who want to lose weight are instructed by a trainer during the exercises. Sports such as walking, running, cycling or swimming can be used to improve endurance. The training should take place at least three times a week – around 45 minutes each time. The longer you train, the better for your body.

Vibration training – i.e. training on a vibrating plate – can also contribute to weight loss. The body muscles are vigorously shaken up, which can contribute to fat burning. But staying passive on the record doesn’t help much. “Instead, the body has to be moved on the device,” explains Froboese. This is sweaty and should definitely be done under the guidance of a fitness expert, at least the first time.

Choose a sport that suits you

Physician Riedl considers it important that the sport in question suits you. Anyone who has to bring themselves to go swimming should consider whether walking might not be a better choice. But it also has to be clear: “In order to lose 530 kilocalories from a bar of chocolate, you have to jog for 57 minutes or cycle for 76 minutes.” The best training is of little use if the diet is not adjusted as well. Froboese summarizes: “Eating and trimming, both have to be right.”

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Lifestyle

Jogging in Winter: Tips and Tricks – This is How Your Training Will Be a Success

Wrap up warm and run? For many, running in the winter season can be the perfect balance to a cozy evening on the couch. In order to prepare the body for the icy temperatures and to be able to take advantage of winter sports, however, a few aspects should be considered.

Jogging in winter: Is it actually healthy to go running in cold temperatures?

In principle, outdoor sports are possible, dressed warmly – as long as it is not snowing excessively or is dangerously slippery. The dangers of the icy cold, pollutants in the air and your own physical limits should not be neglected.

However, regular jogging in the fresh air that is not too cold also has advantages. Sport in winter keeps you fit and healthy: According to the expert, hardening through exercise in the open air should be good for your fitness. In addition, the immune system can be strengthened through sport in cold temperatures and well-being can be increased.

You should keep this in mind when jogging in winter

Regular running can also be the ideal balance to the stressful everyday life in winter. Exercise in the fresh air is good and if you then choose a route that is not totally overcrowded, then you can also relax wonderfully while working out. We have tips for you on what is most important when exercising outside.

You should consider the following aspects if you want to be optimally prepared for running in winter:
Warm up well. In cold temperatures, your muscles take longer to work well. So warm up extensively.
Even in winter, drink enough water. In the cold, we usually feel less thirsty and the body does not have to be cooled down as much when moving. Despite this, moisture evaporates – this should not be neglected.
Wear the right running clothes. The layers of clothing and wearing functional materials are the be-all and end-all of winter sports. Layered clothing keeps you adequately warm and insulated, while functional clothing ensures optimal moisture management. Since a lot of body temperature is lost through your head, you should also wear a hat or headband.
Wear the right running shoes. It is best to get models that are suitable for smooth surfaces when jogging in mud and snow. Running shoes should also keep your feet warm.
Adjust step technique: In winter, the ground can be a bit slippery. That’s why it helps to take smaller, flatter, and more sensitive steps. This reduces the risk of slipping.
Start slow and stop slow. A light jog at the beginning and end of the jogging session helps to warm up and cool down the body. Incidentally, this not only helps the circulatory system in winter.

Then you should avoid running in the cold outdoors

If the outside temperature is too cold, outdoor sports should be avoided. According to expert Andreas Matzarakis, the temperature at which you should stop jogging depends on your fitness and health. For older and untrained people, he recommends avoiding sports at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. And the following also applies to physically very fit people: You should stop jogging when the outside temperature is below minus 20 degrees Celsius.

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