Women who look younger than their age usually follow these 10 surprising habits

 

Beyond the well-known anti-aging regimens, there are unique habits that can contribute to a vibrant, youthful spirit. So let us uncover ten surprising practices (we heard it from the horse’s mouth:-) of women who seem to never age. Let’s see if we can help you slow down the clock and embrace each year with vitality.

Letting Go of Emotional Clutter

Like cleaning a messy room, these women clear out emotional clutter. They let go of grudges, avoid unnecessary drama, and keep positive relationships. This helps reduce stress, which is a big factor in aging.

Playful Activities

Who says play is only for kids? Women who age slowly often make time for fun activities like dancing, painting, or playing music. These playful moments keep their minds sharp and spirits high, making them feel and look younger. Added to this, they spend time with the young. Take note.

Eating with the Sun

Instead of just fasting, they eat in sync with daylight. They have their meals during the day and avoid late-night snacks. This helps with digestion and keeps their metabolism running smoothly, contributing to their overall health and youthful energy. Is this something you do? If not, why not?

Spending Time in Nature

Known as “forest bathing,”, I came across this concept from a friend of mine Curline Adassa, she wrote us a feature—read it here. Spending time in nature is a favorite habit. It’s not just about being outdoors; it’s about soaking in the natural environment. This practice lowers stress, lifts moods, and rejuvenates the senses, which all help them look and feel young.

Laughing Exercises

Laughter yoga combines laughter with deep breathing. Make time for laughter yoga to reduce stress hormones, boost the immune system, and improve heart health. Plus, laughing just makes you feel good! SIMPLE.

Tiny Movements

Instead of long, hard workouts, they do small movements throughout the day. Simple things like stretching, balancing on one leg, or taking short walks keep their bodies flexible and reduce the impact of heavy exercise.

Personalized Scents

This one was novel for me: Scents can have a big impact on mood. These women use personalized aromatherapy, choosing scents that help them relax and feel good. Lavender, rose, and frankincense are some favorites that reduce stress and promote relaxation. Please try it, I have begun incorporating candles in my bathtime as well as before bed or anytime I am relaxing.

Healing Sounds

Sound healing uses vibrations from instruments like singing bowls. These sounds can help balance the body’s energy, reduce stress, and promote deep relaxation, all of which are key to staying young. Something to explore.

Mind-Body Workouts

Exercises that work the mind and body together, like tai chi or qigong, are part of their routine. These practices improve brain function, balance, and overall physical health, keeping them fit and sharp. Don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it!

Gratitude Journals

Writing down what they’re thankful for isn’t just a routine; it’s detailed and thoughtful. They reflect on positive experiences, visualize them, and feel the emotions. This deep sense of gratitude helps keep a positive outlook, which is important for aging well.

 

Hydration

Hydration is often overlooked but is crucial for youthful skin. Drinking plenty of water helps plump skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines. It also aids in flushing out toxins, giving your complexion a healthy glow. Let me get my refill now.

No Fast Food

“What you eat shows on your skin.” Skipping fast food in favor of nutrient-rich meals can do wonders for your complexion. It’s not just about avoiding unhealthy fats and sugars; it’s about nourishing your body from within for a youthful glow. (https://skyroots.in/how-your-eating-habits-affect-your-skin/)

Puzzles Keep Brain Sharp

“Keep your mind sharp, stay young at heart.” Puzzles aren’t just fun; they’re brain workouts. Regular mental stimulation, like solving crosswords or Sudoku, can help maintain cognitive function and keep your mind agile as you age.

Aging is a part of life, but how we age is up to us.

The real secret to aging slowly is not about fighting the process but embracing habits that make life joyful and balanced. Women who seem to never age or age slowly know that staying young isn’t just about how you look; it’s about how you live. By trying out these surprising habits, you can also start to feel and look younger. So, take inspiration from these women and start your journey to a vibrant, youthful life today.

Cottage cheese vs. eggs: Which has more protein?

 Cottage cheese and eggs are two popular options for people trying to increase their protein intake—but which one offers more per serving? Here’s how the two compare for protein, as well as other key nutrients, so you can decide which one is best for your health goals.

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Which Has More Protein?

When it comes to protein, eggs beat out cottage cheese:

• Eggs: 13.6 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving (about two fried eggs)
• Cottage cheese: 10.4 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving (just under a one-half cup of 2% cottage cheese)

However, both are high-quality, complete proteins, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, hormone production, and other critical processes.

If you’re looking to get the maximum amount of protein in your diet, eggs are your best bet. But don’t skip cottage cheese altogether—both options can help you hit your protein goals while supporting weight maintenance and blood sugar balance.

Nutritional Comparison: Cottage Cheese vs. Eggs

Nutrient (per 100g)	Eggs (cooked)	2% Cottage Cheese
Calories	196	81
Protein	13.6g	10.4g
Carbs	0.83g	4.76g
Fat	14.8g	2.27g
Sodium	207mg	308mg
Vitamin A	219mg	68mcg
B12	0.97mcg	0.47mcg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.49mg	0.25mg
Calcium	62mg	111mg
Choline	317mg	16.3mg
Phosphorus	215mg	150mg
Selenium	33.1mcg	11.9mcg
Zinc	1.39mg	0.51mg

Other Nutritional Benefits To Consider

Protein aside, both eggs and cottage cheese offer dense nutrient profiles full of health benefits.

Eggs are higher in choline, which is essential for brain health and metabolism. They’re also rich in vitamin A, B12, selenium, and zinc—and they’re packed with lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that support eye health and reduce the risk of age-related vision loss.

Cottage cheese is an option that’s both lower in calories and cholesterol and an excellent source of calcium, which supports bone and heart health. Like some other dairy products, cottage cheese also contains probiotics to promote gut health.

Which Is Right for Your Health Goals?

Cottage cheese and eggs are both protein-packed nutrient powerhouses, but depending on your individual needs, one may be a better choice than the other.

Goal or Dietary Preference	Best Pick
High-protein, low-carb diet	Eggs
Low-calorie diet	Cottage cheese
Low-sodium diet	Eggs
Cholesterol concerns	Cottage cheese
Lactose intolerance	Eggs
Focused on cholesterol	Cottage cheese
Brain health	Eggs
Gut health	Cottage cheese
Eye health	Eggs

Both eggs and cottage cheese are excellent protein options, but if you’re optimizing your diet for protein, eggs take the lead. Cottage cheese, on the other hand, offers a lighter, calcium-rich alternative if you’re keeping an eye on calories or cholesterol.

But don’t limit yourself—unless you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you don’t have to choose between eggs and cottage cheese—both are excellent high-protein, nutrient-rich options.

6 herbs proven to naturally lower cholesterol

 Herbal supplements like garlic and red yeast rice have been shown to help naturally lower cholesterol levels. Some may have less serious side effects than prescription medications.

1. Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice (RYR) is an herbal remedy that contains monacolin K. This chemical is chemically similar to lovastatin, a common cholesterol-lowering medication.

• How it works: Blocks the production of cholesterol in the body.
• Effects on cholesterol: Lowered low-density lipoprotein (e.g., "bad" cholesterol, or LDL) by 15% to 25% within two months—similar effect as low-dose statins (e.g., pravastatin, simvastatin, or lovastatin).
• Side effects: Headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, muscle cramps, and pain.
• Dosage studied: 200 to 2400 milligrams (mg) daily.
• Best for: An alternative to statins for people with mild or moderately high cholesterol levels.

Types of Cholesterol

• LDL: Can cause plaque build-up in the blood vessels of your heart (arteries), leading to heart disease or stroke.
• High-density lipoprotein (e.g., "good" cholesterol, or HDL): Protects the heart by transporting cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body.
• Total cholesterol: Sum of LDL and HDL.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a pungent spice that can boost heart health by lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and swelling (inflammation).

• How it works: Exact effect is unknown, but thought to be due to one of garlic's active ingredients, allicin.
• Effects on cholesterol: Reduced total cholesterol by 5% and LDL by 6% in people with high levels.
• Side effects: Upset stomach, nausea, rash, bad breath, body odor.
• Dosage studied: 600–2,400 mg per day of garlic powder.
• Best for: Preventing high cholesterol, or for people with mildly elevated cholesterol plus high blood pressure.

3. Guggulu

Guggulu is a yellow resin produced from the bark of Commiphora mukul trees that has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine.

• How it works: Helps remove cholesterol from the body.
• Effects on cholesterol: Reduced total cholesterol by 6.5% and LDL by 10%. Also reduced triglycerides (fats from dietary sources like butter and oils) and increased HDL.
• Side effects: Diarrhea, rash, headache.
• Best for: As a potential add-on to prescription medication, or for people seeking to prevent high cholesterol. Check with your healthcare provider before using any supplements, especially if you're on medication.

4. Artichoke

Like bergamot, artichoke is an important part of the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.

• Effects on cholesterol: Lowered LDL by 6 to 10%.
• Side effects: Stomach pain.
• Dosage studied: 500 to 1800 mg per day.
• Best for: People with mild or moderately high cholesterol who also have metabolic syndrome or fatty liver, or who are unable to take statins.

5. Black Cumin

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is a spice historically used to aid digestion.

• How it works: Blocks cholesterol production in the body.
• Effects on cholesterol: Lowered total cholesterol and may lower LDL, but more research is needed.
• Side effects: Nausea, bloating, and, rarely, changes in liver or kidney function.
• Dosage studied: 500 mg to 2 grams (g) per day.
• Best for: Consider as an add-on to prescription medicine until more data is available, but check with your healthcare provider first before using.

6. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb with a maple-syrup-like flavor that is commonly used to help control blood sugar or boost breastmilk production.

• How it works: Fibers in fenugreek bind to cholesterol, helping the body convert it into bile acids, which the body then removes.
• Effects on cholesterol: Reduced LDL by 7%.
• Side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), allergic reactions.
• Best for: People with mild or modestly high cholesterol who also have type 2 diabetes, since fenugreek also lowers blood sugar.

Herbal Supplements vs. Statins

• Statin medications are first-line therapy for treating high cholesterol. These medicines reduce the body's cholesterol production.
• Statins can lower LDL by up to 60%, making them much more effective than most herbal supplements.
• Because high cholesterol is associated with risks to your heart, discuss the use of herbal supplements with your healthcare provider before self-treating.

5 foods that can become harmful when reheated yet families still eat them

 Reheating leftovers is a routine part of daily life for many families, especially as busy schedules make it easier to rely on meals prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and warmed up later for convenience. While reheating food is often seen as harmless, nutrition experts and food safety researchers have found that certain foods can undergo chemical or bacterial changes when reheated improperly, increasing potential health risks. These changes are not always obvious in taste or appearance, which is why many people continue to eat these foods without realizing the possible consequences.

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The concern is not always about reheating itself, but rather how some foods react to temperature changes, storage conditions, and repeated exposure to heat over time. In some cases, reheating can allow harmful bacteria to grow, while in others it can trigger chemical reactions that reduce nutritional value or create compounds that irritate the digestive system. Understanding which foods are more vulnerable can help families make safer choices without drastically changing their eating habits.

Food safety specialists emphasize that awareness is the first step toward prevention, especially because many of the foods in question are staples found in homes around the world. By knowing which leftovers require extra care or should be avoided altogether when reheating, households can reduce unnecessary health risks while still enjoying the convenience of prepared meals.

Why Some Everyday Foods Become Risky After Reheating

Rice is one of the most commonly reheated foods, yet it is also one of the most frequently associated with foodborne illness when handled incorrectly. When cooked rice is left at room temperature for too long, bacteria such as Bacillus cereus can multiply and produce toxins that are not destroyed by reheating, even at high temperatures. This means that reheating rice does not necessarily make it safe if it was improperly stored beforehand.

Chicken is another household staple that can pose problems when reheated multiple times, particularly if it is not evenly heated throughout. Uneven reheating can allow bacteria to survive in cooler portions of the meat, increasing the risk of digestive discomfort or food poisoning. In addition, reheating chicken can alter protein structures, making it harder for some people to digest and potentially leading to stomach irritation.

Potatoes, especially when cooked and left wrapped in foil or stored improperly, can also become problematic after reheating. Under certain conditions, potatoes can harbor bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments, and reheating does not always eliminate these risks. This is why food safety experts recommend proper storage and caution when reheating leftover potatoes.

Hidden Risks Lurking in Common Leftovers

Pasta dishes, particularly those with creamy sauces, can be risky when reheated because dairy-based ingredients spoil more quickly and encourage bacterial growth. When pasta is reheated unevenly, sections of the dish may remain at temperatures where bacteria can survive, making the meal unsafe despite appearing hot overall. This risk increases when leftovers are reheated more than once over several days.

Spinach and other leafy greens are often considered healthy choices, but reheating them can lead to chemical changes that may cause discomfort for some people. Nitrates naturally present in spinach can convert into nitrites when reheated, which has raised concerns among researchers about potential long-term effects if consumed frequently. While occasional reheating may not be dangerous, repeated exposure can be a cause for concern.

Experts note that many of these risks are amplified by improper storage practices, such as leaving food out too long before refrigeration or storing it at inconsistent temperatures. Even foods that are generally safe can become hazardous if they are not cooled quickly, sealed properly, and reheated thoroughly. These hidden risks often go unnoticed because the food still looks and smells normal.

How Families Can Reheat Food More Safely

Food safety professionals stress that reheating does not have to be eliminated entirely, but it does require more mindful habits to reduce potential health risks. Ensuring that leftovers are cooled quickly after cooking, stored in airtight containers, and reheated only once can significantly lower the chances of bacterial growth or harmful chemical changes. These small adjustments can make a meaningful difference in everyday meal safety.

Using a food thermometer to confirm that reheated meals reach a safe internal temperature is another simple but effective step that many households overlook. This practice helps ensure that bacteria are destroyed during reheating, especially for dense or protein-rich foods like meat and rice. Paying attention to even heating can prevent many of the issues linked to reheated leftovers.

Ultimately, understanding which foods are more sensitive to reheating allows families to make informed decisions without sacrificing convenience. By being selective about what gets reheated and how it is stored, households can continue enjoying leftovers while minimizing unnecessary health risks that often go unnoticed in everyday routines.