Acetic acid may sound like it should be in a chemistry lab or science fair rather than in your kitchen pantry. However, this powerful compound is actually the main compound found in vinegar and is responsible for both its unique flavor and acidity. Not only that, but it's also believed to contribute to many of…
Tis the season for apple cider! This is one of my favorite autumn drinks. With nutrition-rich apples in season, it's so simple to make and tastes good cold or warm, especially with a roaring fire. And with this apple cider recipe, there's no need to head to the store — you can make your own…
With autumn in full swing, you might have noticed fruit butters appearing at your local farmers market. Have you tried them before? They are a delightful spread to dip fruits and veggies in or slather onto toast. And one of my favorite types of fruit butters — especially this time of year — is slow cooker apple…
White vinegar is a common household staple that many have sitting in their kitchen cabinets. Not only is it widely available and budget-friendly, but white vinegar is also incredibly versatile and can be used to kill weeds, tenderize meat, disinfect surfaces, pickle foods and more. What's more, studies show that vinegar may offer some serious…
Look at any homemade home cleaner recipe and you'll likely see vinegar on the list of ingredients. It's touted for its non-toxic, disinfecting effects, but many wonder if it really does the trick on touch surface areas in your bathroom and kitchen. Does vinegar kill mold and germs, or is using this home cleanser really…
You don’t have to be an athlete or a jock to get jock itch. However, it’s most common in athletes because they sweat more than the average person and often wear sweaty clothing for long periods of time. This can make for the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria that causes this frustrating fungal infection. While…
All of the vitamins and minerals we eat, plus all of the hormones our bodies produce, need enzymes in order to work properly. Additionally, enzymes, such as proteolytic enzymes, regulate metabolic functions and assist in maintaining our stamina and energy levels. Proteolytic enzymes are the type that specifically aid in the digestion process. They help…
Butternut squash is like the orange-headed stepchild of autumn and winter foods. While pumpkin recipes get all the attention, butternut squash recipes are often passed over. That’s a shame because this variety of winter squash is loaded with nutritious benefits and is endlessly versatile — and even though it's often thought of as a cold-weather food,…
Honey and cinnamon have been used since ancient times to support human health and wellness. Honey has a rich history dating back to ancient Greek, Roman, Vedic and Egyptian texts, while cinnamon has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic folk medicine for more than 2,000 years. We know that, individually, both cinnamon and honey possess…
On college campuses, in fraternities and sororities, in backyards, in basements, and in bars, people are drinking to excess and getting alcohol poisoning, a life-threatening (and entirely preventable) emergency. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 2,200 deaths each year in the United States attributed to this condition,…
