Foods We Should Be Careful Eating Raw

While some foods jeopardize our health after being processed, others are downright dangerous by nature. You’ve probably heard that raw seafood, beef, and undercooked hamburgers increase the risk of contracting foodborne diseases. If you still want to eat some delicacies, it’s imperative that you understand their liabilities. Consuming these seemingly innocent foods can pose a threat to our precious health. Beware!

Raw Eggs

Sure, eggs are some of the healthiest meals. They give us vital nutrients with outstanding health benefits. Cooked or raw, they provide the same nutritional value. Nevertheless, raw eggs have a higher risk of Salmonella infection. Salmonella is a pathogenic bacterium that can cause food poisoning. Moreover, raw eggs reduce the absorption of proteins. In fact, the protein in cooked eggs is more digestible than in raw eggs. Also note that raw eggs contain a protein known as avidin, which completely blocks the absorption of biotin.

Undercooked/Raw oysters

Eating raw oysters is one way of ruining your summer. Oysters are more likely to have vibrio vulnificus bacterium if harvested on a bay or in warm waters. The bacterium is not as life-threatening as we think but it can give you symptoms related to food poisoning. This illness, known as vibriosis, will make us vomit and have diarrhea. Despite the fact that many people tend to buy oysters from online shops like Oysters XO, they still make sure that they enjoy this delicacy only after they have boiled it. This way, they can enjoy the food without being concerned about food poisoning.

Apple Seeds

An apple every day keeps a doctor away. However, the small black seeds inside this healthy fruit have a different story. Most of us avoid the seeds due to their bitterness. What you may not know is that they contain a dangerous compound known as amygdalin. If we crush or chew the apple seeds, the amygdalin releases hydrogen cyanide which is deadly in high doses. If we take 0.2mg – 1.6 mg of cyanide per every pound of our mass, we might experience paralysis, coma, lung failure, heart complications, or severe poisoning. In worst cases, hydrogen cyanide causes death. Still, lower amounts of cyanide can cause mild symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, headache, and stomach cramps. Children are especially more vulnerable.

Rhubarb Leaves

The stalks of rhubarb are highly nutritious. They are commonly served with baked foods and pies. That notwithstanding, we should avoid rhubarb leaves. They have oxalate, a substance that’s highly poisonous if consumed in large quantities.

False Morel

This is a type of mushroom which, when eaten raw, passes on gyromitrin, a lethal toxin that denatures our red blood cells. Some people argue that false morels are safe when cooked but it’s advisable not to eat. Gyromitrin is converted into monomethylhydrazine (a chemical used in rocket engine) in the gut. Imagine having rocket fuel in our gut!

Cassava

Cassava is a staple for most gluten-free cuisines. On the contrary, its root is totally unsafe when consumed raw. It houses cyanogenic glycosides which are converted to cyanide in our digestive tract. We must be careful when preparing cassava. We should always remove the root part. Cyanide is known to impair nerve and thyroid functions. It is also related to paralysis. Cyanide poisoning is a big concern for people with poor nutrition. If we don’t have sufficient proteins in our body, it may be difficult to get rid of cyanide.

Non-Organic Produce

In truth, non-organic agricultural produce is laden with pesticides. We should strive to get vegetables and fruits that have been grown organically. We should know our growers before we buy peaches, berries, celery, spinach, cucumbers, grapes, tomatoes – name them. We should ask questions about the source of food before we purchase.

A lot of people think that they make the wisest food choices only to find out that they are putting their health at a risk. From now henceforth, we should be informed consumers and avoid dangerous eating habits. The aforementioned foods deserve a side-eye.

Continue Reading

Modern Ways to Update Your Interior Walls

There are plenty of ways we can improve our interior walls whether they are made of plaster, drywall, brick, or panels. From wall treatments, natural stone, molding, and wallpapers, it is possible to prep the walls for a complete makeover in no time. If you are focusing on the outside of your home as well, you may want to check out faux stone panels for exterior to see how you can flow the inside with the outside, just a thought! Here are our best suggestions on how to enhance the interior walls.

Texture is all about going bold

When it comes to the choice of colors, we have millions of options at our disposal. Paint, for instance, is easier to change by adding texture. The only thing you’d need to do is search for “house painter near me” and hire someone who you think can add texture to the walls as you desire.

While caramel tan looks nice, it can give a room a new dimension when combined with a textured panel or faux painting. There has been a growing trend of textured walls since homeowners discovered that they take countless aesthetic forms with bold geometric layouts and fine linen. The greatest stronghold of using textures is their ability to spark a dramatic ambiance in any space without changing the architectural details, flooring, or furnishings.

Textured wall paneling comes in sheets that are embedded on the wall and painted. The panels are available in varied colors but we have seen many people leaving them white. But bold textures can bring a unique aesthetic to an interior wall.

Touchable textures are good but a subdued appearance is a desirable aspect of any room. It allows the walls to harmonize with the room décor rather than compete with it. Walls that seem to have textures of varying palettes and highlights can be attained through faux painting. It is possible to attain a unique look on every wall depending on the chosen colors and the application pressure that has been used. An accent wall can envelop space in a distinct texture.

Artwork

We have all come across walls looking like artwork. These are often courtesy of texture techniques like trompe l’oeil, patterns, and painting murals. Trompe l’oeil is the painting of scenes and pictures that give an illusion of realism and texture. The technique adds an element of depth and character to a wall, changing the space dramatically. Such walls look like a perfect work of art and can be done by interior designers and professional artisans. Some DIY murals and modern wallpaper for walls can also be used to mimic hand-painted designs on a wall.

A large-scale art can command attention in a room. It is also a good idea for setting the tone of a smaller space. A classic black and white picture in a minimalist house looks ideal. A vibrant abstract piece may be included to add color. A bold neon light from somewhere like Neon Mama in a basement/man cave/games room injects fun and personality into a chill space. Nothing shows the personality of a house more than a gallery wall. A collection of images and art displayed on a wall speaks a lot about the owner of the house. A simple cohesive frame and ornate designs can help to mix things up. The gallery wall may be extended to the ceiling to bring an illusion of more space.

Breaking up monochrome

Monochromatic colors are easy to break with texture without creating a dull look. Good examples of materials for breaking the monotony are joint compound, wall panels, and fabrics. The room will still have its unified color scheme but attain a new personality without much effort.

Natural stone

A while ago, we used to view the natural stone as an archaic design element that brings a cold aura to a modern house. But today, we have embraced decorative natural stones in our contemporary living spaces. Surprisingly, they do not derange the harmonic and simple appeal that we need for interiors. All that is needed is a bit of creativity to make stone pieces on the walls a focal point. While the installation of stone pieces can be tricky, it can give a visually striking texture. Too much should be avoided though. In a small room, natural stone can be installed in a portion of the wall to give a desirable effect without creating a cramped up appearance.

To avoid a cold look, stone walls are best matched with knitted floor cushions, wool, fur, cashmere, and textures. We encourage warm hues e.g. red, orange, and yellow to make cool interiors more inviting. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity to give distinct impacts on natural stone walls. For instance, normal bulbs can be replaced with LED lights for a dramatic effect.

Textures, artwork, and natural stones are a great way to reimagine the interior walls. No matter the interior décor, there is always an option meant to fit well into a room.

Continue Reading