A few of your go-to pantry staples don’t actually belong there. Key Takeaways Not everything shelf-stable belongs in your pantry. Foods like maple syrup, jams, nut butters, and certain oils can spoil, lose flavor, or even develop mold at room temperature—especially once opened. Heat, light, and air are the enemies of freshness. Nuts, seeds, spices, and oils go rancid quickly when exposed to warmth or sunlight. Keep them in airtight containers and, when possible, store them in

Plastic isn’t always the safest bet for food storage, and here’s why. Key Takeaways Plastic containers can create the perfect environment for bacteria by trapping heat and moisture. Certain foods react with plastic in ways that can speed up spoilage or even release harmful chemicals. Choosing breathable wraps, glass containers, or original packaging can reduce food safety risks. Plastic storage containers are pretty much everywhere at this point, but they’re not always the he

Refer to our handy chart before you reheat Tuesday's tacos or the soup you made over the weekend. Leftovers can be a lifesaver on busy nights when you don't have time to cook or plan a meal—and they're an easy way to reduce food waste, save money, and get the most out of each dish. However, as perishable food items, leftovers can pose safety concerns if they're not enjoyed within a certain time frame. Read on to learn how long leftovers can last in the refrigerator and freeze

Your fridge’s oldest residents—those jars and condiments—may be past their prime. Key Points Once opened, even salty, sugary, or fermented foods start to spoil because exposure to air, light, and microbes breaks them down. Subtle changes—like mushy pickles, bubbly jam, or spongy olives—mean spoilage has started, even if mold isn’t visible yet. To make jars last longer, refrigerate promptly, use clean utensils, tighten lids, and trust your senses if anything seems off. It's pr

In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, it’s not just food and personal care products that must be carefully vetted. Household and work environments can also be laden with dangerous chemicals and toxins.   New and old items each come with their own risks. An older home or car may still contain chemicals that were found to be dangerous and phased out years ago. A brand-new purchase might bring industrial chemicals from foreign markets with lax regulations. Even everyday items

Chlorohydrin contaminates hydrolyzed vegetable protein products and refined oils. In 1978, chlorohydrins were found in protein hydrolysates. What does that mean? Proteins can be broken down into amino acids using a chemical process called hydrolysis, and free amino acids (like glutamate) can have taste-enhancing qualities. That’s how inexpensive soy sauce and seasonings like Bragg’s Liquid Aminos are made. This process requires high heat, high pressure, and hydrochloric acid

There is another reason to avoid palm oil and question the authenticity of extra-virgin olive oil. The most commonly used vegetable oil in the world today is palm oil. Pick up any package of processed food in a box, bag, bottle, or jar, and the odds are it will have palm oil. Palm oil not only contains the primary cholesterol-raising saturated fat found mostly in meat and dairy, but concerns have been raised about its safety, given the finding that it may contain a potenti

If your body feels creaky, tight, or achy when you get out of bed, you’re not alone. And it’s not just because you’re getting older. “Morning stiffness is often driven by low-grade inflammation, joint immobility, or poor overnight recovery,” explains human performance and longevity expert Mark Kovacs , Ph.D,  “And while lifestyle changes such as movement and hydration matter most, there are over-the-counter supplements that can offer real benefits.” Kovacs notes that suppleme

Plus a doctor reveals how to tell if it's the flu or just a common cold Every year in the fall, you start getting messages from your local pharmacy about coming in for a flu shot. Indeed, while getting a flu vaccine is super important to staying safe and healthy during the colder season when respiratory illnesses run rampant, knowing how to recognize flu symptoms and when you need treatment can also help protect you. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare you for the

A new study found a connection between processed red meats and worse cognition. Brain health has become a hot topic these days, and for good reason—the rest of you can’t function without your brain. And many things affect how well your brain functions. From food and physical activity to sleep and stress, all of it influences the health of your brain—for better or for worse. Thankfully, the brain also has healing superpowers, and a damaged brain can heal over time, given the p