Have you ever found yourself dumping all your fruits and vegetables on the same kitchen rack? Are you tired of tossing out your produce before their time? Then you are not alone. Throwing out fruits and vegetables before their time isn’t just about money but also food wastage. However, the secret to keeping your groceries fresher might not be about how you store them – but who they’re stored with. Some foods don’t belong together – thanks to ethylene gas – and can spoil their counterparts. Wondering what food pairs are yay and which are nay? Let’s find out six common food duos you should never store together if you want to keep your produce and pantry staples at their best. Also Read:Should You Eat Fruits Before Or After A Meal?
Photo Credit: iStock
Here Are 6 Food Pairs That Shouldn’t Be Stored Together
1. Apples and Bananas
The most unexpected fruit combination, while apples and bananas are delicious together in desserts, storing them side by side is a recipe disaster. This is because apples release ethylene gas which amps up the ripening process of bananas. This means your bananas can go from perfectly yellow to brown and mushy in no time. For maximum freshness, keep bananas on the counter while storing apples in a separate spot like a fridge. Trust us, your fruit bowl will thank you.
2. Onions and Potatoes
Have you ever wondered why onions and potatoes – two staples in Indian cuisines – are not stored together in one place? Well, this is because the moisture and gases released by potatoes can onions to sprout and spoil faster. Onions, on the other hand, can make potatoes soft and mushy. To avoid this double spoilage of your produce, make sure to store it in a cool, dry place – separate from one another.
3. Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Yes, both can be stored in the fridge but make sure not to store them together. Tomatoes and cucumbers are a classic salad combo, but not a great one when it comes to storage. Tomatoes produce ethylene gas, which can make the cucumbers go soft and slimy quickly. To keep both fresh, store tomatoes at room temperature and cucumbers in the fridge. Keep them together only while cooking or whipping up a great salad.
Photo: iStock
4. Bananas And Other Fruits
As mentioned above, bananas are a powerhouse of ethylene, so storing them with other fruits can lead to fast spoilage of your produce. Fruits like berries, avocados, and apples spoil quickly when compared to bananas. The solution? Store bananas in their own fruit basket, away from the rest of your fruit stash.
5. Garlic And Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like coriander, basil, and parsley are delicate and highly absorbent, which makes storing them near pungent foods like garlic a big no. Garlic’s strong aroma can overpower your herbs, ruining their flavour and freshness. Keep your garlic in a cool, dry place and your herbs wrapped in a damp paper towel in the fridge. This way, it’ll stay fresh for longer.
6. Apples And Carrots
Storing apples and carrots may seem harmless, but it’s not ideal. Apples release ethylene gas which can make carrots lose their crunch. This will make carrots limp instead of crisp that they are. To avoid this, store apples in the fridge’s vegetable drawer and carrots in a separate bag or container. Both will stay fresh and crisp for long.
Also Read: Eat These 7 Calcium-Rich Fruits To Ensure Healthy Bones And Teeth
A while ago, I saw a video on TikTok from an influencer that absolutely sent my brain into a spiral.
SamDoll, who is the influencer, went on a rant about how she bought the Oura Ring Gen 3 and absolutely hated it. Her rant was infuriating and actually really upset me because not only was she speaking without much knowledge about the actual ring, but she also has the capability of influencing her nearly one million followers.
While she did make some accurate points in her video, I genuinely did not agree with what she was saying for the most part. It made me realize how important it is that I reiterate to you, our valued readers, how important it is to not get sucked into what regular, everyday influencers say about tech products.
More importantly, as you spend your hard-earned money on products this Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, then you should be looking to read reviews from trusted sites like Android Central. If you are keen on listening to what influencers say, then you should follow tech influencers who take particular interest in providing the best information that is relevant to help you understand products.
On that note, the Oura Ring Gen 3 is the wearable that pretty much kicked off the smart ring craze, and its best style is currently up to $100 off depending on the color you want, making it a good alternative if you want a great smart ring without breaking the bank.
Why being accurate when you make rants is important
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
One of the main points that SamDoll makes in her video is how the ring keeps telling her a lot of information that she doesn’t understand, and she also claims that the ring isn’t doing the job right.
In one example, she complains about how she felt like she had a horrible night’s sleep, but when she woke up, the ring indicated her Readiness Score (but she inaccurately calls it recovery) was at 80 percent.
What SamDoll didn’t include in this portion of the video is what the Oura Ring Readiness score is and what it is based on:
“Your Readiness Score reflects how balanced your recovery and activity are. It looks at your sleep quality, body signals, and activity levels to show how prepared you are to take on the day,” according to the Oura website. It is not just based on how well you sleep. Even if you had poor sleep, your body throughout the day could have recovered well.
When you do not express to your nearly one million followers what the ring actually is collecting and how it contributes to the overall score, you’re providing inaccurate information because they’re not getting the whole picture.
It deters a user from wanting to buy something because they trust what you are saying. That is why it is important to ensure you, our valuable reader, are going to trusted sources who take a lot of time to test products to give you the information you need.
Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC’s worldwide device trackers, reiterated the importance of experience.
“Advice from experts is simply more valuable and enlightening and consumers should focus on that. However, the reality is that anyone with a loud enough voice can make or break a product, so it’s in companies’ best interest to also collaborate with influencers outside of tech,” he said.
The Oura Ring is not for fitness, it is for your health
(Image credit: Oura)
SamDoll, later in her video, expresses her distaste for how the ring doesn’t automatically detect her workout, and when she plugged her workout into the ring app, it didn’t provide her with accurate information on how many calories she burned.
In the initial stages of the Oura Ring, which, in my experience, is the gold standard of smart rings, it took a while for the ring to actually detect and accurately provide workout information.
That since has changed and is incredibly accurate. Android Central’s managing editor, Derrek Lee, has noted how the ring is great at detecting common activities like walking and running. He had expressed to me about a time when he went out with friends dancing, and the ring, later on, indicated that he had some activity and labeled it as dancing, something it has accurately deduced on more than one occasion.
While he often manually tracks workouts with the ring, it will sometimes automatically detect more ambiguous activities like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and yoga.
But that being said, I don’t actually think the Oura Ring is for fitness; rather, it’s meant to be an overall health tracker and monitor. I think the purpose of the ring is to help you understand your body, and as such, I actually think it would be better paired with another wearable like an Android smartwatch if your desire is to monitor fitness.
Ubrani agrees, adding that a smart ring is a “replacement for the health-related aspects of smartwatches.”
The biggest problem with the Oura Ring
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
While SamDoll made a lot of claims in her video that I did not agree with—and there were more than what I detail in this article—I did agree with her on one major point.
She expressed how the Oura Ring is already an expensive device (starting at US$299), which it is. But to top it off, if you really want the best experience with the ring, you need to pay an additional $5.99 before tax per month for the subscription service. Granted, the subscription service does come with a lot of features like the following:
Integration with third-party health and wellness apps like Strava
Advanced temperature monitoring
Blood Oxygen Sensing (SpO2)
Cardiovascular Age
Cardio Capacity (VO2 Max)
Cycle Insights
Daytime Stress
Dynamic activity goals with Automatic Activity Detection
Oura Labs
Pregnancy Insights
Resilience
Weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly, and anniversary reports
But that’s a lot of money, especially when no other company that produces a smart ring requires an additional paid subscription to enjoy the ring (even Amazfit got rid of its subscription for the Helio Ring). Basically, all the most useful Oura Ring features are hidden behind a paywall.
I strongly urge Oura to rethink this idea, as it can also be a deterrent for users who may consider buying a smart ring. That said, Oura explains that it does this because it uses the money to invest in its features and its technology. This is why we see the ring constantly getting new features, even years after the Gen 3 launched.
Oura is the gold standard for smart rings
(Image credit: Oura)
Oura has been around for many years, and we do know that the company strives to do more to help people with their health, which it has proven with the newer and excellent Oura Ring 4.
Like me, Ubrani also agrees that the ring is the gold standard for smart rings only because the company has done a “great job in offering a very polished and well-rounded experience for users, which in turn has set a high bar for competition.”
Oura has been able to do this only because they had a massive lead up in the market, also providing them much more time to refine the experience of the ring.
But more importantly, I think, in general, if you’re going to buy something during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, try to do more homework than just relying on one creator.
There are two types of people – one who loves olives and the other who despises it. This article is for both. Let’s talk about olives – those tangy little flavour bombs that amp up everything from pizzas to pasta. But many of us are guilty of discarding them. This fruit (yes, it’s not a vegetable) is a zesty addition to your dishes and is certainly more than just a topping. Why, you ask? Because of the numerous health benefits that they provide! Whether you snack on them straight, toss them into salads or sprinkle them over your homemade pizzas, olives are a health booster you didn’t know you needed. Want more convincing on why you shouldn’t pick out olives from your dishes? Read on to know why!
Also Read: Olive Oil For Massage: Here’s How This Wonder Oil May Benefit Your Hair And Skin
Photo Credit: iStock
Here Are 5 Health Benefits Of Olives
1. They Are Good For Your Heart
Olives are like a huge hug for your heart. This is because they are packed with monosaturated fats and polyphenols which can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in your body. As per a 2022 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, replacing animal fats – such as butter, cream, and mayonnaise – with olive oil may have a significant health benefit. In fact, people who used more than ½ tablespoon of olive oil daily in their diet had a 19 per cent lower risk of demise from heart disease. So, go ahead! Consume olives and your heart will thank you.
2. Essential For A Healthy Skin
Olives are a powerhouse of antioxidants! Why? Since they are packed with vitamin E and polyphenols, olives can keep free radicals at bay while reducing oxidative stress. According to a 2009 study published in Clinics in Dermatology, consuming olive in the form of extra virgin oil can help improve skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema while moisturising the skin. What does that mean for you? Healthier and glowing skin!
3. Keeps Your Tummy Happy
Do you have stomach issues? Then bid them farewell! Olives have a high fibre content so they can keep your digestion smooth and gut happy. As per a 2022 research paper, fibre helps regulate bowel movements, and the antioxidants present in olives can help reduce inflammation in your digestive tract. So, keep your digestive system happy by incorporating olives into your diet.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Makes Your Bone Stronger
Not just digestive and skin benefits, but olives can boost your bone health too! According to a 2014 research paper published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, the plant compound present in olives can help prevent bone density and osteoporosis – two conditions that become pretty prevalent with age. Moreover, the small amount of calcium and vitamin K in olives adds to its benefits.
5. Keeps Weight In Check
Yes, olives can be packed with calories but they are still a smart snack. The healthy fats and fibre present in them can keep you fuller for longer, helping curb those mid-afternoon cravings. Plus, the monosaturated fats present in them can boost your metabolism and boost fat loss. So, the next time you choose to eat that bag of chips, think about it consciously and swap it for a handful of olives.
Also Read: What is the Difference Between Olive Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Are you convinced about eating olives happily? Check out these easy recipes to try at home.
Week 4 of the NFL season is just around the corner, and football is in full swing. As always, surprises abound. Teams that were expected to struggle are off to hot starts, while some potential Super Bowl contenders sit at 0-3 or 1-2.
Fantasy football has been equally unpredictable, and Week 4 promises more of the same. After a less-than-stellar showing last week with our sit suggestions, we’re confident in this week’s picks of players to avoid in your starting lineup.
1. Anthony Richardson, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Richardson has struggled with consistency, completing only 50% of his passes so far this season. Over the last two weeks, he’s totaled just 21.94 half-PPR points, a sharp drop from his impressive 31.08 points in Week 1. This week, he faces a tough Steelers defense, which has allowed the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks and the fourth-fewest to wide receivers. With those factors in play, Richardson should be on your bench.
Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. These are the five players you should avoid starting if… Anthony Richardson #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. These are the five players you should avoid starting if you want to win your Week 4 matchup.
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
2. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
Without Tua Tagovailoa, Waddle’s production has taken a major hit, and it won’t get any easier with new quarterback Tyler Huntley under center. Waddle hasn’t seen more than five targets in any game this season. To make matters worse, the Dolphins face a Titans defense in Week 4 that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Waddle’s outlook is not promising.
3. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
Wilson faces a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos. Wilson will likely be shadowed by Patrick Surtain II, arguably the best cornerback in the league. Surtain has already held elite wideouts like DK Metcalf, George Pickens, and Mike Evans to under 30 receiving yards this season. Expect similar struggles for Wilson in this game.
4. D’Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears
Swift has yet to find his rhythm this season, tallying just 68 rushing yards on 37 carries. With his lackluster performance, the Bears may gradually shift the workload to rookie Roschon Johnson, starting this Sunday against the Rams. Swift’s struggles, combined with the potential emergence of Johnson, make him a risky play this week.
5. Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens
After an explosive Week 1 performance against the Chiefs, Likely has been quiet, with just three catches for 30 yards on four targets in the last two games. Facing a tough Buffalo Bills defense that has only allowed three tight ends to score more than 8.0 PPR points this season, Likely’s fantasy ceiling is low heading into Week 4.
These five players face tough matchups and circumstances that make them risky starts this week. Proceed with caution and consider other options for your fantasy lineup.
For more fantasy football coverage, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
