Most people put parmesan back in its original packaging after using it. Others wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
According to Chip 30, this is a poor solution because the cheese cannot breathe properly.
This creates moisture inside the packaging, which can cause parmesan to become soft and spoil more quickly.
Falstaff also notes that the cheese can start to smell or become greasy when it is wrapped too tightly.
Better storage
The Instagram profile easyinterieur instead recommends wrapping parmesan in paper towels or parchment paper.
The paper allows the cheese to breathe while also preventing it from drying out. This can help parmesan stay fresh for a longer period.
Cheese paper or wax paper can also be used. The most important thing is that the packaging is not completely airtight.
Temperature matters
Parmesan should be stored in the warmer part of the refrigerator, such as the vegetable drawer. The temperature should be between 5 and 7 degrees Celsius.
If the cheese needs to last even longer, it can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the University of Georgia analyzed data from more than 270,000 participants in the UK Biobank database. The findings were published in the journal Aging and reported by SciTechDaily.
The study focuses on the amino acid tyrosine, which occurs naturally in foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products, beans, and soy.
Tyrosine is also commonly used in energy products and dietary supplements because it is associated with increased energy and concentration.
According to the researchers, tyrosine helps the body produce neurotransmitters such as dopamine and adrenaline, which influence focus and stress responses.
Previous research
Earlier animal studies have suggested that lower intake of certain amino acids may be linked to a longer lifespan.
At the same time, other studies have connected high levels of tyrosine with metabolic and insulin-related problems.
In the new study, the researchers used genetic data to investigate whether there could be a link between tyrosine and lifespan in humans.
The researchers emphasize that the findings do not mean people should avoid protein-rich foods or stop taking supplements.
Greatest effect found in men
When comparing the results, the researchers found a particularly strong association between high levels of tyrosine and a shorter lifespan in men.
According to the study, men with genetically higher levels of tyrosine were associated with an average lifespan that was approximately 0.9 years shorter.
The same clear connection was not observed in women.
The researchers believe that more studies are needed to understand how tyrosine affects the body over many years.
Late dinners and frequent snacking throughout the day have been associated with higher body weight in studies.
Longer breaks may help
Researchers particularly highlighted the gap between dinner and breakfast.
A longer overnight fasting period may give the body more time to recover and burn energy.
Epidemiologist Luciana Pons-Muzzo told Science Alert, according to Aktualne, that a longer nightly fasting window without food may help maintain a healthy weight.
At the same time, the research indicates that the body functions better with fixed routines rather than many small meals spread throughout the day.
Breakfast matters
Research also shows that the timing of breakfast may play an important role.
People who ate earlier in the morning were, in several cases, found to have a lower BMI over time.
Researchers believe that an early breakfast aligns better with the body’s natural rhythm and may help regulate blood sugar and hormones more effectively.
The two habits researchers particularly emphasize are avoiding late meals and eating earlier in the day, thereby creating a longer fasting window overnight.
Sources: Aktualne, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Science Alert, and Obesity.
According to research, grapes may be one of the most nutrient-rich fruits in the fruit bowl.
Purple grapes in particular are highlighted for their high antioxidant content and their positive effects on the brain, heart and digestion, according to Real Simple.
Grapes gain superfood status
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Recent research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that fresh grapes can be classified as a superfood due to their high levels of nutrients and beneficial plant compounds.
Polyphenols play an important role
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Grapes contain large amounts of polyphenols, which are known for their antioxidant properties and ability to protect the body against inflammation.
Several types of plant compounds are found in grapes
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Among the most important polyphenols in grapes are phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids and stilbenes, all of which are associated with health benefits.
Antioxidants protect the body
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Polyphenols help neutralize free radicals, which can otherwise increase oxidative stress in the body over time.
Purple grapes contain the most antioxidants
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Purple grapes are highlighted as the most nutrient-rich variety because they contain higher levels of anthocyanins than both red and green grapes.
The color reveals the nutrient content
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The dark purple color of the grapes is a sign of high antioxidant levels and greater overall antioxidant capacity.
The skin contains many of the nutrients
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A large portion of the polyphenols and antioxidants in red and purple grapes is found in the skin itself.
The structure of the food matters
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Experts point out that the natural composition of grapes affects how the nutrients are absorbed and how they work together in the body.
Grapes affect the gut microbiome
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The polyphenols in grapes may improve the balance of the gut microbiome by enhancing both the quality and quantity of beneficial bacteria.
Small amounts can make a difference
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According to experts, one to two cups of grapes per day may be enough to provide several health benefits.
Grapes may support heart health
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Compounds such as resveratrol and proanthocyanidins are associated with healthier blood vessels, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels.
Brain function may improve
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Research suggests that the many antioxidants in grapes may protect neurons and support healthy cognitive function.
Grapes are linked to a lower risk of disease
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Regular consumption of grapes may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, according to research.
The gut, heart and brain are connected
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Experts emphasize that a healthy gut microbiome may also have positive effects on both heart and brain health.
Sources: Real Simple and the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Serious disease outbreaks often feel distant, something happening far away from everyday life. But when numbers begin to rise quickly, the situation becomes harder to ignore.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has already resulted in more than 130 deaths in recent weeks, reports Unilad.
Pressure on health systems
The outbreak is concentrated in the eastern region of the country, where ongoing conflict is making containment efforts more difficult.
Local health authorities are dealing with limited resources as infections approach 500 cases.
The virus responsible is the Bundibugyo strain, a less common but still dangerous variant.
Unlike other types of Ebola, there is currently no approved vaccine or targeted treatment available for this strain.
International agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that the outbreak could spread further if not contained.
Symptoms to watch
Ebola can take time to develop, with symptoms appearing anywhere from two to 21 days after exposure, according to the CDC.
Early signs often resemble common illnesses:
Fever
Muscle and joint pain
Headache
Fatigue
Sore throat
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can emerge, including internal bleeding, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
How it spreads
Ebola is not airborne. It spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids from an infected person.
Health officials emphasize that close, unprotected contact carries the highest risk. Preventive measures and rapid response remain critical to limiting the outbreak.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in the United States examined 48 people with inflammatory bowel disease who had low levels of vitamin D.
The participants received vitamin D weekly for 12 weeks, according to the study published in Cell Reports Medicine.
During the study, the researchers analyzed blood and stool samples to observe how the body responded to bacteria in the gut.
The goal was to understand how the immune system and gut bacteria interact with each other.
Changes in the body
After the treatment period, the researchers found signs of changes in the immune system.
Levels of a substance associated with protection in the body increased, while another substance often linked to inflammation decreased.
The researchers also observed signs that some immune cells became more active. These cells normally help the body keep inflammation under control.
According to SciTechDaily, the findings may therefore indicate that vitamin D can help support a better balance between the immune system and gut bacteria.
The results are uncertain
However, the researchers emphasize that the study was small, and the results do not prove that vitamin D alone improves the disease.
Improvements were also observed in the participants’ disease activity and signs of reduced inflammation, but the researchers believe that larger studies are needed.
Vitamin D may potentially play a role in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases in the future.
It’s easy to focus on what you apply to your skin and forget what you eat. Yet small choices at the table may influence how your body handles everyday exposure, including sunlight.
According to research from Western New England University, published in ACS Nutrition Science, a common fruit may play a role in strengthening the skin’s natural defenses, reports Science Daily.
A simple routine
In the study, participants consumed the equivalent of three servings of grapes daily over a two-week period. Researchers then tested how their skin responded to controlled UV exposure.
Even within this short timeframe, measurable biological changes were observed. The findings suggest that consistent dietary habits can influence how the body reacts to environmental stressors.
Changes in the skin
Rather than focusing on appearance, scientists examined gene activity in the skin. Each participant began with a unique genetic profile, but patterns shifted after the dietary intervention.
The changes were linked to processes that help reinforce the skin’s outer layer, improving its ability to act as a protective barrier.
At the same time, markers associated with oxidative stress following UV exposure were lower, indicating a reduced level of damage.
Beyond surface effects
Researchers believe the implications may extend further than skin health alone. When diet alters gene expression, similar effects could potentially occur in other organs.
Key findings included:
Strengthened skin barrier processes
Reduced oxidative stress after UV exposure
Consistent biological response across individuals
The study was conducted in collaboration with Oregon State University and supported by the California Table Grape Commission, pointing to growing interest in how whole foods affect the body at a deeper level.
Major lifestyle changes can be difficult to maintain over time. Small daily habits, on the other hand, can make healthy choices feel easier and more natural in everyday life.
Here are several simple micro habits that may support long-term weight loss, according to Healthline.
Start the day with protein
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Protein at breakfast can help you feel full for longer and keep blood sugar levels more stable. This may reduce cravings for snacks later in the day.
Examples include Greek yogurt with fruit, eggs, smoothies with protein powder, or cottage cheese with fruit.
Drink water before meals
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Drinking one or two glasses of water before a meal may help reduce daily calorie intake, according to a study published in Canadian Family Physician.
Water can increase feelings of fullness and make it easier to eat less without feeling deprived.
Add healthy ingredients
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Instead of focusing on restrictions, try adding more nutritious elements to meals.
This could include vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats, nuts, or seeds.
Move more during the day
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Small forms of movement can make a difference. This may include taking the stairs, parking farther away, or going for short walks.
These small activities can increase overall energy expenditure throughout the day.
Take short pauses before snacking
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A brief pause before reaching for a snack can help determine whether you are actually hungry or simply bored or stressed.
This can lead to more mindful food choices.
Keep healthy snacks visible
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Having fruit, nuts, or vegetables within easy reach can influence food choices during the day.
At the same time, it may help to keep less nutritious snacks out of sight.
Eat more slowly
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Eating more slowly can increase feelings of fullness and help the body better recognize hunger and fullness signals.
Small changes, such as putting the fork down between bites, can make a difference.
Go for a walk after meals
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A short walk after a meal may help stabilize blood sugar levels. Even 10 minutes of walking at a relaxed pace can positively affect appetite and energy levels.
Use daily tasks as exercise
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Everyday tasks can also provide opportunities for more movement. This may include walking to the mailbox, running small errands, or doing physical work in the garden.
Create consistent snack routines
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Planned snacks or small desserts can make it easier to avoid feelings of restriction. This can create more structure and make healthy habits easier to maintain.
Focus on one habit at a time
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Instead of tracking every calorie, it may be more manageable to focus on one thing, such as vegetable intake or daily movement.
This can make the process feel less overwhelming.
Focus on small progress
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Small improvements, such as having more energy, building better habits, or feeling more balanced, can be just as important as the number on the scale.
These improvements can help motivate continued healthy routines.
Small changes may last longer
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Micro habits are about small, realistic actions in everyday life. When repeated over time, they can create lasting changes without leading to burnout or major feelings of deprivation.
Sources: Healthline and Canadian Family Physician.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), travelers arriving from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan are now subject to additional health screenings.
Restrictions have also been introduced for some foreign travelers who have recently stayed in the affected areas.
Authorities are working with airlines and airports to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.
At the same time, contact tracing and laboratory testing efforts have been strengthened.
Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Ebola outbreak has been linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus. According to the CDC, there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for this variant.
As of May 18, authorities had recorded 11 confirmed cases and 336 suspected cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A total of 88 deaths have also been reported.
A group of Americans considered to be at high risk of infection has been flown to Germany, where they are now being monitored by health authorities.
Germany was chosen because of the country’s experience in treating Ebola patients.
American doctor infected
It has now been confirmed that American surgeon Peter Stafford contracted Ebola while working in the city of Bunia in the eastern part of the country.
He has worked for the mission organization Serge since 2023.
According to HealthDay, he developed symptoms over the weekend and tested positive on Sunday. He is now receiving treatment in Germany.
Cough drops containing menthol create a cooling effect and may help soothe throat irritation.
However, according to Popular Science, consuming large amounts can irritate the mucous membranes and cause side effects.
Experts from America’s Poison Centers say symptoms linked to overuse may include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
In rare cases, people may also experience confusion or seizures.
Research from the Wisconsin Research and Education Network, published in The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, also suggests that heavy menthol consumption could potentially prolong coughing because the throat becomes increasingly irritated.
Requires large quantities
Although side effects can occur, experts stress that severe poisoning is extremely rare.
According to Popular Science, a standard throat lozenge typically contains between five and ten milligrams of menthol.
An adult would need to consume several hundred lozenges within a short period for the amount to become life-threatening.
Only a few serious cases have been documented in medical literature, including one involving an elderly man who consumed large quantities of cough drops every day for many years.
Certain products pose higher risks
Experts particularly warn against products containing benzocaine. The substance can affect the blood’s ability to transport oxygen throughout the body.
In severe cases, this may lead to blue lips, blue hands, and other dangerous symptoms.
Experts therefore recommend always following the instructions on the packaging and keeping cough drops out of reach of children.
However, it is very difficult to suffer a dangerous overdose from ordinary cough drops when they are used correctly.
Sources: Popular Science, America’s Poison Centers, and The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
