Food

No wonder blueberries are a popular pick during berry season—they’re sweet and packed with nutrients. But once you bring them home, knowing how to store them becomes important if you want them to last. A lot of people toss the carton into the fridge without thinking, or move the berries into an airtight container or … Read more

When it’s hot out and your kitchen feels like an oven, turning on the stove isn’t worth it. That’s where no-cook dinners come in. They’re cool, easy to prepare, and way more satisfying than just grabbing takeout. Here, we’ve rounded up seven no-cook meals that beat delivery and go beyond basic sandwiches. You’ll find simple … Read more

Juice and smoothies may taste good, but they’re not always the smartest option when the heat kicks in. For those over 65, staying hydrated is a matter of health, and there’s one drink that’s still the most effective, even if it’s not the most exciting. We’re talking about plain and simple water, the safest, easiest, … Read more

If you’re over 65 and looking for a better way to stay hydrated during hot summer days, there’s one option that stands out. It’s refreshing, nutrient-packed, and helps your body, not just cools you down. That drink is coconut water. This isn’t just a trendy or tropical option. Coconut water is a natural hydrator with … Read more

Peaches may look sturdy with their soft fuzz and sweet aroma, but they’re quite delicate. Wash them the wrong way, and you can ruin their texture or even shorten their shelf life. Using methods like soap and hot water can do more harm than good. Here, we’ll cover the best way to wash peaches without … Read more

Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases its Dirty Dozen list, an annual ranking of the fruits and vegetables most likely to carry pesticide residues, even after washing. It’s a go-to guide for shoppers who want to make safer choices at the grocery store. According to the latest analysis, strawberries rank second among all … Read more

Walk through any grocery store in the US, and you’ll find synthetic dyes in places you might not expect. You’ll spot them in breakfast cereals, fruit drinks, baked snacks, and frozen meals, especially those aimed at kids. A study analyzed almost 40,000 food products from 25 of the largest food companies in the country. The … Read more

Vegetarian diets are very popular nowadays, and not just for ethical or environmental reasons. Many people are turning to plant-based eating for health, but is it a better way to eat? According to researchers at Harvard, the answer depends on how it’s done—and yes, there are some clear benefits. A team of experts at Harvard … Read more

Blueberries are one of those foods that feel clean straight out of the box. They don’t look dusty or dirty, and they’re small enough to snack on without much prep. But even if they seem ready to eat, a simple rinse isn’t always enough. The truth is, blueberries can carry bacteria, pesticide residue, mold spores, … Read more

Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate, but if you’ve ever cooked it too long or not long enough, you know how quickly it can go from delicious to unpleasant. Undercook it, and it’s tough and grassy. Overcook it, and it turns mushy, dull, and bitter. The key is … Read more

Strawberries are one of the most popular and widely eaten fruits in the US, but they also tend to carry more residue, dirt, and hidden pests than many people expect. Because they’re soft, porous, and often eaten raw, it’s important to wash them well. Some people rely on water, others reach for vinegar or baking … Read more

The “8 glasses a day” rule is a decent benchmark, but it might not be accurate for older adults. As we age, our bodies change the way they handle hydration. That means the standard advice might not be enough, or could be too much in certain cases. There’s a better way to figure out how … Read more

When it comes to washing vegetables, many people reach for lemon juice or commercial produce washes, thinking they’re being extra safe. However, according to food safety experts, these methods aren’t always the most effective, and sometimes, they can even leave behind unwanted residues. Getting rid of dirt, bacteria, and pesticide traces doesn’t require anything fancy. … Read more

Besides the classic methods of rinsing fresh strawberries with water and vinegar, there’s another simple way that’s quite effective in removing traces of pesticides and dirt. Here, we’ll break down how to wash strawberries with baking soda, as well as how to store your berries so they stay fresh longer. We’ll also look at other … Read more

Beyond kale and Brussels, there’s another leafy green that’s packed with nutrients—especially iron—and rarely gets the spotlight. If you’re skipping it, you’re missing out on one of the best plant-based ways to support your iron levels and nutrition. We’re talking about chard, an underrated vegetable that is rich in iron, fiber, and essential vitamins. Here, … Read more

Apples are one of the easiest fruits to buy in bulk, but they’re also quick to go soft if you don’t store them right. Most people toss them in a fruit bowl or the fridge, but both spots have downsides. Room temperature speeds up ripening, and fridge storage can dry them out or make them … Read more

Potatoes and kale often fill the lists of produce with pesticide concerns, but there’s one vegetable that tops them both. According to recent data, another leafy green has taken the lead. Spinach now ranks first on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) “Dirty Dozen” list, which highlights the fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues … Read more

Storing potatoes the wrong way can shorten their shelf life and ruin their flavor. Many people leave them in the fridge or leave them in the fruit bowl, but neither of those spots is doing your spuds any favors. The best place to store potatoes is a cool, dark, well-ventilated area, like a pantry. That … Read more

Mushrooms spoil fast, and when you store them in plastic, like what happens with bananas, you’re only speeding up the process. Their texture makes them vulnerable to moisture buildup, which turns them slimy and unusable in just a few days. A simple switch in how you store them can keep them firm and fresh for … Read more

Strawberries are one of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits sold in the U.S. They’re also soft and porous, which makes cleaning them a little more important than with other produce. A quick rinse under the faucet might not be enough to clear off the residue you don’t want to eat. Here, we’ll explain the best method … Read more

Grapes spoil fast when stored the wrong way—and most people are doing it wrong. Similar to other fruits like cherries, leaving grapes on the counter shortens their shelf life, and sealing them in airtight containers can make them go moldy. The method that keeps grapes fresh the longest involves using your fridge, but there’s more … Read more

Rather than aiming for rigid schedules or a specific time, the ideal dinner for retirees centers on the interval before bedtime. Experts recommend completing your evening meal at least three hours before going to sleep. This schedule aligns with circadian biology, promoting restorative sleep, balanced melatonin secretion, and stable glucose metabolism. Here, we’ll examine why … Read more

Staying hydrated becomes more challenging as we age, especially during the summer heat. For seniors over 70, plain water may lack the appeal needed for consistent consumption, while sugary juices and commercial beverages often fail to provide balanced nutrition. There is a simpler, more attractive alternative that caters to hydration needs and nutritional benefits: it’s … Read more

While it may sound off-putting, encountering tiny insects or traces of dirt in fresh produce is a common occurrence. A thorough washing effectively removes these undesired guests—as well as microscopic soil particles and lingering grit—ensuring your broccoli is pristine and safe for consumption. Here, we’ll cover the most effective method for washing broccoli to ensure … Read more

Many of us have experienced the disappointment of a soft, overripe banana turning brown far too quickly. In the search for the perfect spot to keep our fruit fresh, it can be confusing to know whether the best place is on the kitchen counter, in the refrigerator, or elsewhere. There are many recommendations for this, … Read more

Grapes are a widely enjoyed snack and a common kitchen staple, but they can contain an often-overlooked risk: a substantial pesticide residue load. Many consumers remain unaware that this sweet fruit occupies a concerning rank on essential food safety assessments developed by agencies such as the FDA and EPA. Here, we’ll examine why conventional grapes … Read more

Staying cool and hydrated is particularly important for seniors when the summer heat intensifies. Although drinking water remains indispensable, there are moments when one craves a beverage that is more gratifying than water and less laden with sugar than conventional fruit juices. An age-old, nutritious alternative fulfills this need perfectly: tiger nut milk. This plant-based … Read more

Have you ever stared at a grocery store shelf, overwhelmed by a wall of canned tomatoes? It turns out that six distinguished culinary experts have chosen one brand: Bianco DiNapoli. This organic tomato, grown in California, outperforms its competitors in blind taste tests and culinary applications. Cento San Marzano, a close contender, has also received … Read more

Often, you grab your bananas, toss them on the counter, and hope that they remain in good condition. Sometimes this casual approach works, but the fruit can become overly soft or attract fruit flies far too quickly. Ambient humidity, temperature, and the natural release of ethylene gas—a hormone that initiates ripening—can affect climacteric fruits like … Read more

Spinach is often a favorite source of iron in plant-based diets. However, it contains natural compounds such as oxalates that hinder the absorption of its iron. In contrast, chickpeas serve as a vital source of bioavailable iron while also delivering essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, folate, and magnesium. Here, we’ll explore why chickpeas provide … Read more