02/26/13

Use common sense when picking produce and using it at home. Look for produce that is not bruised, moldy, slimy or sick-looking. Smell the produce: If it smells bad, leave it behind. Produce that has been misted with water from automatic systems can be full of bacteria, especially if your supermarket recycles water like many stores do. When you get your produce home, wash and dry it well to remove any traces of germs, mold or bacteria before eating. Most importantly: Pack your produce and meats in different bags to avoid cross-contamination.

02/25/13

Another reason to eat fresh fruit whenever possible: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actually allows mold in frozen and canned fruit. The FDA calls the accepted levels "food defects" that are allowed in the processing of fruit because they believe it poses no health hazards to humans. This includes up to 60 percent mold count on canned or frozen berries, 45 percent mold count on frozen whole or sliced strawberries and 20 percent mold in canned pineapple. By purchasing in-season and fresh, you can know exactly what you're eating and whether it's 100 percent mold-free.

2/24/13

Already planning your summer vacation? If you're taking your dog, think the beach. Salt water can help your furry friend have a healthy coat. Instead of reaching for toxic and potentially harmful sprays, collars and other medications to control fleas on your dog, let him go for a swim in the ocean instead. Researchers in Mexico noticed that dogs that regularly swam in the Gulf of Mexico did not have any fleas due to their regular dips in salt-enriched water. Salt is a natural deterrent for fleas and will dry out existing fleas that may be harboring in their coat. Not ready for a vacation quite yet? You can also add salt to a regular bath at home to give your pooch a natural salt wash.