Almost everything we eat is processed in some way: frozen peas, canned tomatoes and plain yogurt are processed, and they are perfectly healthy. The concern is mainly with ultra-processed foods: industrial products made largely from refined ingredients and additives, designed to be convenient and hard to stop eating. Understanding the levels Researchers often use the … Read more
Preserving food lets you keep a summer harvest, buy in bulk or simply waste less. Every method works by slowing down or stopping the microorganisms and enzymes that spoil food: by removing heat, water or air, or by adding acid, salt or sugar. Freezing The easiest method for most foods. Freezing at 0°F (-18°C) stops … Read more
Plant-based burgers, sausages and nuggets are designed to look, cook and taste like meat. They have grown from niche products to supermarket staples, and they raise two common questions: what is in them, and are they actually healthier? What they are made of Most plant-based meats share the same building blocks: How they compare nutritionally … Read more
After a wisdom tooth extraction, what you eat matters for two reasons: avoiding pain and protecting the blood clot that forms in the socket. If that clot is dislodged, you can develop a painful dry socket. Always follow the specific instructions from your oral surgeon or dentist; the list below covers the usual advice. The … Read more
The short answer: no more than 2 hours at room temperature, and only 1 hour if it is hotter than 90°F (32°C), for example at a picnic or in a hot car. After that, throw it away, even if it looks and smells fine. Why two hours? Bacteria such as Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium … Read more
Yes, as long as it is fully cooked. Shrimp is one of the lowest-mercury seafoods, and the FDA and EPA list it among the “Best Choices” for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It provides protein, iodine, vitamin B12 and some omega-3 fats, all useful during pregnancy. How much seafood is recommended The FDA/EPA advice … Read more
Yes. For most people, eating spicy food during pregnancy is safe for both parent and baby. Chili peppers, hot sauce and curries do not cause miscarriage or birth defects, and there is no good evidence that they trigger labor, despite the popular myth. Many cultures eat spicy food daily throughout pregnancy. The real question is … Read more
