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.

2/23/13

One of the biggest threats to homes comes from termites. Eliminating the threat of termite damage can be remedied with this simple, natural, DIY solution. Combine 1 teaspoon Borax, 2 cups water and 10 teaspoons white sugar. Soak pieces of wood -- firewood chunks or thick twigs, for example -- overnight, and bury the wood near areas where you suspect you might have or have previously had a termite infestation. The treated wood will attract termites immediately, and they will bring the poisoned wood back to the nest and help eradicate the colony. You can also spray the solution on wood outside your house as a preventive measure.