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Why your berries mold quickly – and how to prevent it

Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are especially popular during the summer, but they often stay fresh for only a few days. According to the media outlet Heute, moisture and heat are the main reasons why.

When berries are stored incorrectly, they can quickly soften or start to grow mold. This is particularly common during hot weather.

Many people also make the mistake of washing berries too early, which can cause them to spoil faster.

One simple trick

The solution requires only a container and some paper towels.

According to Heute, you should place paper towels at the bottom of the container and then put the berries on top. Any damaged or damp berries should be removed along the way.

You can continue layering paper towels and berries until the container is full. The lid should rest loosely on top rather than being sealed tightly.

Can last longer

The paper towels help absorb moisture that would otherwise cause the berries to become moldy or crushed.

Heute also recommends washing the berries only right before eating them. This helps preserve their natural protective layer for longer.

Using this method, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Blueberries may, in some cases, remain fresh for up to two weeks.

Sources: Heute.

Scientists see major potential in new anti-aging treatment

Growing older often means slower healing, thinner skin, and a body that no longer recovers the way it once did. Researchers have spent years searching for ways to slow those changes and help aging skin function more like younger tissue again.

Now, a new study from Boston University, published in the journal Aging, suggests scientists may have found a promising breakthrough.

Younger behavior

Researchers tested a compound called ABT-263, a treatment designed to remove damaged aging cells that build up in the body over time.

These worn-out cells, sometimes called “zombie cells,” stop functioning properly but continue affecting nearby tissue. Scientists believe they play a major role in skin aging and slower recovery.

In the study, older mice received the treatment directly on their skin for five days. Researchers then observed major changes linked to healthier and younger skin activity.

Surprising results

The treated skin showed fewer signs of cellular aging and activated genes connected to collagen production, tissue repair, and blood vessel growth.

Scientists were especially surprised by how strongly the skin responded. Wounds healed significantly faster in treated mice compared to untreated ones, suggesting the skin behaved more like younger tissue.

By day 24, around 80 percent of treated mice had fully healed wounds, compared with 56 percent in the untreated group.

Still early research

Researchers stress that the findings are still in an early stage because the study was only conducted in mice.

However, the results have already attracted attention in the growing field of anti-aging medicine, where scientists are increasingly studying ways to remove aging cells without affecting the rest of the body.

According to the researchers, topical treatments like ABT-263 could eventually become useful not only for wound healing, but also for improving how aging skin repairs and maintains itself over time.

Doctor explains: Coffee may reduce the effect of your vitamins

British physician Amir Khan told the Mirror that the body absorbs vitamins differently throughout the day.

He explains that fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K should be taken with food.

The same applies to omega-3 supplements, as the body absorbs them better when consumed together with fat from a meal.

According to the NHS, adults should get 10 micrograms of vitamin D per day.

Best taken in the evening

Some supplements are better suited for the evening.

Amir Khan points to magnesium, which can have a relaxing effect and is therefore often taken before bedtime.

The NHS recommends 300 milligrams of magnesium per day for men and 270 milligrams for women between the ages of 19 and 64.

Creatine is also mentioned as a supplement, but the timing is considered less important.

Avoid coffee and tea

Amir Khan also discusses iron, which he believes should be taken on an empty stomach early in the morning.

At the same time, he warns against taking iron together with coffee or tea. According to the doctor, this can make it harder for the body to absorb iron.

Patient.info also states that vitamin C can help the body absorb iron more effectively. Therefore, a glass of orange juice may be beneficial when taking iron supplements.

Sources: Daily Mirror, NHS and Patient.info.

How walnuts can affect your body if you eat them every day

Research suggests that walnuts may benefit the heart, brain, digestion, and blood sugar levels when eaten regularly as part of a balanced diet, reports VnExpress.

Walnuts may help improve memory

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Studies suggest that the healthy fats and antioxidants found in walnuts can support brain function and help maintain memory over time.

They may contribute to better sleep

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Walnuts contain compounds such as melatonin, which has been linked to improved sleep quality and recovery.

Gut bacteria may benefit from walnuts

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Research indicates that walnuts can act as a prebiotic, helping nourish beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.

Digestion may become more balanced

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A healthier gut environment may also support digestion and overall digestive comfort.

They can add more nutrients to your diet

Seeds Walnut” by Markus Spiske/ CC0 1.0

Walnuts provide nutrients such as fiber, magnesium, potassium, and omega 3 fatty acids that many people do not get enough of.

Walnuts are rich in healthy fats

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A serving of walnuts contains mostly unsaturated fats, which are often associated with several health benefits.

They may support heart health

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The American Heart Association has recognized walnuts as a heart healthy food because of their nutritional profile.

Cholesterol levels may improve

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Regular walnut consumption has been linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as bad cholesterol.

The risk of cardiovascular disease may decrease

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A 2023 review found that even small daily amounts of walnuts could help lower the risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Stress levels may become lower

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One study found that people who ate walnuts regularly over several weeks experienced lower stress and better mental well being.

Blood sugar may stay more stable

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The combination of healthy fats, fiber, and protein in walnuts may help prevent major blood sugar fluctuations.

They may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes

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Higher nut consumption, including walnuts, has been associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Two people suspected of ebola after returning from Uganda

Two people from northern Italy are being tested for possible Ebola after developing a high fever, vomiting, and stomach problems shortly after returning from Uganda. The Sun and several Italian media outlets reported the case.

The two individuals had been working as aid workers in Uganda for around three months. They are now being treated at a specialist hospital in Milan, where doctors are carrying out tests.

Italian authorities have activated additional emergency measures while waiting for the test results.

Disease spreading

At the same time, growing concern surrounds the situation in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the number of infections is rising rapidly and that health authorities are struggling to keep up.

According to WHO, nearly 1,000 suspected cases have been recorded since mid-May. Several hundred people have died during the outbreak.

Areas near the borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo are being monitored particularly closely.

No confirmation yet

Italian authorities stress that Ebola has not yet been confirmed in the two patients.

Doctors are also investigating whether the symptoms could be caused by severe malaria.

However, WHO has already declared the outbreak in Central Africa an international health emergency. There is currently no approved vaccine for the virus variant involved in the outbreak.

The results from the hospital in Milan are expected to determine whether the two patients are linked to the growing Ebola outbreak in Africa.

Sources: The Sun and WHO.

Most people remove it as a weed – but dead nettle is both edible and a medicinal herb

Dead nettle resembles the stinging nettle, but it does not sting.

According to Kräuterkeller, the plant has no stinging hairs and can be identified by its white, purple, or yellow flowers.

The plant often grows near fences, paths, and fields with nutrient-rich soil. It typically reaches a height of 20 to 50 centimeters and can be found in many natural areas from spring to autumn.

There are several types of dead nettle. The yellow dead nettle is rarer than the white and purple varieties, but it can grow across large areas in forests and meadows.

Used in cooking

According to Kräuterkeller, the leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots can all be used in cooking. The young leaves can be added to salads, soups, and hot dishes.

The flowers are often used as decoration for food and may have a mild, sweet flavor. The seeds can be dried and used as a spice.

Experts recommend avoiding picking the plant near roads or places with many animals. The plants should also be washed thoroughly before use.

More than just a weed

Dead nettle has also been used in folk medicine for many years.

According to Kräuterkeller, the plant is believed to have calming properties and may help relieve irritation in the respiratory and digestive systems.

The plant is especially known as a traditional medicinal herb for women and has previously been used for menstrual and menopausal discomfort.

This is why some herbal experts believe dead nettle is far more valuable than many people think, even though it is often removed as a weed.

Sources: Kräuterkeller.

Mum spots strange red line on son’s arm — doctors issue warning to parents

Cuts and scrapes are part of everyday life for most children, which is why many parents rarely see them as anything serious.

But doctors say certain small changes around a wound can sometimes point to a dangerous infection developing beneath the surface.

Now a British mother’s story is drawing attention online after she shared the symptom she almost overlooked.

According to UK media reports, including Mirror, influencer Samantha Silver spoke out after her son Leo developed worrying symptoms following what first appeared to be a harmless graze on his elbow after school.

The injury was treated normally at first, and Leo continued with sports, social plans and daily activities over the next few days. Despite occasionally complaining about pain in his arm, he otherwise seemed healthy and showed no fever.

The sign parents missed

Things changed when Samantha noticed a thin red streak travelling upward from the wound toward his armpit.

Health experts, including the NHS and The UK Sepsis Trust, warn that spreading redness near an injury can sometimes signal that an infection is moving through the body and may require urgent medical treatment.

Doctors say parents should react quickly if a child develops symptoms such as:

  • red streaks around a wound
  • unusual tiredness
  • breathing difficulties
  • severe pain or confusion

Medical professionals continue raising awareness about sepsis because symptoms can initially appear mild, especially in children who still seem energetic and active.

Following the story, many parents online admitted they had never heard that a visible red line near a cut could potentially signal something serious.

Analysis of 88,475 people: These plant-based foods may lower blood pressure

An international research review published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health examined the relationship between diet and the risk of hypertension.

The analysis was based on 12 observational studies from the United States, Europe, and Asia involving up to 88,475 participants.

Researchers evaluated the intake of legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas, as well as various soy-based products.

According to the analysis, there were significant differences between people with high and low consumption of these foods.

International dietary habits

The study found that average legume consumption in Europe and the United Kingdom remains far below official dietary recommendations.

Researchers noted that many people consume only between 8 and 15 grams per day.

At the same time, the analysis highlighted that nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and dietary fiber may influence blood vessel function.

The researchers also suggested that the fermentation of soluble fiber may contribute to a more relaxed vascular structure.

People with the highest intake of legumes had a 16 percent lower risk of high blood pressure, while high soy consumption was associated with a 19 percent reduction in risk compared with those with the lowest intake.

According to SciTechDaily, Professor Sumantra Ray of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health said the findings strengthen the evidence supporting plant-based dietary patterns in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Limitations of the study

However, the researchers emphasized that there are uncertainties in the data.

The studies differed in areas such as preparation methods, definitions of high blood pressure, and the participants’ overall dietary habits.

In addition, the researchers called for larger studies to establish causal relationships more precisely.

Sources: SciTechDaily and BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.

New algae discovery could help one billion people with B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is important for the body. Among other things, it supports the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.

According to SciTechDaily, researchers believe that more than one billion people suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency.

A deficiency of the vitamin can lead to fatigue, memory problems, and nerve damage.

Most people normally get B12 through meat, milk, and other animal-based products.

However, the production of these foods places a heavy burden on the climate through large greenhouse gas emissions and high consumption of water and land resources.

Special algae

Researchers from Israel, Denmark, and Iceland, among others, studied a special type of Spirulina, a blue-green algae often used as a dietary supplement.

The algae was grown in closed tanks under artificial light. The researchers adjusted the lighting conditions to influence the algae’s development without using genetic modification.

Normally, Spirulina contains a type of vitamin B12 that the human body cannot use.

But in the new study, published in Discover Food, more than 98 percent of the vitamin consisted of an active form that humans can absorb.

Comparable to beef

The new Spirulina contains biologically active vitamin B12 at levels similar to those found in beef.

According to the researchers, this could eventually make the algae a more sustainable alternative to animal-based foods.

Sources: SciTechDaily and Discover Food.

How ground beef can affect your body if you eat it every day

An American dietitian decided to eat lean ground beef every day for a week to see how it would affect her body. Along the way, she experienced both benefits and drawbacks from making beef a daily part of her diet, reports Prevention.

She felt fuller for longer

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The high protein content helped her stay full after meals and kept her energy levels steady throughout the day.

Ground beef was easy to cook with

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She prepared meals like chili, taco salad, and meat sauce because ground beef works well in many quick dishes.

It was more affordable than other proteins

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According to the dietitian, ground beef was a cheaper option compared to several other protein sources.

Meals started to feel heavier

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After a few days, she noticed that meals with beef felt heavier than dishes made with fish or plant based foods.

She missed more variety in her diet

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By thed of the week, she wanted to eat other protein sources again, including fish, beans, and lentils.

She did not notice major health problems

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The dietitian did not experience any obvious negative health effects during the week she ate ground beef every day.

Portion sizes made a difference

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She kept her portions moderate at around 85 to 115 grams and paired the meat with vegetables and whole grains.

Lean ground beef contains plenty of protein

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According to the USDA, 100 grams of lean ground beef contains 22.6 grams of protein.

Beef may help improve iron levels

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Ground beef contains heme iron, which the body absorbs more easily than plant based iron.

Lean beef can fit into a healthy diet

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One study found that lean beef can be part of a Mediterranean style diet without necessarily harming heart health.

Protein may help maintain muscle mass

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Research suggests that the protein and nutrients in beef may support muscle mass and physical function as people age.

Fat content still matters

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Ground beef with a higher fat percentage can increase saturated fat intake, which may negatively affect cholesterol levels.