Can Drinking Water Before Chopping Onions Keep You from Crying? We Tested This and Other Methods

Can Drinking Water Before Chopping Onions Keep You from Crying? We Tested This and Other Methods


From chewing gum to lighting a candle, it's time to figure out which of these myths about onion waterworks are fact and which are fiction.



We all know the feeling. You're slicing into a crisp onion, and suddenly the waterworks come on. As if you were watching the last scene of Titanic and every pet-adoption commercial rolled up in one, tears are streaming down your face. Why do onions make us cry? Onions produce a chemical called syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which is known to trigger tears. When the onion is cut, this chemical sprays into the air, causing even the most masterful cooks to well up. So perhaps the real question is how do you cut an onion without crying? On this front, wild claims abound. We've heard that everything from chewing candy to lighting candles can help prevent the tears. Naturally, our Test Kitchen wanted to try them all. Follow along as Taste of Home's Test Cooks, Nick Iverson and Matt Hass, debunk the myths and ultimately settle on the best way to cut an onion without crying.

Method #1



"I put onions in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before I cut them, and I use a very sharp knife." —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, WA Does it really work? The freezer method was a no-go. Notes from our Test Kitchen: Freezing the onion made it slightly more difficult to cut and didn't assuage any of its tear-producing fumes. Aside from getting our fingers frosty-freezy, this method didn't do much in the service of stopping those free-flowing tears. We recommend keeping onions at room temperature prior to chopping; however, it's perfectly fine to freeze onions for long-term storage.

FOOD.NDTV.COM Method #2



"I chew gum while breathing through my mouth instead of my nose. Sounds crazy, but it works!" —Allison Ochoa, Hays, KS Does it really work? Sadly, no. Notes from our Test Kitchen: Although enjoyable, chewing a stick of gum had no effect. (But it was fun to see our Test Cooks blowing bubbles in the kitchen.)

Method #3



"Drink a tall glass of water a few minutes before chopping onions. Dry eyes grab for any bit of liquid in the air." —Helen Nelander, Boulder Creek, CA Does it really work: Nope. Notes from our Test Kitchen: Drinking water didn't make any difference, but it did keep us hydrated in our warm kitchen!
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Cat God vs Sun King 2

Cat God vs Sun King 2




Cat God is back for a second battle against the stubborn Sun King and his minions! Destroy the Sun King and his Tower using fireballs, a Divine Pillar of Flames, meteors, sandworms, locusts, and more! Now featuring a 2-player mode on one PC, an epic final battle, and an amazing ending song!




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Hair Tricks from Around the World You Should Be Using

Hair Tricks from Around the World You Should Be Using

You don't have to travel the globe to start incorporating these international hair tips into your daily routine.

In Brazil, women daringly burn off their split ends




It's safe to say that Brazilian women are fairly obsessed with their hair. In fact, according to Household and Personal Products Industry (HAPPI), Brazil completely dominates the Latin American hair-care markets and ranks third in the world for global hair-care sales. Brazilian women are particularly interested in post-treatment products to reverse the damage caused by hair dyes, chemical straighteners, and hot styling tools. One way Brazilians maintain their hair moisture is to partake in their signature 'velaterapia' procedure. During velaterapia, a hair stylist uses a flame to literally burn off all split ends, essentially cauterizing tresses to seal in hydration. A word of advice: don't try this at home, and make sure you're not making these split end mistakes to begin with.

Jamaicans make the most of cactus oil





Sweltering heat is one of the largest obstacles to maintaining great, frizz-free hair in the Caribbean. Fortunately, Jamaicans have a long-standing tradition of using cactus oil to keep their locks looking beautiful. Cactus oil offers an array of hair benefits including added softness, smoothness, and shine. In the same way a cactus plant must trap and retain moisture in the driest of conditions, so too can cactus oil help hair remain hydrated and healthy. The cactus oil's omega fatty acids and B5 vitamins are also key to hair growth.

Francophiles everywhere lust over the Parisienne's quintessentially laid-back and effortless beauty. One French secret for gorgeous hair is to avoid using hot styling tools altogether. Instead of blow-drying their locks after showering, French women will let it air dry naturally. Similarly, flat-irons and curlers are a major faux pas. Instead, fingers are the French's go-to tool for a perfectly tousled look. The result is chic, undone hair with minimal damage and breakage.

Yucca is a top Amazonian beauty secret




Yucca, a tropical root vegetable found throughout Latin America, is traditionally used as a natural cleanser for both the hair and scalp. Amazonian women, in particular, are able to successfully battle the smoldering heat and humidity with the help of the yucca's many nutrients. According to Around the World Beauty, a travel blogger who had the chance to try the yucca treatment firsthand in Ecuador, it "works to prevent hair loss, strengthens strands, boosts shine, and even treats dry scalp."

Moroccans are lucky to have Argan oil



In the beauty industry, pure Argan Oil is synonymous with liquid gold thanks to its super hydrating and smoothing properties. Argan Oil is often referred to as simply 'Moroccan Oil,' due to the fact that Argan trees almost exclusively grow there. With its high demand and limited fertile region, Argan Oil is one of the rarest and most luxurious oils in the world. Aware of its fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants, Moroccan women lather it all over their hair shaft and roots for added luster and health.

Shea butter is the go-to hair ingredient in West Africa



You've no doubt heard of the miraculous benefits of Shea butter for your skin (especially if you have stretch marks), but did you know that this thick goop can also transform your hair? Shea butter is extracted from the seeds of Vitellaria paradoxa tree, which is native to West Africa. As such, Shea butter has been deeply ingrained into the West African beauty culture for centuries, and is used for a multitude of hair care purposes including daily conditioning, as an overnight hair mask, and a deep conditioning treatment.

Aussies know the importance of UV protection




The excruciating heat down under can dry out even the most naturally oily locks, so it's no surprise that UV protection is a high priority in Australia. Daily hair-care products with UV like the Kerastase Soleil-Mirco-Voile Protecteur are always top sellers in Sydney salons. Even better, these vital hair sunscreens can simultaneously help control frizz.



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Yes, Bottled Water DOES Expire—and Here’s Why You Should Take It Seriously

Yes, Bottled Water DOES Expire—and Here’s Why You Should Take It Seriously



It’s common knowledge that you shouldn’t drink out of the water bottle that you left in a hot car. But how recently have you checked its expiration date?

That’s right! Bottled water DOES expire. And while the reason why meat or dairy products have a sell-by date is pretty self-explanatory, you might be surprised that bottled water comes with a time stamp, too.

As it turns out, it isn’t the water quality you should be worried about; it’s the plastic that the water comes packaged in (usually polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for retail bottles and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for water cooler jugs). After a certain point in its life, the plastic can begin leaching into the liquid, which affects its taste and could create a serious health hazard. The porous plastic can also cause the water to accumulate odors and other nasty accompaniments from outside. (This is why you should stay away from straws, too.)

Still, it’s unlikely that an “expired” (but unopened) bottle of water will do you much harm. And here’s why: the expiration dates are fairly arbitrary. The only reason they were put there in the first place was because of a 1987 New Jersey state law that required all food products to display an expiration date, according to Mental Floss. Since it wasn’t very cost effective to label and ship batches of expiration-dated water to one state alone, most bottled water producers just started giving every bottle a two-year sell-by date—no matter where it was going.

That said, New Jersey has since changed its law, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has never established any specific limitations on the shelf life of bottled water. Most producers have just kept it there for efficiency’s sake. So when all is said and done, you can sip that two-year-old bottle of water guilt-free. Just make sure you don’t drink water that’s been sitting overnight or longer.

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Three Everyday Foods Are Discovered to Be Powerful Weapons Against Prostate Cancer

Three Everyday Foods Are Discovered to Be Powerful Weapons Against Prostate Cancer




Apples, curry, grapes: They all contain ingredients that can starve prostate cancer cells, potentially offering a new way to fight one of the deadliest cancers men face.

Knowing the early signs and taking steps to protect yourself can help you catch prostate cancer—the most common male cancer in the United States—before it turns deadly. But now scientists from the University of Texas at Austin believe they’ve made a breakthrough in treating the condition, using natural compounds found in plants.

In the new study, published in Precision Oncology, scientists began by testing 142 natural compounds found in turmeric, apple peelings and green tea, which had already been identified as effective at thwarting the growth of cancer cells. They tested these plant-based compounds on cells from mice and from humans, and identified the three most effective compounds. Then, they set out to see if combining them increased their power to thwart cancer cells.




The three chemicals they focused on included ursolic acid (a waxy natural chemical found in apple peelings and rosemary); curcumin (the yellow compound found in turmeric); and resveratrol (present in cinnamon, red grapes, and berries).

Stefano Tiziani, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dell Pediatric Research Institute at UT Austin, explained the results in Science Daily: “After screening a natural compound library, we developed an unbiased look at combinations of nutrients that have a better effect on prostate cancer than existing drugs. The beauty of this study is that we were able to inhibit tumor growth in mice without toxicity.”

Why were the compounds so effective? When cells are damaged and weakened by chronic infection, inflammation from auto-immune diseases, or obesity, they’re more likely to mutate into cancerous cells. The plant-based nutrients minimize inflammation, lowering the risk of those cells becoming malignant.

Cancer cells need nutrients to help them grow. They get this from glutamine, an amino acid that is important in breaking down proteins in our diet. The plant compounds stop the cancer cells from “feeding” on glutamine, literally starving them of their nutrition.

The discovery of such powerful weapons against prostate cancer in ordinary foods is definitely a significant step. However, simply eating foods that contain these compounds is unlikely to be enough to protect you against prostate cancer. Tiziani emphasizes that they need to be concentrated in order to have a positive effect.

“These nutrients have potential anti-cancer properties and are readily available,” he says “We only need to increase concentration beyond levels found in a healthy diet for an effect on prostate cancer cells.”
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Get a Look Inside the Airport That Won “Best in the World” for Five Straight Years

Get a Look Inside the Airport That Won “Best in the World” for Five Straight Years

If you’ve ever experienced a long layover, insane delay, or red-eye flight, you probably associate airports with feelings of misery and despair. But Singapore is on track to changing all of that. They began remodeling the Changi International Airport in 2014, a project that has cost at least $1.7 billion so far. And although the doors won’t open to visitors until early 2019, we got a sneak peek inside. The results? Absolutely incredible. (But make sure not to make these 16 airport mistakes ahead of your next flight!)



Leading consumer aviation website Skytrax has named Changi International the best airport in the world for five years running. And it’s easy to see why. Not only does it run efficiently and offer luxurious amenities, but travelers passing through can also gawk at its stunning—and sometimes utterly unreal!—architecture.


The can’t-miss sight at this airport is its new multi-purpose facility called the Jewel. Located outside Terminal 1 (in a space once used for airport parking), the 1.4 million square foot complex features 10 levels of forest-like gardens, an indoor waterfall, a hotel, and hundreds of dining and shopping options.


“Not only will Jewel capture the hearts and minds of travelers and boost Singapore’s appeal as a transit hub, it will enhance the Changi Airport experience for our passengers and visitors,” Jewel Changi Airport Development CEO Jean Hung said.

We couldn’t have said it better. On the top level of the Jewel resides the Canopy Park, which is divided into several sections including a botanical garden, a nature walk with animal-shaped topiary, and a pair of hedge mazes. The park also features a pair of “Sky Nets” suspended 26 and 82 feet off the ground.


If you aren’t impressed already, get this: just one of the Jewel’s three main attractions includes a 131-foot indoor waterfall called the Rain Vortex—the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. And let’s not forget the five-story-tall garden called Forest Valley. No big deal.






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Easy Habits That Help You Live Longer, According to Science

Easy Habits That Help You Live Longer, According to Science

We asked medical experts for the most impactful things you can do right now to live longer—and stay healthy enough to really enjoy your golden years.

Go for a jog


Among all the things you can do to achieve longevity, one of the most critical is to exercise. Aerobic activity, like running, is crucial for getting your blood pumping and your heart working. A recent study showed that a one-hour run adds seven hours to your life, up to four hours per week. People who run have a 25 to 40 percent reduced risk of early death, and live about three years longer, the study says. Of course, people who run are often healthier in general, but running appears to have its own health benefits. "Running helps burn off or keep blood sugars normal, which is important because they keep your kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels healthy," says Jennifer Kuca Hopper, MS, an exercise physiologist and director of employee wellness, worklife, and fitness at Piedmont Healthcare. Running also regulates blood pressure, increases lung capacity, reduces stress, and increases bone density, she says.

Eat more plant protein




A recent study from Harvard found that people who ate a diet high in processed meats like sausage and hot dogs, were at a higher risk of death—but those who got their protein from plants had a lower risk, especially of heart disease-related deaths. "The study said that for every three percent increase in calories from plant protein there was a reduction in risk of death by 10 percent," says Shayna Komar, RD, a dietitian at Piedmont Healthcare. Plant proteins supply all nine amino acids the body can't make on its own, and "unlike animal proteins, plant-based proteins can help lower blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, and decrease risk of cancer," she says. Find out the top 10 sources of plant protein.

Get more sun—but not too much



The "sunshine vitamin"—vitamin D, that is—has been shown to fight to disease, improve bone health, and ward off depression. One study even found it to extend lifespan (of a worm, but still) by 33 percent. But because vitamin D comes from the sun, and our modern lives don't let us spend much time outside, we might not be getting enough. Concerns over skin cancer are well-founded, and sunblock is generally a good idea. But, "getting 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure a day should be adequate for vitamin D production," says Jyotir Jani, MD, a primary care physician with Piedmont Healthcare. "Of course, that is not through sunbathing but by being outside with normal clothing." Here are more weird ways the sun affects your body.

Eat nuts




Although you may think nuts are unhealthy because they are calorically dense, the exact opposite is true—they can actually extend your life. A study from Harvard found that daily nut-eaters were 20 percent less likely to die during the study. Specifically, the rates of death from cancer, heart and respiratory disease were reduced. Other research has shown walnuts have a huge role in heart health because of the amount of antioxidants they contain. They can also boost brain health, says Barbara Shukitt-Hale, PhD, a USDA Scientist in the Laboratory of Neuroscience and Aging at the USDA/Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. Plus, nuts are a great source of plant-based protein, Palinski-Wade says. Here are four more reasons to snack on nuts.

Don't smoke




You probably know this one already. "Smoking cessation is the single most important action that an individual can take regardless of age," Dr. Jani says. It's the leading preventable cause of death in the US, according to the CDC, and the cause of almost every severe health issue, from heart disease to cancer. "Not to mention smoking makes you age faster with increased wrinkles!' Dr. Jani says. In addition, "smoking literally causes internal damage to your genetic code as well as blood vessels and multiple organ systems." And although vaping may be used as a tool to help smokers quit, the jury is still out on its safety, so it's better not to start. These are the 23 best ways to quit smoking.

Drink alcohol in moderation




Heavy drinking increases health risks, but drinking in moderation—particularly red wine—could help you live longer. One study found those who drank lightly (no more than one glass a day for women and two for men) to have reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease. "Red wine has a small amount of one antioxidant called resveratrol," says Komar. "It is good for overall health, protection from heart disease and decreasing inflammation." Palinski-Wade says wine may also improve blood lipid levels and reduce the risk of dementia. Tap into more benefits of alcohol.


Eat more fruits and veggies, period



The research is clear: If you want to live longer, eat more fruits and vegetables. A recent study from Imperial College London found that those who ate 10 portions of fruit and vegetables a day had the greatest reduction in risk of disease. The study authors estimate 7.8 million deaths worldwide could be prevented every year if people ate this many fruits and veggies—but smaller amounts are beneficial, too. "The vitamins, minerals, and most importantly, the fiber help control satiety so you do not need to eat as much of the animal foods," Komar says. In addition, Dr. Dewar says fiber encourages regular bowel function, which can keep your digestive system working smoothly. "High fiber diets have been found to promote lower cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers such as colon cancer," Palinski-Wade says.

Eat berries



Berries are known as one of the best sources of antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage as we age. "Berry fruit have received considerable attention due to their high concentrations of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals," Dr. Shukitt-Hale says. "These phytochemicals have the ability to alter cellular function by reducing oxidative and inflammatory stressors. Their bioactive properties have the potential to prevent or delay brain aging." In other words, they can help prevent age-related cognitive decline, she says. In addition, Palinski-Wade says they can prevent cancer and heart disease.


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This Just In: Coconut Vinegar Is the New Apple Cider Vinegar

This Just In: Coconut Vinegar Is the New Apple Cider Vinegar


By now you’re probably storing a bottle of apple cider vinegar in your pantry and your medicine cabinet so that you can use the natural cure-all as part of your diet and beauty routine. But did you know that there may be another vinegar that’s just as beneficial as your beloved apple cider vinegar? Meet coconut vinegar, its hipper cousin.



A popular acidic condiment in Southeast Asia and some regions of India, coconut vinegar is a natural product produced from fermentable coconut sap and the oxidation of ethanol into acetic acid. Healthwise, it has a lot going for it, according to Lynnley Huey, MPH, RD, a registered dietician and a nutritionist on  Maven.
  • Since it’s fermented, coconut vinegar a natural source of  probiotics, which feed our microbiome—that community of gut bugs that keeps us healthy on so many levels.
  • Because coconut trees grow in soil that’s highly rich in nutrients, the “sap” from the coconut blossoms is also rich in nutrients. Coconut vinegar is therefore a good source of minerals and vitamins, including potassium (which helps balance electrolytes, control blood pressure, and process sugar), ascorbic acid or Vitamin C(an important antioxidant) and certain B vitamins, particularly B2 or riboflavin (an important vitamin that is essential in the body’s energy production, cellular function, and metabolism).
  • It’s also low on the glycemic index, so it won’t spike blood sugar.
  • Coconut vinegar contains all nine essential amino acids—the building blocks of protein that are often incomplete in plant-based foods, according to Live StrongAmino acids also play a role in oxygenating blood and keeping the immune system healthy, among other key functions in the body.
When it comes to healthful living, both apple cider vinegar and coconut vinegar can live amicably on your shelf. Although there’s a lot more research about the power of apple cider vinegar to lower blood sugar levels and aid in digestion, coconut vinegar is thought to have similar benefits. Huey cautions that we’ll need more scientific evidence to prove any specific health claims, and you should always ask your doctor before using coconut vinegar as part of your health regimen, especially if you already take blood pressure-lowering medication.
As a beauty treatment, coconut vinegar works similarly to apple cider vinegar, as all vinegar types have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. You can apply it topically, but studies haven’t shown it to be a proven or safe treatment for conditions like acne or sunburn, according to Huey.
Like apple cider vinegar, coconut vinegar is too acidic to be enjoyed straight up, as it can damage your esophagus (not to mention erode the enamel on your teeth), so mix it with a little mustard and oil for a salad dressing or dilute it with water and honey and drink it as a morning cleanse. (Learn how to drink apple cider vinegar). And if you don’t want to have to think before you drink, then check out the new line of drinking vinegars from Suja, which are premixed. Huey recommends keeping your intake of coconut vinegar to 1 to 2 teaspoons and up to 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, to avoid potential side effects.
If you opt to go for plain coconut vinegar, then be sure to read the label carefully. For the full benefits, coconut vinegar should be created from coconut sap, rather than water. Coconut sap contains high levels of amino acids and probiotics and enzymes, whereas coconut water is diluted.

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These Are the  Luckiest Wedding Traditions from around the World

These Are the Luckiest Wedding Traditions from around the World


You may want to incorporate these traditions into your own big day to increase your chances of a lifetime of love and happiness—because even the most loving couple can use a little luck.


The date is the thing in China



ng the date is an important wedding ritual in China and sets the stage for everything that will follow. Pick the right date, and the marriage is bound to be successful; pick the wrong date, and the unlucky couple doesn't stand a chance. The wedding pros at Cordis, Hong Kong at Langham Place, in Hong Kong, do a lot of Chinese weddings. "When picking a wedding date, couples always consult with a Chinese monk, fortune-teller, or Chinese calendar, to ensure that the wedding falls on an auspicious date. Knowing which dates to avoid, and what seasons to stay away from, is integral to the process, which is largely determined by the bride's birthday. Having the right wedding date is believed to bring wedding luck, and aide in the success of the marriage," they say.

Everyone wants a piece in Spain




In Spain, good luck on your wedding day can spill over to your best friends. "The groom's tie is cut into pieces, and auctioned off to his friends. It brings good luck to everyone who gets a piece. At many Spanish weddings, they do the same with the bride's garter," Chertoff explains.

Getting married in Egypt leaves a mark



Egypt is the birthplace of legalizing unions, now known as marriages, between two people, but thankfully, one Egyptian wedding custom did not spread around the globe. In Egypt, brides are routinely pinched by every single female wedding guest attending the ceremony. Good times!

English brides weave a web



In England, if you have arachnophobia, you may have to choose between an unlucky marriage and the single life. Good luck here is measured in itsy bitsy you-know-whats. If you find a spider crawling somewhere on the bride's dress, the couple is sure to have good luck. This custom makes you definitely want to avoid inviting pranksters to the wedding!

Italian brides get sweet treats


Many traditional (or superstitious) Italian brides follow an ancient, pre-wedding ritual, for good wedding luck and fertility. The night before the wedding, the bride wears a green dress. She does not see her groom until the next morning, choosing instead to spend these hours with her parents, or other family members. Italian newlyweds also bestow small gifts to all of their guests, for added wedding luck. These are called confetti bomboniera, and are usually sugar-coated almonds in a little purse. Each purse contains an odd number of almonds (seven, or nine). If a purse accidentally holds an even number, the good luck becomes diminished.

Vietnamese brides see red



No white weddings here! The color red, which symbolizes good luck, is the color of choice for attire, and décor, at most Vietnamese weddings. Leaving nothing to chance, the groom's family will even travel to the bride's parental home, bearing wine, fruit, and cake, wrapped in red paper and presented on red platters.








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