Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
lundi 13 février 2017
18 Fit Galentine's Day Gifts For Your Swolemate-Slash-Best-Friend
Is your swolemate actually your best friend? If so, the best Galentine's Day gift you can get her is something she can use on one of your next bootcamp-and-brunch dates. These eye-candy fit finds are ideal for budgets from $10 to $300.
John Legend and Cynthia Erivo's "God Only Knows" Is Begging to Be Your Wedding Song
One of the most beautiful moments at the Grammys on Sunday night came courtesy of John Legend and Cynthia Erivo, who performed The Beach Boys classic "God Only Knows." Although the gorgeous cover was brief and done as a lovely introduction to the show's In Memoriam segment, we're happy to report that a full-length studio version also exists and it's practically begging to be someone's wedding song. From the first strains of a violin to the song's swelling conclusion, it's wonderful from start to finish. Listen to it above - and then again and again and again and . . .
The Dangerous Yet Common Thing That Could Be Happening in Your Baby's Sock
Of all the things you worry about for your kids, you've likely never considered this one.
A Kansas-area dad was out to lunch with his family when his daughter Molly was "cranky and screaming - nothing out of the ordinary." Still, the little girl was overheating, so Scott Walker and his wife removed her socks to cool her down. That's when they noticed her toe.
She'd had what is known as a hair tourniquet, in which a hair or thread becomes spontaneously tied around a toe or finger and tightens with wriggling. If wound tight enough, it can pierce the skin and potentially cut off all blood circulation to the digit.
"Luckily for Molly, she has a mother with medical emergency superpowers who was able to remove the hair with tweezers and a magnifying glass within a few minutes," Walker said in a Facebook post that showed a startling photo taken 45 minutes after the hair was removed from around her second-largest toe. "Unfortunately, the hair managed to cut all the way through Molly's skin, completely around her toe, but it could have been worse had it gone much longer untreated, or if the hair wasn't accessible."
Their family doctor told Molly's parents that the condition wasn't all that uncommon with babies and toddlers and reminded them "to always check the toes if the baby is inconsolable."
12 Unicorn Ice Cream Treats That Are So Magical We Might Melt
We've recently found ways to bring unicorn-themed treats into every meal of the day - unicorn pastries for breakfast, unicorn toast for lunch, unicorn rainbow grilled cheese for dinner, and, drumroll please, unicorn ice cream for dessert! The genius dessert combines all things rainbow and magical to form the prettiest ice cream we've ever seen, and if it's in a cone, we're deeming it a "unicone."
You might be wondering what exactly makes ice cream qualify as unicorn ice cream, per se, and the traits include but are not limited to: lots of sparkles, beautiful pastel rainbow colors, a swirled and preferably metallic horn, and essentially any ice cream that leaves you thinking "Wow, that is way to cute to eat!" upon first glance.
Keep reading to feast your eyes upon some of the most magical unicorn ice cream treats, and then, try making these unicorn Oreo pops at home for a little more sparkle in your life.
Pick Up This, Not That: Trader Joe's New February Foods
If you're looking to add some new items to your Trader Joe's grocery list, check out all the new products recently added to the inventory in February. From vanilla eclairs to frozen organic kabocha squash, take a look at what's worth trying.
7 Memes That Capture the Internet's Feelings About Justin Trudeau's Meeting With Trump
President Trump is quickly becoming known for executing the weirdest handshakes. During a recent meeting with the prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, the duo had a handshake that lasted for 19 seconds. So, when Justin Trudeau, the prime minster of Canada, met with Donald Trump on Monday, people were wondering if Trudeau would face the same fate.
Thankfully, looks like Trudeau knew what was coming and avoided a long handshake, not once, but twice. During the second handshake, Trudeau's face was one of apprehension and skepticism - feelings the internet also has towards Trump. Naturally, the internet made memes out of the situation and the best ones are ahead.
Bella Hadid's First Teen Vogue Cover Will Make Her Your Number 1 Girl-Crush
If you didn't already have a massive girl-crush on Bella Hadid, you're about to. For the first volume of Teen Vogue's now-quarterly print edition, the magazine chose three stars to grace alternate covers and created coordinating videos. Bella Hadid, supermodel and, according to the article, all-around nice person, is featured on one of the covers and stars in a short film playing an '80s poster girl.
The video stars a preteen boy dreaming of his poster of Bella on his wall and then seeing her everywhere. The video is cheeky and sweet, making the model into the ultimate teenage dream.
The younger Hadid sister looks like she's having endless amounts of fun in the photographs, smiling in a bathtub on her first Teen Vogue cover. Within the pages of the teen bible, Hadid lounges on a fire escape wearing a lace shirt with a purple bow around the collar, then relaxes on a bed, sporting embroidered denim shorts, a heart-spotted button-down, and heart-shaped sunglasses.
In another series of photographs, the model runs around with a friend in an oversize hat. The photos show the model's more playful side, which is a refreshing reminder that Bella is only 20 years old and isn't done having fun, even while globe-trotting for Fashion Month.
Just in Case You Were Wondering, Fifty Shades Freed Already Has a Release Date
Fifty Shades Darker hit theaters last week, and thankfully for us, the next installment isn't far behind. While we had to wait two years after the first film for the second one to come out, Fifty Shades Freed will be here in less that a year; the release date is Feb. 9, 2018. (This is one of the great perks of filming the movies back-to-back.) And if the teaser from Fifty Shades Darker's mid-credits scene was any indication, we need to prepare ourselves for one incredible ride. Plan your Valentine's Day for 2018 accordingly.
What You Didn't Realize About David Bowie's Grammy Wins
David Bowie posthumously won all five of the Grammys he was nominated for on Sunday: best alternative music album, best rock song, best rock performance, best engineered album, non-classical, and best record packaging. Those awards are probably just tacked onto his long, long list of accolades from the Grammys, right? Nope. Bowie, who unexpectedly passed away in 2016, has only won one other Grammy: best video, short form, for Jazzin' for Blue Jean in 1985. Bowie also received the lifetime achievement award in 2006, possibly because the Recording Academy realized how he'd been cheated for his decades' worth of legendary music.
2017 is the first year Bowie won a Grammy in a purely musical category; not a visual one, and not a lifetime achievement. It's a shocking reality, and one that makes us wish he was alive to see all the success that Blackstar (released two days before his death) has earned.
The Bouquet You'll Actually Want to Receive on Valentine's Day, Brought to You by KFC
The best smelling Bouquet this Valentine's Day is sure to be the KFC Bouquet. With only a limited number being made, we'...
Posted by KFC on Saturday, February 11, 2017
In anticipation of Valentine's Day, KFC has decided to add to the ongoing edible bouquet trend with its very own fried chicken bouquet . . . for when regular roses just won't do. The fast food chain made the big announcement in a Facebook post that read, "The best smelling Bouquet this Valentine's Day is sure to be the KFC Bouquet."
Unfortunately, the bouquet will not be available globally. In fact, the romantic menu item will only be available on a limited basis at a location in Auckland, New Zealand, on Feb. 14.
In addition, KFC also held a Facebook contest wherein couples could share their stories to enter to win a very special heart-shaped fried chicken bucket, adorably titled the ChickenGram. Unfortunately, the contest was only open to Canadian residents.
We deeply envy the lucky couples that'll be enjoying both of KFC's coveted offerings this year.
Adele Confirms That She and Simon Konecki Are Married at the Grammys
Adele is officially off the market! While attending the Grammys on Sunday night, the "Hello" singer confirmed that she and her longtime partner, Simon Konecki, are married. While accepting her award for album of the year, Adele thanked her family with a sweet shout-out, saying, "To the Grammys, I appreciate it - the Academy, I love you. My manager, my husband and my son, you're the only reason I do it."
The adorable confirmation comes less than two months after the couple sparked marriage rumors when they both stepped out wearing matching gold bands on their ring fingers in LA. Adele sported the bauble while doing some grocery shopping around town on Dec. 27, and four days later, Simon donned a similar ring while shopping with their 4-year-old son, Angelo.
23 Hysterical Parenting Memes to Get You Through the Day
Parenting can be, well, a sh*tshow. The good news is that there are hundreds of thousands of other people who totally feel your pain when it comes to the struggles associated with raising little monsters kids. If you need a good laugh today - you know, so you don't cry - we've got you covered.
Scroll through for hysterical parenting memes that will brighten your day and remind you that you're not alone.
5 Fashion Week Models Reveal the Highlighters They Use For Strobed Skin
There are countless highlighters out there to choose from, and it can be overwhelming when you're trying to find the perfect strobing formula. You can choose from highlighters with specks of glitter, that have a shimmery bronze finish, are so sheer you can hardly notice them, cast rainbow glows, or create a moonbeam iridescent effect.
Everyone has their own staple highlighter, of course, and we were curious about models' preferences when it comes to contouring and strobing. After all, these women usually have the best cheekbones for illuminator!
We interviewed models backstage at New York Fashion Week Fall 2017 to find out what luminizing products they use at home and exactly where they place it. Keep reading!
Here's the Printable Oscars Ballot You Need For This Year's Show
Since the Oscar nominations came out, we started the clock on the countdown to the big show. For this year's starry event, we have a special accessory you need for the night: a printable ballot. Start making your picks now (here are our predictions), fill out our online ballot for a chance to win $1,000, and maybe print out a few for your friends!
The 20 Most Stunning Birth Photos You've Ever Seen
They say mothers are made to forget the pain of childbirth so that they're willing to do it over again. If that's the case, then why do these birth photos cause all of those emotions - from intense pain to immense joy - to come flooding back to the surface in the most beautiful way possible?
Likely because Austin, TX-based birth photographer Leilani Rogers knows how to capture not just the moment but the profound meaning behind it.
"To capture those fleeting, remarkable moments, you have to always work in anticipation," she told POPSUGAR. "Camera ready, thinking ahead to mama's next move."
From all-natural home births to hospital deliveries, Rogers has captured amazing birth stories, whether it's a surrogate delivering twins for an expectant couple to a baby born inside its amniotic sac. Here, a collection of her finest work that is sure to leave you wishing you could go back to the day when your own birth story was in the making.
20 Comforting Veggie Noodle Recipes That Won't Leave You Hungry
A veggie spiralizer can transform zucchini and sweet potatoes into marvelous noodle-like strands. It's by far the most fun way to sneak some veggies into your diet (as well as lighten up the carb load). As for the taste? These recipes are heavy on flavor. Please meet chicken zoodle soup and spiralized sweet potato pizza, among many other new comfort food favorites.
13 Cocktails That Start With a Can of LaCroix
Cracking open a can of LaCroix is a good idea any time of day, but especially during happy hour. If you've never thought about making quick cocktails with LaCroix, you're about to have a satisfying moment of realization as you see these 13 creative cocktail recipes anyone can re-create, plus a couple mocktails. A splash of the bubbly beverage adds flavor and carbonation to any cocktail, whether that's a two-ingredient margarita or a new twist on an old fashioned. Cheers to mixing up the easiest drinks with a staple you already have in your fridge.
There's No Doubt That Girls Run the World for Zimmermann's Fall '17
The Zimmermann woman may borrow from the boys, but makes it her own for Fall '17.
Rife with bold suiting, the brand's trademark frills, and larmed with thigh-high boots, these looks could confidently take on anything - and they're meant for the woman who does.
33 New Movies and TV Shows to Watch on Netflix in February
Netflix released its new titles for the month of February, and it's loaded with original movies and shows like White Nights and Stronger Than the World. Not only has Drew Barrymore's highly anticipated zombie series, Santa Clarita Diet, been released, but there are also some nostalgic gems on the list as well. Take a look to figure out what you'll be watching over the next few weeks!
Busy Mamas, Rejoice! This New App Makes It Easier to Connect With New Mom Friends
It's easy for moms to get so caught up in the flurry of changing dirty diapers and packing lunch boxes that they forget to schedule in some time for friends. But now, busy mamas have a means of making new like-minded pals, and it goes by the name of Peanut.
A free app for iPhone users, Peanut is made for moms who want to connect with new friends in their area but maybe don't have the time to do so. In a Tinder-like fashion, app users simply create a profile and swipe through the troves of other friendship-seeking mamas until they find the perfect matches. Looking for a gal in your city who shares a love of sushi and wine or a hatred of long lines at the grocery store? She just might be on Peanut waiting to be connected with you.
Peanut allows moms to choose three "badges" to identify themselves, with options like "dance machine," "hot mess," and "city gal," according to Mashable. Users, whose children must be 16 years or younger, can also specify whether they're a single mama or if their child has special needs. Upon matching with another woman, mommies can message each other, set up group chats, and create calendar events for meeting up in person.
Whether you have recently moved to a new area or are in need of a new wine-night buddy, this app may be just what you're looking for. Swipe away!
The Internet Couldn't Help but Turn Every Grammys Moment Into a Glorious Meme
The 2017 Grammy Awards were not lacking in any conversation-starting moments. There was CeeLo Green's insanely over-the-top outfit, Beyoncé's stunning performance, and Adele's bold acceptance speech - all of which bred high-quality memes. Even if you didn't watch the three-and-a-half-hour show - which is understandable - you'll still enjoy the internet's funniest observations. Check out all of our favorite memes, ahead.
Warning: You May Be Inclined to Make Out With This Pastry
A gourmet French bakery recently revealed an array of lip-shaped pastries that are so lifelike and adorable you'll just want to kiss them! OK, so maybe that's taking it a little too far. Nonetheless, we've fallen for Fauchon's so-called Bisou-Bisou pastries, which come in various flavors and colors.
According to Fauchon's website, the classic pink pastry is made of caramelized almonds, raspberry compote, vanilla whipped ganache, a vanilla biscuit, and more. We're honestly stunned by the amount of ingredients in the pastry given how minimalist it looks.
Just before Valentine's Day, the bakery introduced a black-and-white variation. According to one lucky customer, the black lips are made with chocolate coffee mousse, coffee cream, and a dark chocolate biscuit. Meanwhile, the white lips are made with raspberry compote, cream cheese mousse, rose water, and lemon cake.
The Bisou-Bisou pastry is available for 8 euros ($9) at Fauchon's storefront at 30 Place de la Madeleine in Paris. Sadly, Fauchon will only deliver its treats to residences in the Paris area. Until then, bask in their glory by checking out the pictures ahead.
How Models Detox, Prep, and Care For Their Skin During Fashion Week
For New York Fashion Week models, it's a constant "wax on, wax off" when it comes to makeup applied backstage. With every new show they walk in - and for some, it's numerous shows in one day over the course of the entire week - their faces undergo major transformations depending on the designer's vision. Imagine if you applied and removed makeup three or four times a day, and repeated the process tomorrow, the next day, and the days after that!
Models also deal with an enormous amount of emotional and physical stress before and during Fashion Week thanks to casting calls, fittings, and running around from show to show in a busy city. Not to mention the whole "strutting the runway in front of fashion's most elite" thing.
All of the above is a recipe for a skintastrophe. NYFW models are true pros, though, and they've learned how to detox, prep, and care for their skin to keep it in tip-top, ready-for-my-close-up shape.
Keep reading to discover their skin detox secrets! Spoiler: coconut oil, avocados, and face wipes made the cut.
The 25 Best Items From The Pioneer Woman's Mercantile Shop
0Ree Drummond's mercantile shop and deli opened in Pawhuska, OK, last Fall, but now there's a way to shop all the best products online if you're unable to visit in person. The mercantile's new website features all of The Pioneer Woman's favorite home products, kitchen tools, and even clothes (Pioneer Woman jeans, anyone?). While you might not be able to taste the mac and cheese or pancakes at Ree's Instagram-worthy shop, you can pick your favorite products that will get you one step closer to having a cozy, ranch-style home like hers.
Ontario commits to cleanup of mercury contamination near Grassy Narrows First Nation
The Ontario government is promising to find and remediate all the mercury contamination that continues to poison people at Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations in the northwestern corner of the province.
The Genius Celebrity Beauty Hack to Fuller Lips - No Injections Needed
Recently Kate Synnott, a celebrity makeup artist on Charlotte Tilbury's talented team, was giving me a mini facial and swiped some eye cream on . . . my lips. What?! I've used hand cream in my hair, blush on my eyelids, and a bevy of other unexpected product hacks. But this trick was brand new to my beauty information-saturated ears.
"Put eye cream on your lips to hydrate them, because you've got thinner skin around the lip area," Synnott explained. "The cream is more delicate. Whatever is good for the eyes is good for around the mouth and just on top of the lips to hydrate."
She informed me to leave it on like a mask and now to follow up with any lip balm on top. So I did this overnight, and when I woke up (in the dead of Winter), my pout felt surprisingly soft.
This beauty secret is one Synnott uses on her celebrity clients (and brides!). "It's actually really great one to use before lipstick because it absorbs in," she said. "If you put lip balm on before lipstick, then it's quite slide-y. It stops that from happening."
We prepped my pout with Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue ($60), and Synnott explained why this is a great pick.
"For lip hydration, hyaluronic acid is the best and all of our products contain hyaluronic acid," she noted. "It floods the skin with moisture so it can hold up to 1,000 times what the skin already has. And it draws all of the moisture to the surface of the skin."
Kids, try this at home the eve before your Valentine's Day date for a seriously snog-worthy pucker!
This Simple Trick May Be the Most Genius Potty Training Hack Ever
Dear fellow parents: behold, the potty training hack of all potty training hacks! Posted to the Love What Matters Facebook page, this simple trick - a total "I should have though of that myself" type of thing - involves seating your child on the potty facing the lid.
"Potty training Idea: let your child sit backwards on the potty and give them a dry erase marker!" the post reads. "They will sit longer and there's less of a chance of little boys missing!"
Well there you have it, folks - now get training!
Ontario commits to cleanup of mercury contamination near Grassy Narrows First Nation
The Ontario government is promising to find and remediate all the mercury contamination that continues to poison people at Grassy Narrows and Wabaseemoong First Nations in the northwestern corner of the province.
20 Love-Inspired Libations
Set the mood this V-Day with these sip-worthy cocktails, inspired by the Feb. 14 holiday. From romantic red concoctions to blissful bubbly, we've rounded up 20 sweet, tart, and fruity drinks for you to toast to a romantic night in or to share with gal pals at a Valentine's Day singles soirée. Get the recipes now!
-Additional reporting by Nicole Perry and Lisette Mejia
Cancel Valentine's Day! This Guy Won Our Hearts With His Dreamy Makeup Box For His Girlfriend
Sorry, guys! Fluffy bears and boxed chocolates just won't cut it this year, because this one guy set the bar so damn high for Valentine's Day that he's already won our hearts. Imgur user Huquad decided to give his makeup-loving girlfriend the perfect Valentine's Day gift: a personalized, handmade box.
He designed and assembled this DIY beauty chest from scratch, creating the perfect stash spot for his girlfriend Erica's makeup products. Significant others of the world, if you're reading this, take notes. Click through the gallery above to see how to create this dreamy, heartfelt gift, and when you're done, be sure to fill the box with these gorgeous Valentine's Day beauty products.
These Are the Sexiest Hairstyles to Wear If You're Hooking Up
If there was ever an appropriate time to encourage others to "get some," it's Valentine's Day. The holiday of love is the best excuse to splurge on some sexy lingerie, try out some new toys, or stretch into that position your partner's been wanting to try.
But if there's one thing that can instantly negate all the feels that Valentine's Day gives us, it's sweaty, sticky sex hair. No, we're not talking about the windblown sex hair of the movies - we mean the result of the majority of intimate encounters: a matted mess of tangled strands and lost styling. However, there are some hairdos that fare surprisingly well while getting down and dirty with a loved one. Read on to discover your next late-night look.
Everything You Need to Know About Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Season 3
Oh my fudging gosh, you guys. If you thought you loved Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt before, just wait until next season. Details have been pretty scarce since the show announced its third season last January, but now we finally have some answers - including the premiere date. While it's still unclear whether the show's creator Tina Fey will make another cameo this time around, we're sure there is bound to be even more laughs, memorable life lessons, and shenanigans between Titus and Kimmy this season.
The Cast
Ellie Kemper (Kimmy Schmidt), Tituss Burgess (Titus Andromedon), Jane Krakowski (Jacqueline White), Mikey Politano (Mike Carlsen), and Carol Kane (Lillian Kaushtupper) will all be back.
The Teaser
The Premiere Date
Season three will hit Netflix on May 19.
The Most Striking Beauty Looks From New York Fashion Week So Far
New York Fashion Week is off to a powerful start! From Brock Collection's natural dewy skin to Tadashi Shoji's Twiggy-inspired glitter eyes, the designers are keeping beauty looks fresh and practical - with an edgy punch.
Read on to see all the stunning hair and makeup for Fall 2017 so far, and keep checking back as the month goes on: we'll be updating our beauty coverage every single day.
The Pointer Finger Is the New Accent Nail That Everyone Will Be Wearing Next Fall
Just when you thought nail art might be waning, New York Fashion Week Fall 2017 has brought it back with a vengeance. We're only halfway through Fashion Week, and already we've seen nails featuring geometric shapes, negative space, and layered colors.
Perhaps one of our favorite looks so far is the pointer finger accent nail designed by Jin Soon for Tibi. At the show, models rocked a bright color on just the pointer finger nail. To recap: the ring finger has traditionally been the accent finger of choice.
"Tibi's collection was inspired by menswear – very clean and simple with unexpected details," says Jin Soon Choi of Jin Soon. "She used a lot of 1980s pop colors in the clothing, so we used that pop color on the models' nails. We didn't want to put those pop colors on every single nail because that's too predictable, so we decided to do only one finger."
Fortunately, you don't have to be a Picasso to pull this look chic look off. To re-create, apply a clear base on all your nails. Then, on the pointer finger, choose a bright hue a la the '80s.
Models at Tibi wore one of the following shades from the Jin Soon line: Heirloom, Pop Orange, Charme, Hope, or Cool Blue ($18, jinsoon.com).
Why heavy snowfall raises heart health warnings
A Quebec study adds more support to the idea that heavy snowfalls are associated with heart attacks, especially in men.
Why heavy snowfall raises heart health warnings
A Quebec study adds more support to the idea that heavy snowfalls are associated with heart attacks, especially in men.
You May Be Buying “Fake” Extra-Virgin Olive Oil - Here’s How to Stop
Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Annie Gabillet
As consumers, we have to stay vigilant about the food products we buy. Take honey: did you know that most bottles, including those labeled as pure honey, are diluted with high-fructose corn syrup? Unfortunately, extra-virgin olive oil is another common grocery item at risk of deceptive labeling.
The Problem
Sixty-nine percent of imported extra-virgin olive oil sold in California was falsely labeled.
The news has been filled with reports suggesting we can't blindly trust the extra-virgin olive oil on our store shelves. Recently, Italy increased its penalties for olive oil counterfeiting after investigators leaked details of a massive olive oil fraud. Around 7,000 tons of extra-virgin olive oil were labeled 100-percent Italian, though they included oil from other countries like Syria, Turkey, Morocco, and Tunisia. And you might have caught the 60 Minutes investigation of olive oil fraud in Italy, which looked into how the mafia helps perpetuate the food crime.
Extra-virgin olive oil is made by simply crushing olives and retaining juice. In order to get that designation, the olive oil must be manually pressed and no chemicals can be used. The oil must also maintain its complex flavor profile. The unprocessed and unrefined olive oil is called "virgin" because it is the most pure form.
In 2010, Researchers at the University of California, Davis, published a devastating study that found that 69 percent of imported extra-virgin olive oil sold in California was falsely labeled. Dan Flynn, the executive director of the UC Davis Olive Center, explains: "we found that often the quality of the olive oil did not meet extra-virgin standards."
You may have heard of this study when it was featured in a widely-shared New York Times infographic about olive oil fraud in 2014. It's important to note that the New York Times piece inaccurately sensationalized the study's findings by suggesting that 69 percent of olive oil sold in the US was cut with cheaper oil or doctored with chemicals. The paper released an extensive correction. Imported olive oil brands also took issue with the fact that the study was funded in part by the California olive oil industry.
What the UC Davis researchers did find was that 69 percent of imported olive oil labeled "extra virgin" had been compromised. Issues included samples that were oxidized, adulterated with cheaper refined olive oil, or made from olives that were damaged, overripe, or improperly processed. Some samples had a combination of these problems. The Times piece originally implied that all 69 percent has been adulterated with cheaper oil, which was not the case, but the actual results should cause you concern. In their summary, the study's authors state that "sensory tests showed that these failed samples had defective flavors such as rancid, fusty, and musty."
While there are instances of outright and sophisticated olive oil fraud, a consumer is more likely to find a bottle with such poor quality that the oil inside does not live up to the extra virgin label. Maia Hirschbein, oleologist at California Olive Ranch, who points to the UC Davis study, as well as investigations from Consumer Reports and the National Consumers League. "If the oil is old, was made from bad olives, or was bottled in clear glass that exposed the oil to light, it can be of poor quality."
California Olive Ranch meets high standards and is growing rapidly in popularity.
Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Why It Matters
Getting ripped off isn't the only thing at risk when you buy substandard olive oil - it could also have health effects. Many of us know that extra-virgin olive oil is better (or at least more expensive), but not why. Because it is less processed than other olive oil, extra virgin olive oil retains more of the original flavor and healthy properties of olives. You'll recognize it by its fruity, bitter, or pungent flavors.
"The primary health benefit of extra virgin olive oil is the antioxidant property which we call polyphenol," explains Hirschbein. "Those reduce oxidation in your body and will help prevent things like cancers and heart disease."
If you're not buying the real thing, you're not getting these real health benefits.
Flynn agrees with that assessment: "The health benefits from quality extra-virgin olive oil come from two things: antioxidants and high monounsaturated fat. Studies indicate that these elements are associated with benefits for reducing blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, some cancers, and obesity." If you're not buying the real thing, you're not getting these real health benefits.
Quality olive oil has so many health benefits that the FDA actually recommends eating two tablespoons to reduce the risk of heart disease. Looking at past research, it almost seems like a wonder drug. Olive oil can reduce the need for blood pressure medication. It can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of Type II Diabetes. It can prevent osteoporosis by helping the body absorb calcium. It can ward off obesity thanks to its nutrient-dense, satiating nature. The antioxidants help counter oxidation from the sun and thus prevent the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It can counter free radicals in your body that eventually cause other types of cancer. According to one Spanish study it can also help reduce the risk of mental illnesses, like depression. And another in France found that it reduced the risk of strokes.
When you're eating an oil that is older or isn't actually extra virgin, Hirschbein says, you'll be using an oil that "doesn't have those extra benefits that extra virgin does." You wouldn't want to take expired or damaged medicine, so you shouldn't settle for substandard olive oil.
Who Can You Trust?
Since the UC Davis findings came out, Flynn says "there has been increased awareness among professional buyers." The people stocking our grocery shelves now pay more attention to quality problems and their ability to acquire legitimate product. One such vigilant professional is Lauren Winstead, global Buyer for Whole Foods Market's private label brands. "We test 365 Everyday Value oils for their pH levels, peroxide value, UV extinction, fatty acid composition, sterol composition, wax content, steroidal hydrocarbons, and pesticides to ensure it meets our requirements," she says. And the brand also packages oils in dark glass or tins to protect the oil from light, which can negatively affect the quality of oil.
California Olive Ranch is also committed to authentic extra-virgin olive oil, and has seen a rise in demand as consumers become educated. "Half of the retailers in the US have transitioned to stocking California olive oil. That wasn't the case when we first started in 1998," Hirschbein tells us. Today, she says, California Olive Ranch is the number-four brand in the US and the fastest growing olive oil brand in America. Brands like California Olive Ranch are certified by the California Olive Oil Council (COOC), which uses stricter standards than international requirements. If you see the COOC seal, it means the oil has been submitted for a blind tasting by the board and meets high chemical and sensory standards to qualify as authentic extra-virgin olive oil.
What You Can Do
"Olive oil is simply a fruit juice and it's perishable."
In addition to choosing certified brands with a proven track record, there are other tell-tale signs that an extra-virgin olive oil is legit and things you can do to keep it that way. "Olive oil is simply a fruit juice and it's perishable," explains Hirschbein. If too much time passes from harvest to consumption, it will lose its extra-virgin luster, she says. To makes sure you don't let that happen, here's what Hirschbein suggests:
- Look for a fresh fruit smell: Give your oil a smell and if it reminds you of fruit and herbs that's good. If it smells like band aids or crayons it is of poor quality.
- Never buy oil in a clear bottle: Instead, go for oils that come in dark or opaque bottles so the light can't damage it.
- Try to find a harvest date: Oils in the northern hemisphere are produced at the end of each calendar year. Oils from the southern hemisphere are made around May and June. Olive oil is good one-and-a-half to two years past the bottling date.
- Look for seals of certification: Third-party certifying agencies should give your bottle the stamp of approval. You can find a list of producers who certify their oil with the California Olive Oil Council here.
- Opt for single country of origin: You want oil that comes from one place, not oil that is blended across multiple countries. Often, labels have confusing two letter codes on the back that stand for the four or more countries that the oil came from.
- Don't go for the cheapest: Often, a low price is a sign that the oil may be old or of poor quality. The average price of olive oil is $4 to $5 per half liter. To get quality, you should double that. Expect to pay $8-$10 for a half liter for a good, everyday olive oil, and up to $25 for nice finishing oil.
- Keep it stored in a dark cool place: Try keeping it with your flour and other dry baking goods.
- Resist the urge to savor your favorite olive oil: When you splurge a fancy oil it's tempting to save it for special occasions. Once opened, aim to finish your bottle of olive oil within 30 to 60 days, as it begins to oxidize like wine once exposed to air. If stored correctly and unopened, you can keep for up to two years.
- Buy smaller bottles: If you know you go through olive oil slowly, purchases smaller bottles that you can store unopened.
The Beauty of Buying Local
The easiest solution for avoiding doctored olive oil may be right here at home in the USA. You can be more certain about the quality if you ditch imports for California-grown extra-virgin olive oil. In the UC Davis study, nine out of 10 California samples were confirmed authentic, a much better rate than the imported oils. You had a one in 10 chance of getting a bad oil when you bought California-grown, versus an almost seven in 10 chance for the international oils. Since the study, a proactive American olive oil industry has stepped up pressure to make sure domestic oil is held to appropriate standards. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adopted chemical and sensory standards for olive oil.
You don't have to sacrifice taste either. "California supplies only about 5 percent of domestic consumption," Flynn notes, "but California has been recognized in international competitions as being capable of producing very high quality." A recent blind tasting of supermarket olive oil by Cooks Illustrated magazine, gave their top prize to California Olive Ranch's Everyday Extra Virgin. Some popular import brands were described as "nothing special" or similar to vegetable oil.
Just like the California wine industry in the 1970s, the California olive oil industry could be poised to take on the European establishment. Grapes and olives grow in similar climates, so if California has been conducive to producing fine wine, it should have no problem with olive oil. There are already signs of a boom: there were four million gallons of California extra-virgin olive oil produced during the 2015–16 harvest, compared to just 2.4 million gallons during the 2014–2015 harvest.
Brands like California Olive Ranch want to make sure that their products remain affordable, too. A half-liter bottle of basic extra-virgin olive oil is stocked at Wallmart for less than $8 and can also be found at Costco. Hirschbein explains: "One of our priorities at California Olive Ranch is to offer good extra virgin at an affordable price, so you can use it every day." When you realize how good the real thing is, you'll want to do just that.
Beyoncé Is Still the Most Nominated Woman in Grammy History
Beyoncé has been nominated for an astounding 62 Grammys over the course of her 20-year career, including the nine nominations she received for Lemonade. If she had taken home every one of those trophies at the 2017 Grammy awards, she would have become the most awarded female artist in Grammy history! One gramophone the "Flawless" diva had yet to win is the coveted album of the year award, and judging by the universal acclaim Lemonade received, we thought Queen Bey may finally receive the well-deserved honor. The award ended up going to Adele (who thought Beyoncé was robbed), but Bey did take win two of her nine nominations.
Keep reading to see a comprehensive breakdown of how Beyoncé became the most nominated woman in Grammy history.
This Is What IVF Looks Like - and It Was Beyond Worth It For 1 Grateful Mom
Lauren and Garyt Walker spent 953 days praying for a child, but that wasn't all they did. During those 31 months, they injected 452 needles, shed thousands of tears, endured one corrective surgery, went through four Clomid attempts, had two rounds of in vitro fertilization, and suffered three failed transfers. But now, they are finally able to announce that they are expecting two miracle babies.
When the expecting parents tried to come up with a creative way to share the news, each idea felt like it fell short of doing their babies justice. However, they decided on a way to honor not only these new lives, but also all of the struggle it took to get to this point. In an incredible photo announcing the news these parents-to-be managed to capture all of the pain and joy that have been their reality and shared an equally powerful message on Facebook.
Taking out these needles by the handful to take this photograph was . . . surreal. Halfway through my hands started to quiver, my breath got short, and I had to stop. I sat down, looked at it and started to cry. Not because I was sad about what it took to get here, but because it was a representation of my world, our world, for the past over two and a half years staring back at me. There was a lot of pain, hope, and fear behind each of these needles. Each one represents a different day, a different path, a different emotion. It's a lot to take in. After a good cry, the more I looked at it, the more the needles started to blur together. Now all I see are these tiny onesies that so perfectly sum up our journey: worth the wait. And wait, and wait, and wait.
For Lauren, the hardest part of her journey to motherhood wasn't the IVF. "My darkest hour was going through an entire cycle and losing embryo after embryo; five. Coming so far only to miscarry. Getting to where all the hope, the money, all of what could have been your children were gone," she shared. "They say God only gives you as much as you can handle. Well, He must think very highly of us."
When Lauren looks back at her struggle, she can't believe she actually made it and is now carrying not one baby, but two. "I mean, I MADE it. I'm stronger. It didn't break me," Lauren wrote. "The prize is not these twins; The prize is discovering newfound faith. The GIFT is these twins. I didn't know I was capable of such strength and fight."
Although Lauren credits her doctors, faith, and her friends for helping her get to where she is, she also knows that this moment wouldn't be possible without her husband. "He is patient when I am not. He's calm. He's gentle in his wording. Even when he is hurting too, he is only concerned about me. He's my pill reminder. My patch reminder. My personal pharmacist. He's my shot drawer-upper and often shot provider. He's my daily pep-talk. My motivator," Lauren wrote. "He's my reason for being so strong, he's my husband and the father of my children, he's my everything. These babies don't know how incredibly lucky they are to have him as a daddy."
As this growing family rejoices in their news, they hope that others can take comfort not only in their announcement, but also in the truth behind their hardships. "I feel like I've won the life lottery. I carry battle scars on my heart that will always remind me of what it took to receive these two precious blessings. And I would do this 2,000 times over and over, again, and again," Lauren wrote. "For anyone struggling, may our story give you comfort and hope."
Kendall and Kylie Jenner Both Rocked Bobs - but Only 1 Lasted the Next Day
Kylie Jenner is no stranger to switching up her hairstyle. Whether it's her most recent navy blue wig or any other of her strikingly bright colored 'dos, we're always amazed by her creativity. But big sister Kendall Jenner has stuck with her medium-length brunette look for as long as we can remember. This is why we were so surprised when the Jenner sisters stepped out during New York Fashion Week, both sporting new looks.
On Saturday, Feb. 11, Kylie sat front row at Alexander Wang's show with a dramatic shoulder-length bob. The wet hair trend has been around for the last few years, but Kylie's shaggy bangs take the look to a whole new level. The lip kit connoisseur cut her real hair (re: not a wig) last month. But it appears Kylie's shaggy bang style was only temporary, as her long, sleek extensions were back in action the next day.
As for Kendall, her dramatic hair change is here to stay. Two days before Kylie rocked her shaggy style at the Wang show, Kendall had us turning into the heart-eyed emoji when she took the runway for the La Perla lingerie show with a supershort bob. It's the shortest we've ever seen the supermodel's hair in a while, and it's absolutely stunning, framing her beautiful facial features perfectly. See her new look below.
Image Source: Getty / JP Yim
Instead of a Cake Smash, This Little Girl Went in on Some Tacos For an Adorable Photoshoot
Cake smashes to celebrate first birthdays are some of the cutest things on the internet these days - I mean, who doesn't love an adorable baby covered from head to toe in frosting and cake crumbs? However, the parents of this little girl just upped the first birthday smash game with their decision to have their daughter go in on some hard-shell tacos rather than cake.
It's safe to say they're our new heroes (and that we're totally planning on copying this genius idea).
Check out the photos of little Stella's adorable "taco smash" and let us know if your child smashed a food other than cake for their first birthday!
12-Year-Old Millie Bobby Brown Just Signed With Gigi and Bella Hadid's Modeling Agency
I knew it the moment I saw her walk onto the scene at Jimmy Fallon, decked out in a Burberry ensemble I wanted for myself: Millie Bobby Brown's about to take over the fashion world. Of course, it all started with her success on the new Netflix series Stranger Things. Millie proved she's got serious acting skills, and plenty of red carpet appearances followed.
She chose a tulle embroidered Red Valentino dress for the 2016 Emmys, a custom Armani number for the 2017 SAG Awards, and she's already sported the cool combination of a ballgown and sneakers. To add to her style résumé, the 12-year-old starred in a Calvin Klein campaign and signed with IMG models - the same agency that represents Gigi and Bella Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Ashley Graham, and Joan Smalls.
Though Millie won't grace the runway just yet, we predict it won't be long before you start seeing her in ads everywhere. After all, her love for clothes and accessories runs deep, and we've got all the proof you need. Read on to see why she's already making major waves in the industry and follow her to keep tabs on where she heads next - and of course, what she's wearing.
The Only Trader Joe's Chocolate-Covered Foods You Should Buy
The seemingly endless wall of chocolate-covered foods at Trader Joe's is one of the most magical places on earth. If you're like me, you've spent an embarrassing amount of time making your selection, because the number of choices is almost too high. If you need inspiration for your next purchase, look no further than these editor-approved favorites. Keep reading to find out which chocolate-covered Trader Joe's products POPSUGAR employees love and why.
Watch Beyoncé's Gorgeous, Dreamlike Music Video For "Love Drought"
Because there's no such thing as too much Beyoncé, she not only released a new song with DJ Khaled immediately after the Grammys on Sunday night but also the music video for "Love Drought" from her Lemonade visual album. The video is what inspired her ethereal, dreamlike performance at the Grammys, featuring the same tilted-chair imagery that had the internet losing its mind. "Love Drought" and "Sandcastles" - the latter of which she also performed at the 59th annual music award show - are the most recent standalone videos she's released from Lemonade so far. In 2016, Beyoncé also shared "Daddy Lessons," "Sorry," "All Night," and "Hold Up" one by one over the course of a few months. Watch the video for "Love Drought" above.
Woman Pens Tear-jerkingly Beautiful Definition of "Mommy" For Her New Foster Child
When Jamie welcomed a new foster child into her home, the young girl already knew the drill: meet the family, check out the new house, and maybe play with some dolls. At merely 2 years old, the girl had been shuffled between four different homes in a matter of five months. So when Jamie's other children offered to show the little girl around her new home, the little one gladly obliged.
After just 11 minutes of wandering around the house, the 2-year-old approached Jamie, saying, "Look, mommy!" Jamie was naturally surprised at the girl's declaration because they had just met for the first time and she was already calling her by such an intimate title. That was when the foster mother realized that her family's newest addition did not fully understand the true meaning of the word.
"To this little girl, 'mommy' meant the female adult of the house, the lady who reached something you couldn't and refilled your juice," Jamie wrote in a viral Facebook post. "Having five 'mommies' in five months, she hadn't yet had the chance to learn what mommy meant."
Jamie went on to offer a tear-jerkingly beautiful definition of the word. "Mommy meant falling asleep on shoulders, kissing skinned knees, teaching ABCs," she wrote. "Mommy meant helping homework, whispering about friends, sitting outside dressing rooms. Mommy meant taking pictures at graduation, hugging on wedding day, cuddling grandchildren. Mommy meant security. Mommy meant commitment. Mommy meant lifelong love."
We can't think of a more accurate way to sum up this nickname for mother. Excuse us while we clean up our puddle of tears.
5 Major Things You Can Expect to See in Fifty Shades Freed
We had been waiting for Fifty Shades Darker so long that by the time it opened, we were practically over it already. Of course, after Darker comes Fifty Shades Freed, the third and final installment. The second movie takes things to the next level with Christian and Ana, but Freed really brings their love story home. While Fifty Shades Darker will focus on things that are, well, very dark, Freed is all about tackling difficult situations (and people) and coming out stronger on the other side. We've already been treated to a handful of delicious set photos and know some solid details about production, but here are five major plot points you can expect to see unfold on the big screen when the final movie hits theaters in February 2018.
1. Ana becomes pregnant. While at the hospital to care for her stepdad, Ray, Ana finds out she's pregnant. The news isn't welcomed by Christian, however, as he accuses her of falling pregnant on purpose and worries that she will choose their baby over him in the future.
2. Ana's stalker kicks things up a notch. After Ana and Christian return from their European honeymoon, Christian goes out of town on business, leaving Ana to meet up with her friend, Kate Kavanagh, for a few drinks. But when Ana returns home, she finds that her former boss, Jack Hyde - who turns extremely dangerous in Fifty Shades Darker - has broken in in an attempt to kidnap her. Later, he successfully kidnaps Mia Grey and demands $5 million in ransom money from Ana, who ends up in the hospital after shooting Jack in the leg during a struggle.
3. "Mrs. Robinson" is still causing trouble. In addition to Christian still meeting up with Elena Lincoln, their past affair causes major trouble when her scolded ex bails Jack out of jail out of spite.
4. Christian discovers a dark secret from his past. After Ana recovers from the attack, Christian, who is adopted, finds out that he and Jack were in the same foster home together as children.
5. Things finally take a happy turn. The book jumps forward a few years at the end, showing a happy Ana and Christian getting ready to celebrate the second birthday of their son, Theodore (nicknamed Teddy). Ana is also pregnant with their daughter, whom they plan to name Phoebe.
Queen Letizia Just Wore the Sexy Leather Pencil Skirt No Other Royal Could Pull Off
Queen Letizia of Spain attended a business conference in Madrid in (dare we say it?) a sexy look! File this one under "surprising royal fashion choices."
Pairing a tight leather pencil skirt with a pussy-bow windowpane blouse from Roberto Verino, Letizia was not only rocking two must-have pieces for 2017 but also showing us she can be a little daring - perhaps she was inspired by Fifty Shades Darker, no? She wore her skirt and blouse with sheer tights, black pumps, and a serious dose of confidence. Scroll ahead to check out Letizia's look and find a few links to shop the pieces.
Emmy Rossum's Wedding Gown Might Have Just Gone Down the Runway
You can be sure a collection is promising when it mirror's the designer's own wardrobe. The first half of Carolina Herrera's Fall lineup was a round of looks that spoke to her own style: crisp white prairie blouses with midi skirts, sometimes offered in an edgy leather. Rest assured, if Carolina is comfortable in it, so too will be the women she dresses. In the same vein, lace-up combat boots felt practical when paired with tights and fancy A-line silhouettes, though there were strappy booties with a low heel as well.
While designs such as crochet midi dresses, capes, and cocoon coats were sophisticated, they were not as fancy as the finale gowns. The runway culminated with sparkly stitching, tiered chiffon trains, and sequined sheaths, all of which would be appropriate for wedding guests. But there was one baby pink bridal look that stunned. It was a caped gown we hope Carolina Herrera devotee Emmy Rossum chooses for her nuptials, that is if she decides to ditch white. With Carolina's Fall palette fresh in our mind - pastels balanced with jewel tones including one very vibrant teal - we say she should go for it.
Beyoncé's "Sandcastles" Music Video Will Blow You Away Again and Again
After her showstopping performance at the Grammys on Sunday night, Beyoncé has kindly released the video for "Sandcastles." Although the visual album for Lemonade aired exclusively on HBO, you can now watch it over and over again on YouTube. Featuring a special cameo from her husband, Jay Z, the singer sits crossed-legged at the keyboard as she pours her heart and soul into her music. Even though the clip is visually much simpler than the rest of her videos, it's lyrically just as powerful as she sings about mending a broken relationship.
10 Modern Romance Movies Inspired by Real Love Stories
Not all relationships make for particularly juicy cinematic experiences, but some absolutely do. Whether you're looking to watch a light comedy or a heart-wrenching drama, we have you covered with 10 films that center around real-life couples. For this list, we stuck with movies set in the modern day (aka nothing before the 20th century) and included uplifting love stories as well as some that didn't end too well. Take a look!
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