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Tuesday 11 December 2018

7 Unhealthy Kitchen Habits to Break Immediately

You might not even realize you’re cutting a few sanitation corners in the kitchen. But sometimes it’s the little things — as in disease-causing pathogens — that have major consequences. Here are seven unhealthy kitchen habits to break immediately.

1. CROSS-CONTAMINATING SURFACES

Some people are very conscientious about food safety. But others might not be aware they’re violating rules meant to keep them healthy. In fact, roughly 9 percent of reported foodborne illnesses come from the home, according to a study from Kansas State University.
The study found cloth towels were the germiest item in the kitchen, thanks to cross-contamination. The researchers learned participants weren’t fully cleaning their hands before they used the towels — and they sometimes even used the towels directly after touching something unsanitary. Cross-contamination also came from spreading pathogens to cooking utensils, faucets, refrigerator doors and even cellphones as participants cooked.

2. NOT WASHING REUSABLE BAGS

Reusable grocery bags are an excellent way to help the environment, but you have to remember to protect yourself, too. Meat commonly contaminates the bags with bacteria, but fresh produce and other products can, too. So it’s important to wash your bags after every use, according to Cleveland Clinic.
To further protect yourself, have a set of bags you only use for groceries to reduce your risk of cross-contamination. Plus, try to bag groceries according to their contamination risk — meat in one bag, produce in another, ready-to-eat foods in another, etc. Never store the bags in your car, especially in warm weather, as bacteria multiply better in heat. And remember to sanitize your countertops if you place bags on them as you unload groceries. 

3. ALLOWING FOOD TO SIT OUT FOR TOO LONG 

“When in doubt, throw it out” should be everyone’s mantra in the kitchen. No one likes to waste food, but foodborne illnesses aren’t something to risk. So it’s important to know the rules of food spoilage, especially if you’re a meat-eater.
Bacteria grow best at 40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus, never allow perishable food to sit at room temperature for more than two hours, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends. And if the food is out in temperatures higher than 90 degrees, it must be consumed or refrigerated within an hour. But allow leftovers to cool before you store them, as bacteria still can grow in the fridge.

4. TRUSTING THE 5-SECOND RULE

If you live by the 5-second rule — the idea that dropped food is fine to eat if you pick it up within 5 seconds — you might want to break that habit. Research has found abiding by the rule could potentially be unsafe.
A study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology found bacteria can transfer from a surface to food “instantaneously,” though longer contact time does increase the contamination risk. But the types of food and surface sometimes are more important than the contact time. For instance, carpet did not transmit bacteria as well as tile or stainless steel, the study found. And cut watermelon picked up bacteria, regardless of contact time.

5. RUSHING YOUR HAND WASHING

It can be tempting just to give your hands a quick rinse as you move between cooking tasks or take a break to check your phone, pet the dog, etc. But to avoid contaminating your food and kitchen surfaces, you have to wash your hands the right way every time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lays out the crucial steps of hand washing. First, wet your hands under running water, and apply soap. You may turn off the tap as you’re soaping, as the faucet shouldn’t transfer a significant amount of germs, according to the CDC. Next, lather and scrub all parts of your hands — fronts, backs, nails, between your fingers, etc. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. (That’s singing “Happy Birthday” twice.) Finally, rinse your hands under running water, and dry them on a clean towel. It all sounds simple, but it’s a step many of us rush.

6. CUTTING CORNERS AS YOU CLEAN 

After doing the dishes and wiping the counter, do you call it a day on your kitchen cleaning? You might want to rethink that. There are many spots in the kitchen people often skip in regular cleaning that can end up harboring the most pathogens.
A study from NSF International, a product-inspection organization, found consumers often don’t follow manufacturer instructions when it comes to cleaning certain kitchen items. A major offender was the refrigerator — especially its vegetable and meat compartments, as well as the water and ice dispensers. The study found salmonella, listeria, E. coli, yeast and mold in the refrigerators it examined. Plus, it also found many of the same pathogens on blender gaskets, can openers, rubber spatulas, food storage containers and knife blocks — a sign we’re not cleaning our kitchens as well as we think.

7. CLEANING WITH A DIRTY SPONGE

Speaking of cleaning, is there a kitchen sponge sitting by your sink? How often do you clean it? Even if you’re careful about other aspects of sanitation in your kitchen, that sponge can throw it all down the toilet — literally. One study found kitchens host more microbes than toilets, primarily because of bacteria-ridden sponges.
Thankfully, researchers also have found an effective way to clean these sponges. As long as your sponge doesn’t have any metal on it, microwaving it for a minute will kill 99.9999 percent of the bacteria. (Microwave it wet, as a dry sponge might catch fire.) And throwing your sponge in the dishwasher will kill 99.9998 percent of the bacteria. Do this at least every day — or more depending on use. Just make sure to replace your sponge if it gets really gross or worn.

The Proven Foods that Lower Colon Cancer Risk

Cancer rates have been skyrocketing for decades so it may not come as a surprise that 15.5 million people with a history of or existing cancer were living in the United States as of January 1, 2016. While it might not be surprising, it is an alarming number of people. Colorectal cancer, cancer of the colon or rectum, is the third leading cause of deaths linked to cancer. Anything that might help reduce the incidence, prevent or treat colorectal cancer is certainly welcome. Fortunately, new research found that flax oil could significantly cut colon cancer risk.
According to the study published in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, found that increasing intake of a particular type of Omega 3 fatty acid, known as eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), which is primarily found in fatty fish, can help with the prevention of colon cancer. The researchers explored the effects of taking aspirin and supplementing the diet with EPA.
Seven hundred and nine people were recruited to participate in the study through 53 British hospitals. The participants were divided into four groups: the first group received 300 milligrams of aspirin only on a daily basis for a year, the second group received 2000 milligrams of EPA supplements only for a year, the third group received both aspirin and EPA, and the fourth group were given placebo pills. 
Since colon cancer often starts with polyps, or abnormal growths of tissue, in the colon, the researchers assessed the number of polyps each group had before and after treatment. They found that those who took aspirin had 22 percent fewer polyps, those who took EPA supplements had 9 percent fewer polyps, and those who took both had 25 percent fewer polyps, making the combination particularly effective in reducing polyps and the potential risk of colon cancer.
That’s good news for those already suffering from the disease and the more than 97,000people that are estimated to be diagnosed with colon cancer and over 43,000 people that are estimated to be diagnosed with rectal cancer this year alone, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
It’s important to consider that while aspirin has shown some anti-cancer benefit, it has some disadvantages too. Regular intake can cause an increased loss of folic acid in urine. Since this B vitamin is necessary to help us deal with stress and to keep our immune system strong, it may be beneficial to supplement with 400 mcg of folic acid daily.
Ongoing aspirin use has been linked to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding that can also result in a loss of iron from the body.  If continued over the long-term, iron-deficiency anemia can result.  Women, particularly those during the menstrual years, may need to supplement with iron; however, iron levels should be tested by your doctor prior to considering supplementation.
Those with heart disease may also find that aspirin depletes their vitamin B12 stores. Since this crucial vitamin is essential for memory, nervous system function, balanced moods and energy, it may be wise to supplement with vitamin B12 if you are taking aspirin on a daily basis.
While there are three main types of Omega 3 fatty acids, including: alpha linolenic acid (or ALAs, which are found in many plant foods like flaxseed oil), docosahexanoic acid (or DHA which is primarily found in fish and seafood) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA, which is primarily found in fish and seafood), the study results were achieved with EPA supplements. The best food sources of EPAs are fatty fish like wild salmon, tuna and mackerel.

11 Reasons to Start Drinking Dandelion Tea or Coffee

What are the first foods you think of when hear the term “superfoods”? You probably think of acai berries, green tea, turmeric or yogurt. Few people ever consider the humble dandelion that rears its head on lawns around the world. But they should. That’s because dandelions are among the greatest superfoods available to us. And, fortunately, dandelion can be enjoyed as a tea or coffee substitute.
Here are some of the best reasons to start drinking dandelion tea or coffee alternative.

Diabetes Prevention and Treatment

Dandelion contains a potent natural compound known as alpha-glucosidase that balances blood sugar levels. Dandelion tea is reportedly so effective that many people find they can work with their doctor to reduce their medication. Of course, you should only do so under the guidance of your physician.

Immune Booster

Dandelion is a powerful natural immune enhancer. According to one study  published in Advances in Hematology, researchers found that dandelion significantly increased both red and white blood cells, making it a possible aid in the treatment of anemia, blood purification and in modulating the immune system.

Breast Cancer Aid

Research published in the International Journal of Oncology found that a tea made from dandelion leaves decreased the growth of breast cancer cells while a tea made from the roots of the dandelion plant blocked the ability of cancer cells to invade healthy breast tissue. 

Prostate Cancer Remedy

The same study also found that a tea made from dandelion root blocked the ability of cancer to invade healthy prostate tissue.

Energy Enhancer

In a world with seemingly increasing demands, most of us need an energy boost to help us get through our daily tasks. Fortunately, dandelion tea or coffee can help. In a studypublished in the journal Molecules, researchers found that animals given dandelion had a reduction in fatigue.

Bone Builder

Dandelions have deep roots that bury themselves into the ground where they pull many minerals into the plant, including boron and calcium. Both of these nutrients are needed in sufficient quantities to build and maintain strong and healthy bones and to prevent osteoporosis. Drinking dandelion tea or coffee is a great way to increase the amount of these minerals in your daily diet.

Anemia Treatment

In a study published in Advances in Hematology, researchers found that dandelion significantly increased the body’s production of blood cells, making it a potential anemia treatment.

Overall Cancer Prevention

An exciting Canadian study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The Canadian scientists found that after 48 hours of exposure to the dandelion extract cancer cells began to die. They also found that dandelion was even effective on cancer cells that were resistant to chemotherapy.

Liver Protection and Healing

Many studies, including one in the medical journal Environmental Toxicology, showcase the liver protective and healing abilities of dandelion tea or coffee.

Gut Microbiome Balancing

Our microbiome is the sum of all the microbes in our body, forming a bacterial “fingerprint” that is unique to each of us. According to research in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine, researchers found that dandelion tea or coffee, in combination with mulberry, had the ability to restore balance to an imbalanced gut microbiome.

Kidney Stone Prevention

Research in the medical journal Urolithiasis found that a compound found in dandelion, known as taraxasterol, was able to break down stones and eliminate them from the urinary tract.

HOW TO USE ROASTED DANDELION ROOT COFFEE SUBSTITUTE

Add a tablespoon or two of the ground roasted dandelion powder to almond or coconut milk and a dash of stevia, blend and pour over ice for a delicious, natural and highly-therapeutic iced beverage. Alternatively, steep a tablespoon or two of roasted dandelion grounds in a cup of hot water for a hot dandelion coffee.
Dandelion is a natural diuretic so it is a good idea to take a break from it after a few weeks to prevent the loss of important minerals other than those contained in dandelion.

Revealed for the first time in 50 years: Churches at West Bank site where many believe Jesus was baptised are reopened after workers remove landmines from the area (21 Pics)

The religious site where many Christians believe Jesus was baptised has been accessed for the first time in five decades after thousands of landmines were cleared.
Churches in the 'land of the monasteries' in the Jericho-area wilderness were closed off for 50 years after the Six Day War in 1967. 
The site, known as Qaser al-Yahud, situated on the western bank of the River Jordan, is believed to be where John the Baptist baptised Christ. 
It is the third holiest site in the Christian world after the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. 
The area near Qasr Al-Yahud, a traditional baptism site along the Jordan River, near Jericho in the occupied West Bank, has been seen for the first time in fifty years
The prayer room of the Ethiopian church is covered in dust and rubble, although paintings remain on the walls as light shines through a cross hole in the wall 
Old candles inside the prayer room of the Ethiopian church at Qasr al Yahud baptism site, along with cross-designed cupboards 
Explosives that were found at Qasr al Yahud baptism site after the first 1,500 explosives were pulled from the dirt 
Eight church compounds, including one belonging to the Roman Catholic Church and seven Eastern Orthodox Churches were built in the 1930s, but were deserted when anti-tank mines and other explosive were laid around them. During the conflict the site was rigged with explosives to prevent gunmen hiding in the churches.  
Now, the contents of three of the churches can be seen for the first time after being cleared. The doors have been opened for the first time in decades, although only those with special access rights can get in at the moment because of the explosives.
As well as copies of Original life magazine, decades old paintings and artefacts were found.
At the crumbling, brick-and-concrete Ethiopian monastery on Sunday, a fading fresco of Jesus being baptised by John the Baptist could still be seen inside.
The interior of a deserted church showing a crumbling desk and paintings hanging on the walls, including one under a large cross 
Original life magazine from 1967 with a picture of the Israeli Defense Minister, Moshe Dayan is seen inside the Ethiopian church at Qasr al Yahud baptism site
Reuven Weismer from the Israel Mine Clearance Authority holds an original Life magazine from 1967 at the Ethiopian church at Qasr al Yahud
Old bottles are seen inside the Ethiopian church as de-mining workers clear 1,500 of a predicted 6,500 explosives from the area which was rigged during conflict
Signs hung on the walls with notifications that the location had been cleared of explosives.
A collection of pieces of mortars and other explosive remnants sat alongside a nearby roadside as a demonstration of some of what had been found.
Efforts to clear thousands of landmines and other ordnance around the site in the occupied West Bank has been ongoing since March.
Defense Ministry officials expect to find a further three thousand targets, consisting of anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines, and other explosive remnants of war 
The Ethiopian church at Qasr al Yahud baptism site where it is believed Jesus was baptised. Pilgrims used to visit the site before the conflict saw it surrounded by mines 
On Sunday, the first images of the church were released. This shows the outside of an Ethiopian church at Qasr al-Yahud in the occupied West Bank near the Jordan river
The interior of a deserted church includes chairs and tables which are covered in dust after abandonment for fifty years
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) has been found at the site by the de-mining groups working to make the area safe again
There are still thousands of mines laid around the site of the churches which are currently being assessed by specialist teams 
The majority of the mines were laid by Israeli forces after the country seized control of the West Bank in 1967 from Jordanian troops.
Other unexploded ordnance from both Israel and Jordan has remained lodged in the ground, including around the churches, which were evacuated by Israel in the 1970s.
Israel's control of the West Bank has never been recognised by the international community, which considers the land occupied Palestinian territory.
British de-mining charity Halo Trust and Israeli firm 4CI have cleared 1,500 of an estimated 6,500 mines.
The Ethiopian church at Qasr al-Yahud, which is the spot on the Jordan River where Jesus is believed to have been baptised
A detailed image under a wooden cross on the site of the abandoned church which has not been visited for fifty years 
The project to clear the area began in March and could continue for another year as authorities are hopeful the land of monasteries could once again attract visitors from all over the world
Work at the site just north of the Dead Sea is being overseen by Israel's defence ministry.
So far, 50 out of 250 acres have been cleaned up, and the initiative – described by Marcel Aviv, the head of the Mine Action Authority as challenging and complex – should be finished by the end of 2019.
The entire project is expected to cost 20 million shekels or £4.3million.
However, it is believed tens of thousands of people will benefit. Last year, 570,000 pilgrims visited a restricted part of the river bank, which was opened to the public in 2011. 
The work requires another eight months to a year to complete, said Moshe Hilman of Israel's defence ministry.
Mines and other ordnance have been cleared from Ethiopian and Greek Orthodox monastery sites as well as a Franciscan chapel, organisers said.
Bullet marks are seen on the columns inside the church while another can be seen far in the distance. Other grounds belonging to Russian, Syrian, Romanian and Coptic Orthodox churches
Other grounds belonging to Russian, Syrian, Romanian and Coptic Orthodox churches are yet to be cleared.
The plan once complete is to return the plots to the various church denominations and allow visits.
'The Halo Trust has reached a pivotal point in our work to clear the baptism site of landmines and other remnants of war,' the charity's CEO James Cowan said in a statement.
He added that 'we have completed clearance of the Ethiopian, Greek and Franciscan churches.' 
The Franciscan church at Qasr al Yahud baptism site is seen for the first time since 1967 during a combined operation of the Israeli sapper landmine authority and the HALO Trust organisation
The site is home to different church denominations, and access to the church plots and surroundings has been restricted since 1967
Three churches on the Qasr al Yahud baptism site were cleared of mines and there are four still to go. Defense Ministry officials expect to find approximately three thousand targets, consisting of anti-personnel mines, anti-tank mines, and other explosive remnants of war
A sapper landmine clearance personal belonging to the HALO Trust, walks during demining efforts next to an abandoned church at Qasr al Yahud baptism site