North Koreas Mass Games

North Korea's famous mass games can be seen in close-up detail for the very first time - after a determined German photographer managed to convince communist party officials to grant him access to the national stadium. The incredible displays feature over 100,000 people in the performing complex routines that include tens of thousands of gymnasts synchronizing movements in line with a background of card-turners who create an ever-changing backdrop. The rapid changes of image sees one card exchanged for another in a swift and synchronized movement that takes hours of rehearsals and detailed choreography. 

Is Bacon Bad For You, or Good? The Salty, Crunchy Truth

Many people have a love-hate relationship with bacon. They love the taste and crunchiness, but are still worried that all that processed meat and fat may be harming them. Well, there are many myths in the history of nutrition that haven’t stood the test of time. Is the idea that bacon causes harm one of them? Let’s find out…

How is Bacon Made?

There are different types of bacon and the final product can vary between manufacturers. Bacon is most commonly made from pork, the meat from pigs, although you can also find “bacon” made from the meat of other animals like turkey. Bacon typically goes through a curing process, where the meat is soaked in a solution of salt, nitrates, spices and sometimes sugar. In some cases the bacon is smoked afterwards.

The curing is done in order to preserve the meat. The high salt makes the meat an unfriendly environment for bacteria to live in and the nitrates also fight bacteria and help the bacon preserve its red color. Bacon is a processed meat, but the amount of processing and the ingredients used vary between manufacturers.

Bacon is Loaded With Fats… But They’re “Good” Fats

The fats in bacon are about 50% monounsaturated and a large part of those is oleic acid. This is the same fatty acid that olive oil is praised for and generally considered “heart-healthy” (1). Then about 40% is saturated fat, accompanied by a decent amount of cholesterol.

But we now know that saturated fat isn’t harmful and cholesterol in the diet doesn’t affect cholesterol in the blood. Nothing to fear (2, 3). Depending on what the animal ate, about 10% are polyunsaturated fatty acids (mostly Omega-6). These are the “bad” fats in bacon, because most people already eat too much of them (4). However, if you choose bacon from pastured pigs that ate a natural diet, then this won’t be much of an issue. If your pigs are commercially fed, with plenty of soy and corn (like most pigs are), then the bacon may contain enough Omega-6 to cause problems.

Bacon is Fairly Nutritious

Meat tends to be very nutritious and bacon is no exception. A typical 100g portion of cooked bacon contains (5):

• 37 grams of high quality animal protein.
• Lots of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12.
• 89% of the RDA for Selenium.
• 53% of the RDA for Phosphorus.
• Decent amounts of the minerals iron, magnesium, zinc and potassium.

Bacon is also pretty high in sodium, which makes sense given how it is cured with sodium during processing. I personally think the risks of sodium are way overblown. Some studies show that excess sodium can elevate blood pressure and raise risk of heart disease, while other studies show that too little sodium leads to the opposite result (6, 7). If you’re already avoiding the biggest sources of sodium in the diet (processed, packaged foods) then I don’t think you need to worry about the amount of sodium in bacon. For healthy people who don’t have high blood pressure, there is no evidence that eating a bit of sodium causes harm (8).

Nitrates, Nitrites and Nitrosamines

Now that we know saturated fat, cholesterol and normal amounts of sodium are usually nothing to worry about, this leaves us with the nitrates. Apparently, some studies conducted by some scientists a long time ago linked nitrates with cancer. However, these studies have since been refuted (9). Nitrates aren’t some artificial compounds unique to bacon. Our bodies are loaded with them and the biggest dietary source is vegetables. Yes, vegetables are loaded with nitrates. Even our saliva contains massive amounts of them. These are compounds that are natural parts of human bodily processes.

There is some concern that during high heat cooking, the nitrates can form compounds called nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens (10). However, vitamin c is now frequently added to the curing process, which effectively reduces the nitrosamine content (11). The harmful effects of nitrosamines are outweighed by potential benefits, but dietary nitrates may also be converted to Nitric Oxide, associated with improved immune function and cardiovascular health (12, 13).

Other Potentially Harmful Compounds

When it comes to cooking meat, we need to find balance. Too much is bad, too little can be even worse. If we use too much heat and burn the meat, it will form harmful compounds like Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heterocyclic Amines – which are associated with cancer (14).

On the other hand, some meats may contain pathogens like bacteria, viruses and parasites. For this reason, we need to cook meat well enough to kill the bacteria. So cook your bacon properly. It should be crunchy, but not burnt.

What The Studies Say

There are concerns when it comes to bacon and other processed meats. Many observational studies do show a link between consumption of processed meat, cancer and heart disease. In particular, processed meat has been associated with cancer of the colon, breast, liver, lung and others (15, 16). There is also an association between processed meat and cardiovascular disease.

A large meta-analysis of prospective studies on meat consumption did show that while regular meat had no effect, processed meat was significantly associated with both heart disease and diabetes (17). Of course, those who eat processed meat are also more likely to smoke, exercise less and live an overall unhealthier lifestyle than people who don’t.

People who are eating processed meat in these studies may be eating them with pancakes, soft drinks or beer and might even have ice cream for dessert afterwards. Therefore, we can’t draw too many conclusions from these findings. Correlation does not equal causation.  

How to Make The Right Choices

As with most other types of meats, the quality of the final product depends on a lot of things, including what the animals ate and how the product was processed. The best bacon is from pasture-raised pigs that ate a diet that is appropriate for pigs.

If you can, buy bacon from local farmers that used traditional processing methods. If you don’t have the option of purchasing your bacon directly from the farmer, then eat supermarket bacon at your own risk. Generally speaking, the less artificial ingredients in a product, the better. You can buy nitrate free bacon, but I don’t think it’s worth the extra cost. Nitrates are probably harmless. If you want to make your own bacon, you can buy pork belly and then process or prepare the bacon yourself.

Take Home Message

There are several studies showing that bacon is linked to cancer and heart disease, but all of them are so-called epidemiological studies, which can not prove causation.  

10 Foods to Eat so You Never Have to Diet

Garlic 
This herb does more than just give meals extra flavor and scent--it can also help keep your tummy flat through its naturally occurring chemical allicin, says registered dietitian and Nutritious Life founder Keri Glassman. "Allicin kills off harmful bacteria in your digestive tract to keep your gut healthy and functioning, which means less bloat." Also, Korean researchers discovered that this member of the onion family may have an anti-obesity effect thanks to proteins being stimulated in the liver. Toss garlic in almost any poultry, pasta, or veggie dish, or add it to dressings and sauces.

Beans
When you're craving carbs, look no further than the legume family, says registered dietitian and food and nutrition consultant Rachel Begun. "Beans are unique in that they offer significant amounts of both fiber and protein in one package--one cup of black beans has a whopping 17 grams of fiber and 14 grams of protein. We're learning that fiber and protein are invaluable for weight management because both are highly satiating, meaning they leave us feeling full for longer and prevent overeating later in the day." A recent study published in the journal Obesity found that extracts from white kidney beans can reduce the absorption of calories from carbohydrates and tame sweets cravings, thanks to certain enzymes that inhibit starch digestion.

Pistachios
"In-shell pistachios are one of my go-to snacks for weight management," says Katherine Brooking, a registered dietitian and cofounder of Appetite for Health. A one-ounce serving has 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber, but their real power is felt more in your eyes than your stomach. "Needing to de-shell helps you munch more slowly, and the discarded shells may also provide a visual cue to remind you of how much you've eaten, which helps put the brakes on out-of-control snacking," adds Brooking. In fact, in a study conducted at Eastern Illinois University, participants who snacked on in-shell pistachios consumed 41 percent fewer calories compared to those who ate the shelled version.

Seaweed
Perhaps we should take tips from the Japanese, whose country has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world, says registered dietitian and Appetite for Health cofounder Julie Upton. One of their staples is wakame, a type of nutrient- and protein-rich seaweed. "Compounds isolated from wakame, [known as] fucoxanthin, have been shown to help increase fat burning in animal model studies," says Upton. "More studies are currently looking at other compounds in seaweed, like alginates, that form gels in the stomach to enhance feelings of fullness." Toss seaweed into soups and salads or use it instead of lettuce in wraps and sandwiches.

Jalapeños
Good news for those who like it hot. "Jalapeño peppers contain an antioxidant called capsaicin, which acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and metabolism booster," says Glassman. "Some studies have found that people who eat pepper-packed meals feel less hungry and burn more calories later." One such study conducted at Purdue University discovered that volunteers who infrequently consumed this spicy, nutrient-dense vegetable reaped more of its weight-loss benefits, a result of experiencing less hunger, especially for fatty, salty, and sweet foods. According to researchers, sprinkling red pepper on a meal "may be sustainable and beneficial in the long run, especially when paired with exercise and healthy eating." 

White potatoes
Who said all white foods are off-limits? "White potatoes are actually a slimming food," says Glassman. The reason: They're full of rich resistant starch, a compound that ferments in the gut and creates butyrate, a fatty acid that may spur your body to burn more fat. A study published in the journal Diabetes found that butyrate also improved insulin sensitivity and increased energy expenditure in mice.

Mangos
While these juicy stone fruits are naturally filling due to their fiber content--a medium one contains 3 grams--that's not the only reason they help peel off the pounds. "New research from Oklahoma State University indicates that mangoes may lower blood sugar, which can help to control cravings, especially for carbs, thus keeping your willpower intact," says Brooking. And good news: Since mangoes are grown in tropical climates all over the world, they're available year-round.

Yogurt
It's more than just a low-cal standby. "The calcium in yogurt may help lower calcitrol in the body, which helps turn on fat burning and turn down fat storage," says Brooking. "Plus, the beneficial probiotics in yogurt feed your gut, and we now know that gut microbes in those who are a healthy weight are different than in those who are obese." The way yogurt is made, which includes fermentation, also gives it higher concentrations of protein, B-vitamins, calcium, potassium, and magnesium compared to milk, making it the ultimate dairy food.

Avocado
More than 80 percent of the calories in avocados are from fat--but they're still incredibly good for you, says Upton. "Research shows that people who eat avocados have lower BMIs, and a recent study of overweight men and women found that adding avocados to lunch increased satisfaction by 22 percent. It also reduced desire to eat over the next three hours by 24 percent." The study authors suggest that the fiber, unsaturated fat content, and a blood-sugar-lowering sugar called D-mannoheptulose may play a role in helping steady blood sugar levels and keeping appetite in check.

Artichokes
These veggies are rich in fiber, with each medium-size one packing 6 grams. "Fiber is valuable if you're trying to lose weight because it actually slows digestion so that you feel full longer," says Glassman. "It also means more volume for fewer calories." And artichokes promote good gut health. They contain indigestible nutrients, called prebiotics, that help support the good bacteria in your digestive system, which can deflate belly bloat and flatten your tummy.

9 Weird Food Cures that Actually Work

Your Other Medicine Cabinet 
Way back when Hippocrates was telling his compatriots to "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food," he wasn't just talking about laying off the ancient Greek equivalent of Twinkies. Pretty much every day-to-day health ailment can be cured with a healthy diet. He knew it then, and we know it now--we just prefer to take the easy way out and reach for a pill bottle or make an appointment with an M.D. That gets expensive, not to mention inconvenient, especially when the answer for what ails you--whether it's PMS or a mild case of the blues--is no further than your refrigerator. 

1. Prevent PMS with pork 'n' beans. 
Both are rich in thiamine and riboflavin, two B vitamins that could prevent you from developing PMS, according to research from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. The study found that women who consumed 1.9 milligrams per day if thiamine and 2.5 milligrams of riboflavin per day had a 25 to 35 percent lower risk of developing PMS than women who consumed less, but they didn't see those same benefits when they took supplements. And pork and beans are your best sources of both vitamins. Eating a 3-ounce serving of the meat and a cup of cooked beans on a regular basis will provide you with the amount you need to keep those cramps away. 

2. Eat asparagus, prevent a hangover.
The leaves and shoots of this super-veggie contain enzymes that break down alcohol after heavy drinking, preventing a hangover, and even eating it the day after can tame one that is already making you miserable, according to Korean scientists. The best way to prevent a hangover, of course, is to avoid overindulging. Munch on some stalks before you head out or during your bar visit, though, and not only will you get the beneficial enzymes but your stomach will be full of food, which slows down your body's absorption of alcohol in the first place.  

3. Cure kidney stones with lemonade.
Kidney stones have become a more common health complaint than heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, according to figures released this year from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of people suffering from them has doubled in the past 13 years. If you fall into that crowd, start downing lemonade. Lemon juice has the highest levels of citrate of any citrus juice, and that citrate helps dissolve any calcium deposits that will eventually turn into kidney stones. Squeeze your own fresh lemons to make lemonade, or buy a commercial mix. Doctors say that you can get as much citrate as you need from regular old lemonade, without having to make your teeth curl by sucking on a raw lemon.  

4. Drink coffee, defeat depression.
Here's a disturbing stat: More than 10 percent of the U.S. population is now on expensive antidepressant medications. But researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health are wondering if a few cups of coffee couldn't render those drugs unnecessary. In a study published last year, they found that women who drank an average of four cups of coffee per day were 20 percent less likely to develop depression than people who didn't drink coffee, or any other caffeinated drinks, for that matter. Caffeine may protect the brain against certain neurotoxins that can cause depression, the authors wrote, or it could be nothing more than the energy lift you get from chronic, low-level exposures to the stimulant. Either way, drink up! And make sure your morning joe is certified organic. 

5. Ward off colds with yogurt.
Start bolstering your immune system for fall and winter by downing a cup of probiotic-rich yogurt every day. Those good bacteria strengthen your immunity and have been associated with a 42 percent lower risk of getting upper respiratory infections, such as colds. The strains of probiotics are found in fermented dairy products such as yogurt and kefir. And while you're downing those, lay off the excess sugar, antibiotics, and stress, all of which can kill good bacteria in your gut and make you more susceptible to cold-weather ailments.

6. Prevent weight gain with red wine.
As if you needed another reason to enjoy a good glass of red wine! Researchers from Purdue University have found that a compound called piceatannol found in red wine prevents or delays immature fat cells from developing into mature fat cells. Not a drinker? The same compound exists in the seeds and skin of red grapes and blueberries.  

7. Eat pomegranates to ward off sunburn.
Pomegranates are a rich source of ellagic acid, which can help protect your skin from UVA- and UVB-induced cell damage, according to research from the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Texas A&M University. Aim to get the health benefits of pomegranates from whole fruits, which are a more potent form of the skin-protecting acids than juices or supplements.

8. Beat back a headache with beef liver.
Plagued by migraines? You may be suffering from a liver deficiency. Beef liver is one of the best dietary sources of the B vitamin riboflavin, which has shown some promise in reducing the frequency of migraine headaches. Of course, the effective dose is 400 milligrams of riboflavin per day, far more than you'd get from a serving of liver (about 3 milligrams). So eat your riboflavin-rich beef with other foods high in the vitamin, including dairy products and vegetables, and consider taking a supplement if you're plagued by bad headaches.

9. Eat organic, heal...anything.
Diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's disease, infertility, obesity--there seems to be no end to the ill health effects attributed to the synthetic pesticides used on nonorganic food. And that's just on the adults who eat them. Pesticides have been linked to lower IQs and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, and there's some suspicion that pesticides on food may play a role in the development of autism. Then there's the planet: Organic farming sequesters more carbon from the atmosphere than chemical farming, and requires fewer greenhouse-gas-emitting petroleum-based fertilizers. So simply by looking for that telltale green-and-white USDA Organic seal, you're doing yourself and the planet a world of good. 

Five Health Benefits of Giving to Others

Want to improve your health almost instantly? Then try giving up your seat on the bus, help out at the local food pantry, or lend a hand on that D.I.Y. project your elderly neighbor has been working on for far too long. Doing so can put you on the path to better health.

Volunteering—being of service to others without expecting anything in return—is good for boosting spirit and soul, not to mention building up those good karma reserves. What most people don’t realize is that such altruistic behaviors reward the giver with physical benefits too—making service to others a health-boosting behavior. What’s in it for you? Take a look:

1. You’ll Protect Yourself Against Depression

When you volunteer, social connection, interaction, and cooperation are part of the deal. By working cooperatively with others, not only do you flex your mental muscles and polish up your interpersonal skills, but you’ll expand your live social network—not just your virtual one. This social growth helps reduce isolation, which in turn helps cut the risk for depression. In short—more connection, less depression. (Take that, Facebook.)

2. You’ll Get a Bit of a Drug-Free High

With selfless service often comes the volunteer’s version of the runner’s high. For many people, performing charitable acts, volunteering, or even simply writing a check to support a good cause can trigger the release of the feel-good hormone oxytocin into the bloodstream. The results? A naturally induced reduction in anxiety levels, less stress-triggered cortisol circulating throughout the body, and generally more positive feelings toward yourself and your fellow man. In other words, volunteering is feel-good time for you and a helping hand for someone in need—everybody wins.

3. You Can Expect to Live Better, Healthier, and Longer

While the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, recent studies point to some very interesting, health-enhancing side effects of giving to others. Topping the list: lower mortality rates and lower risk of blood-pressure problems. Researchers have also seen reductions in the symptoms of heart disease and chronic pain, as well as boosted immunoglobulin A levels (which enhances immune function). 

4. You’ll Rock That Beachwear Like Never Before

While neighborly acts and volunteering is by no means a replacement for Zumba class, chances are, your service to others will literally keep you on your toes—and off your duff. Going out into the world to volunteer will help put some distance between you and the computer/tablet/TV screens that keep you dangerously inactive for hours at a time. 

The increased physical activity, subtle as it may seem, will give back to your body such benefits as better circulation, better cardiovascular health, and reduced risk of premature death. It may even help keep you trim enough to hit the beach next summer in a two-piece bathing suit, so get an altruistic move on! 

5. You’ll Feel Good All Over—and Be Healthier for It

When United Healthcare/Volunteer Match did an online survey of more than 4,500 frequent, regular volunteers, the overwhelming majority reported significant positive impact on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Feelings of happiness, well-being, less stress, better physical health, and hopefulness went hand-in-hand with volunteering, as did better sleep and reductions in chronic pain—making service to others a particularly healthful activity for seniors.

While there’s little downside to being a good neighbor, as with most things, balance is key. By all means, do your best, just not to the point where the activity adds to your stress, becomes an unpleasant obligation, or starts to burn you out. Take selflessness too far, you’ll undo the positive side effects and potentially undermine your health—so remember to keep your kindness within reason, so that both giver and recipient get the best of you.

10 Healthy Ways to Get Your Midday Food Fix

Snacks can either be a healthy eater’s dream or downfall. On one hand, between-meal eats can keep your metabolism revved up and rolling, but on the other, if you choose the wrong ones, they can easily do your eating regimen a disservice. That’s why it’s all about your healthy choices. The best snack is an appetizing and satiating one, ideally containing a protein, fiber, calcium, or antioxidants, and a number of different options can keep you satisfied while also keeping you slim.

Now, back away from the Cheetos and get ready to go grocery shopping. We’re throwing 10 examples of sensible snacking choices your way, because if you’re going to snack in between meals, you might as well keep it clean.  

10. Get Nutty

Perhaps one of the best snack choices out there is a simple handful of nuts. Don’t make the mistake of believing that nuts can’t fill you up. In fact, they promise the opposite — and that’s thanks to their high fiber content. On top of that, nuts are also full of healthy fats and vitamins, and 23 almonds only yield 162 calories, according to Self.

Or, if you prefer a combination of savory and sweet, try a handful of nuts and dry fruit. We’re talking 1 tablespoon of peanuts and 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries. Don’t knock it until you try it, and we know that it doesn’t sound like a lot, but trust us, nuts are satiating enough to make you feel satisfied with just one handful. Sometimes, less is more. 

9. Go for Yogurt

Another satiating snack is that of yogurt, whether it’s plain or of the Greek variety. Self, Womens Health and Real Simple all highlight yogurt as a healthy snack choice for all — as long as you keep your portions in control and your toppings to a minimum. Eight ounces of plain yogurt yields 110 calories and 0 grams of fat. This mix helps keep you satisfied throughout the day, so you don’t find your hand reaching itself into the cookie jar. What’s more, yogurt comes with calcium to boot, so there you go doing your body another favor.

If you want to go the Greek yogurt route, that’s fine too, just remember to practice portion control. Real Simple recommends low-fat Greek yogurt with chopped walnuts and honey, while Women’s Health is going for 1 cup of raspberries with 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey. Both sound like good options to us. 

8. Veggies + Dip 

Keeping it classic, a snack of veggies and dip is always a good option, too, because when in doubt, go for the foods that are the least processed and also the freshest if possible. Also, if you’re a fan of eating more rather than less, this snack is for you, as veggies are low in calories so your portion sizes can be bigger. Take carrots for example. Eat a cup of the orange things and pair it with 2 tablespoons of hummus. The fiber in the veggies will keep you full, and the hummus, whether homemade or store bought, will take the seemingly boring snack and give it a kick.

You can also always go for celery and hummus, or baby tomatoes, raw peppers, etc. The possibilities are endless, and you never lose when you eat real food. 

7. Fruit + Peanut Butter

We’re staying in the produce aisle for this next snack too, because like we said before, when it comes to sensible snacking, the fewer number of ingredients on an ingredient list the better. Luckily, fruits like apples and bananas only have one ingredient. We’ll let you do that math on your own.

For some, one banana, apple, or pear is perfectly satisfying for a snack, but for others, they need fruit plus a little something with a higher fat content to stay satiated. Enter: peanut or almond butter, otherwise known as the nutty nectar of the gods. Nut butters have a high healthy fat content, and just one tablespoon is enough to fill you up when paired with an apple, banana, or even celery. Stay mindful of your portion sizes when you have this snack, as nut butters are high in calories, but as long as you stick to one piece of fruit and one tablespoon of nut butter, it’s all good. 

6. Cheese, Fruit, and Dark Chocolate

Next up is another snack combination highlighted by Real Simple that will satisfy all of your cravings. Cheese, fruit, and dark chocolate: is there anything better? Especially in the middle of the day, this snack provides the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Real Simple recommends that you pack one piece of low-fat cheese, a small peach, and a piece of dark chocolate for your healthy snack throughout the week. Thanks to a variety of flavors, and the fat from the cheese coupled with the caffeine and sugar from the chocolate, you’ll feel perfectly satisfied (and sad) when this snack is over. 

5. Smoothie

Or, if you don’t want to chew your snack, you can simply drink it and get your nutrients all in one sip. That’s where the snack time smoothie comes in, loaded either with fruits or veggies, depending on your cravings. You can either go the green smoothie route (spinach and banana) or stick to the natural sugars with an orange berry smoothie. Here are recipe examples for both of them. Consult your snack tooth and you decide. 

4. Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal is also a good snack option if you hit midday and you’re craving a comforting bowl of carbs. At only 150 calories for a half cup, oatmeal doesn’t have to only be a breakfast option, and what’s more, it’s full of antioxidants and has been shown to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar, so this is really a snack you don’t need to feel guilty about. Real Simple agrees. It says to have a small bowl of plain oatmeal with fresh berries and a splash of milk next time you need an afternoon pick-me-up. 

3. Hard-Boiled Egg

Or, get your omega-3s with eggs, because eggs are another breakfast food that does not only have to be consumed in the morning. These babies come loaded with protein, vitamins, and healthy fat, and they’ll keep you satiated for hours. Now, we’re not telling you to have a full Eggs Benedict breakfast the next time the clock hits 3 p.m., but a hard-boiled egg with salt and pepper — now that’s something we can get behind. 

2. Lunch Meat Rollups 

Coming in at No. 2, believe it or not, is our first mention of a snack that involves meat. That’s just proof that meat is not the only kind of food that provides satiation. But still, some consumers still crave that afternoon protein, and that’s where this snack idea for lunch meat rollups come in. Next time you have a midday meat craving, grab two slices of deli turkey and have it alongside a small cup of grapes. Sure, it’s no sandwich, but it’s also not lunch time, and this satiating snack will hold you over until your next meal. 

1. Avocado Toast

Last but not least, a final snack that involves an especially popular fruit: avocado. That’s right, you can have avocado as a snack, too, because it is chock full of healthy fat, fiber, and vitamins. However, as is the case with peanut butter, do keep in mind the high calorie content of avocados, and once again, watch your portion sizes. In order to make sure you don’t over-do it, take Self’s lead. It says to have 1 Wasa Multigrain Crispbread topped with 1 tablespoon avocado and 1 tablespoon of hummus as your morning or afternoon snack. Trust us, a little avocado goes a long way. In addition, if you’re not in the mood for crackers, you can try a half piece of whole grain toast. That works, too. Happy snacking!

22 Surprising Uses of Salt

Health experts sometimes call it white poison, or white killer and you know that eating too much salt is unhealthy for you… But is it? Salt has all kinds of uses around the house! From the beauty routine to cleaning, salt can really come in help.

Soothe puffy eyes

Soak a cloth in one cup warm water that has a half teaspoon of salt dissolved in it to make a compress for tired eyes.

Exfoliate

After a shower or bath, use plain old salt to slough off dead skin from your dry areas like your knees, elbows, feed or.

Homemade facial

Mix one part salt with one part olive oil and massage into your face and neck. Wash off with water and soap and admire your glowing skin.

Salt Scrub

Combination of a coarse salt with a little bit of olive oil will do your favorite essential oils for a decadent salt scrub.

White teeth

A mixture of one part salt and two parts baking soda can not only whiten your teeth but help promote healthy gums by getting rid of built up plaque. This mixture is very abrasive for using daily, so do this treatment only occasionally.

Relax in a salt bath

A couple of salt cups in the tub help relax your sore muscles. You can increase the ante by adding some soothing essential oils.

Fight Dandruff

Who needs dandruff shampoo packed with chemical? Before your next shower, massage your head with salt to remove those dead skin cells and then wash your hair with your usual shampoo.

Make a Bath Bomb

Check out the recipe for homemade bath bombs with Epsom salts instead of shelling out big bucks for all natural bath bombs.

Cleaning Brass

Combine one cup each of white flour, salt and white vinegar. After you scrub the brass with it, let it sit for 20 minutes, then wipe off with a damp cloth.

Get Grease out of Carpet

Mix one cup salt with four cups alcohol to gently scrub grease out of carpets and rugs.

Stop Wine Stains

Did you spill the glass of red all over the rug or tablecloth? Blot up what you can with a rag and then pour on the salt to soak up the remaining drops. When the salt is dry, rinse it with cold water and vacuum.

Get Rid of Condensation Rings on Wood

Add a little bit of salt to light oil, such as sunflower oil and gently massage away those ugly white rings left from cold glasses.

Make Long Lasting Sponges

Soak the sponge in cold water with a handful of salt to prolong and extend its life.

Clean Your Iron

Is your iron a bit sticky? Sprinkle some salt onto a piece of paper and iron over it on low to clean it off.

Clean the Fish Tank

Non iodized salt is a great scrub for the inside of your fish tank. Just be sure to rinse it well before refilling. Do not forget to use non iodized salt.

Prevent Weeds

Are you noticing weeds popping up between your patio tiles? Pour salt into those crevices to keep them away naturally.

Clean Greasy Pans

Slice one lemon in half, sprinkle on some salt, and marvel at the grease cutting power.

Get Out Tea and Coffee Stains

Is your favorite mug looking a little dirty? Rub the tea or coffee stains with salt to buff them away.

Clean the Fridge

Next time you clean out your fridge, use a mixture of seltzer and salt to scrub the inside. This scrub will remove grease and stains and cut odors at the same time.

Deodorize Kitchen Sink

Pour one cup salt and one half cups boiling water down the kitchen sink for busting up small clogs and busting odors.

Scouring Cutting Boards

You can use the half lemon for greasy pans to clean your cutting board.

Get the Tarnish off of Silverware

To make your silverware shiny again scrub with a dry rag and salt.