Eucalyptus essential oil is a natural alternative to DEET. Most store-bought insect repellents contain this chemical, but it can cause allergic reactions. DEET even damages plastic! Why put it on your skin? When diluted with a carrier, eucalyptus essential oil can be used on the body. You can even make a spray with witch hazel or water. If you like aromatherapy, add eucalyptus oil to a diffuser or burner. The aroma will mask your odor and ward off mosquitoes.
An ill-fitting bra can cause a lot of problems. It'll be uncomfortable to wear throughout the day! If a bra is too tight, it will leave deep indents in the skin. A bra without enough support will also increase the risk for back pain, neck pain, and poor posture. All of this will contribute to upper nerve injury, causing weakness, tingling, and numbness.
Tatsoi or spinach mustard is a staple in Asian cuisine. It's a leafy green veggie that looks a lot like spinach. However, tatsoi has almost 20 times more vitamin C. It even contains more than an orange! Tatsoi is also a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, and calcium. In fact, one cup tatsoi has more potassium than a banana and more calcium than a cup of milk. To reap these benefits, eat it raw or cooked.
Dipping sauces are tasty, but they're usually processed and unhealthy. For example, ketchup is full of salt and high-fructose corn syrup. Barbecue sauce has even more sugar! Do you like Asian food? Watch out for soy sauce – a high-sodium condiment. One tablespoon has enough salt for your entire day's intake. Even salsa can have added salt and sugars. Plus, creamy dressings like Ranch and bleu cheese are packed with calories. For healthier options, check the label or make your own.
Saffron is a rich source of antioxidants called carotenoids. These pigments can prevent oxidative stress and inflammation – two major causes of age-related macular degeneration. They'll also help vision by improving the way eyes process light. Plus, with less oxidative stress, eye pressure will decrease and ward off glaucoma. It even stops protein breakdown – a major cause of cataracts. Ultimately, saffron won't cure blindness, but it may delay vision loss.
Barbecues don't have to be about hot dogs and hamburgers. For healthier meats, grill fish or skinless poultry. These lean proteins will fill you right up. Eggplant, Portobello mushrooms, and sweet potato work well on the grill, and they're full of vitamins. Want a complete source of plant-based protein? Grill up some tofu. Another option is to make veggie burgers with ingredients like beans, quinoa, and broccoli.
If you eat beef, know how to read the labels. Grass-fed cows do not eat high-energy grain, so they're leaner than grain-fed cows. They also contain more omega-3 fats, vitamin A, and vitamin E. However, the grass might have pesticides and they might get antibiotics. Organic beef comes from cows that eat 100 percent organic grain or grass. These cows don't get antibiotics or hormones, and are free to roam. Do you care about both? Buy grass-fed organic beef.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is best taken in the morning. On an empty stomach, ACV can control blood glucose, even after a high-carb meal. It'll also improve satiety, making it useful for preventing weight gain. As an antimicrobial, ACV will kill harmful bacteria that causes bad breath and cavities. But don't forget to brush your teeth! It'll even balance gut bacteria, detoxify your liver, and regulate body pH – three factors of overall health.
