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6 foods to avoid to manage diabetes
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6 foods to avoid to manage diabetes

Food plays an important role in managing diabetes. According to several studies, the most severe and chronic diabetes cases and complications triggered by the condition are caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. These can increase insulin resistance and heighten blood sugar levels in the body. It is, therefore, important to learn about the foods that can worsen the condition. Here are some of the foods that those with diabetes should avoid. Flavored coffee drinks Flavored coffee drinks, unlike regular coffee, are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, all of which may lead to an increase in weight and spikes in blood sugar levels. Such complications will eventually lead to a severe form of diabetes and other health conditions, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Margarine Margarine is used as a healthy alternative to butter because it is low in saturated fats. However, the food contains high levels of trans fats. These fats may trigger inflammation, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the healthy cholesterol levels in the body. White bread White bread is a processed food that is rich in carbohydrates. Studies indicate that foods high in carbohydrates may raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
5 foods that worsen arthritis symptoms
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5 foods that worsen arthritis symptoms

Arthritis triggers inflammation affecting one or more joints. Symptoms include pain and stiffness that worsen with age, as there is no cure for the chronic inflammatory condition. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are the most diagnosed forms in adults. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with changes in food and lifestyle and taking pain relief prescriptions. To help ease the condition, eliminating these foods from one’s meal regimen can help. Processed, preserved, and sugary foods like baked desserts Foods bought off the shelves in supermarkets contain copious amounts of sugar and preservatives. Most ready-to-eat meals are also made with refined flour, fructose, and sucrose which can trigger an imbalance in blood sugar levels. Baked desserts, pastries, white bread, white rice, and pasta are some of the common refined foods to avoid. Sweets, candies, and sugary beverages, including flavored sodas, can also flare symptoms. Unhealthy fat sources like red meat Saturated and trans fats are the worst and most persistent triggers of inflammation linked to arthritis. Red meats, full-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and desserts made with refined grains all contain saturated fats. Trans fats can be found in fried foods, frozen foods, and products that are mostly made with margarine or hydrogenated vegetable oils.
11 ways to keep the indoor air quality clean
home and garden

11 ways to keep the indoor air quality clean

The air in our homes is not perpetually clean. There are many chemicals, harmful gases, dust, and other airborne allergens that degrade the air quality in your home. These pollutants often stem from external factors and even the appliances you use at home. Furthermore, such pollutants can deteriorate health and trigger several health problems when inhaled. Therefore, here are 11 ways to keep the indoor air quality in your home clean. Open the windows Opening the window will let oxygen in and remove any harmful toxins in the air. It can even help keep the room breezy in the summers. Do not use aerosol sprays Aerosol sprays release harmful chemicals into the air. So you must use non-aerosol versions when it comes to hair sprays, furniture polish, and deodorants. Mop hard floor surfaces Mopping surfaces made from hardwood, vinyl floors, tile, or other toughened materials with a disinfectant will keep your home free of allergens. Inspect the air vents HVAC systems filter out harmful substances from the air to keep the atmosphere inside your room clean. Clean such air vents periodically to ensure they are working properly. Use exhausts Moisture in your home can lead to mildew, bugs, bacteria, and mold.
4 breakfast options to help maintain blood sugar levels
health

4 breakfast options to help maintain blood sugar levels

It is vital to eat better to ensure one’s overall health is maintained. In cases where someone has diabetes, it becomes more crucial to choose the right foods to control the blood sugar. Rapid and unchecked changes in its levels can lead to complications. One of the simplest ways to maintain blood sugar is by choosing the right breakfast food; accordingly, here are some of the top breakfast options a person with diabetes can have. 4 breakfast foods that help maintain blood sugar levels Eggs Eggs are a healthy and reliable source of essential nutrients, including proteins, for the body. Paired with sauteed vegetables or a slice of toasted bread topped with seed seasoning, eggs never fail to make for perfect breakfast food. Its high-quality fat and abundance of nutrients also ensures that the blood sugar level is controlled without erratic spikes and dips. Chia seed pudding Chia seeds are known for their high omega-3 fatty acid content and their ability to soak up to ten times the quantity of water in comparison to their weight. This promotes a feeling of fullness, and the high fiber content keeps the blood sugar control maintained. Add your choice of nuts, fruits, and/or seeds to soaked chia seeds.
4 wholesome breakfast options to fight arthritis inflammation
health

4 wholesome breakfast options to fight arthritis inflammation

Proper nutrition is essential when dealing with a chronic condition like arthritis. Every meal is an opportunity to give your joints the much-needed support. Since inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of arthritis, it’s essential to start your day with foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and nutrients that help reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Here, we’ve rounded up the best breakfast options for fighting arthritis inflammation. Greek yogurt and berries What better way to start your day than with a healthy dose of good bacteria? Greek yogurt is an excellent source of live microorganisms called probiotics, which aid with digestion, help prevent inflammation, and keep you satiated. Top your bowl of plain regular or Greek yogurt with different berries for sweetness, flavor, and, most importantly, polyphenols, which are bioactive compounds with antioxidant-like effects that help stop arthritis inflammation. Scrambled eggs with turmeric Eggs are one of the best sources of protein. They’re also among the few foods that contain high amounts of vitamin D, a nutrient that can curb arthritis inflammation. Another crucial ingredient in this scrambled egg recipe is turmeric, a yellow spice known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to the primary bioactive substance in it called curcumin.
5 foods that may cause allergic reactions in dogs
pets

5 foods that may cause allergic reactions in dogs

Certain foods and ingredients may be used in many dishes, but they may not be safe for our furry little friends. If you have a dog, it is very important to be aware of foods that may be toxic or cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Hence, vets highly recommend keeping the following foods away from your dog’s bowl, as they may be potential allergens. Let’s take a look at them. Garlic and chives While garlic causes nothing more than bad breath to humans, it is harmful to our furry little friends. Dogs are sensitive to garlic, as it makes their blood cells more likely to break, thereby increasing the risk of anemia. It has been especially observed that Japanese breeds like Shiba-Inu and Akita are more sensitive to garlic than other dog breeds. Black pepper Black pepper is typically harmful to dogs. While small quantities may not cause a reaction, some breeds may have severe reactions. Hence, vets recommend avoiding this ingredient in a dog’s daily food. Common side effects of black pepper ingestion may include respiratory issues, burning reactions, and hemorrhoids. Onion powder Like garlic, onion powder is also toxic for dogs. In fact, any form of onion may cause health complications.
Healthy bone broth recipes for those with osteoporosis
health

Healthy bone broth recipes for those with osteoporosis

Research about the benefits of bone broth still awaits scientific approval. But those who make this dish at home praise it for its high nutritional value. Boiling a mixture of bones, marrow, and connective tissues releases healthy vitamins like calcium, silicon, phosphorus, magnesium, collagen, glycine, and glutamine. Such compounds can tackle osteoporosis: a condition in which the bones become brittle and weak. Here are four bone broth recipes that help improve one’s condition. Chicken feet broth Broth made from chicken feet is not only healthy but quite delicious too. To make this broth, you will need two pounds of chicken feet, two large carrots, and one onion. Throwing in two celery ribs, a bunch of fresh thyme, 10 peppercorns, and a bay leaf will enhance the flavor. This broth will nourish the body with collagen, calcium, and glucosamine. Fishbone broth Fishbones contain gelatin and collagen that reduce excess friction between the joints and relieve osteoporosis. A few ingredients needed to make the broth include five to seven pounds of non-oily fish carcasses, two sliced carrots, two medium onions, and two celery ribs. Other ingredients include a bay lead, two whole cloves, and two teaspoons of peppercorn. Beef bone broth This broth needs three to four pounds of beef bones, two carrots, three celery stalks, two medium onions, and a bay leaf.
5 vacuuming mistakes to avoid
home and garden

5 vacuuming mistakes to avoid

Most households today have vacuum cleaner as they are one of the most important cleaning tools. But not everyone uses the appliance properly. Improper use and handling of vacuum cleaners can result in its malfunctioning and reduction in shelf life. This can lead to replacing it with a new one and the cycle repeats without realizing that all a vacuum cleaner need is some TLC. So, avoiding these 5 mistakes will ensure a vacuum cleaner’s longevity. Using the wrong attachment Vacuum cleaners come with variety of attachments including crevice tools, dusting brushes, and other extension tools to reach inaccessible corners and ceilings. Using these attachments on the wrong surfaces will not only make vacuuming tedious, but it may also damage the cleaning tools. Vacuuming with a filled dust bag or canister This is one of the common mistakes made while using a vacuum cleaner. Not emptying the vacuum cleaner’s dust collection bag or canister can reduce the suction power and even put load on the motor. This can decrease the longevity of the vacuum cleaner. Some vacuum cleaners come with ‘check/change bag’ indication. So, make sure to empty the bag as soon as it is full. Vacuuming hard objects Although vacuum cleaners have a powerful motor, they are made to suck in dust and debris.
4 effective fruit eating tips for diabetics
health

4 effective fruit eating tips for diabetics

Diabetes patients must focus on their daily carbohydrate intake as it is one of the major factors that affect blood sugar. Excess carbohydrates in the system trigger the pancreas to produce and release more insulin. For diabetics, one of the main concerns is eating fruits, as they are rich in natural sugars and fructose. But here are a few simple ways one can include more fruits in daily foods without worrying about type 2 diabetes. Consider low glycemic (GI) fruits Low GI fruits contain natural fibers that help the body with digestion. Cherries, grapefruit, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, grapes, blackberries, and oranges are excellent fruits that supplement daily nutrition. Fibrous fruits also help one feel more satiated throughout the day and curb hunger pangs. Don’t eat in one go The body can only process a finite amount of sugar and carbohydrates in a single day. So, it is better to have a smaller serving of fruits to balance carbohydrate and calorie intake. Also, consider fresh fruits over frozen or dried options. Fresh fruits contain a lower and more easily digestible concentration of natural sugars, minus any preservatives or additives. Portion sizes matter People with diabetes should really pay attention to portion sizes.
8 healthy and cholesterol-lowering snacks
health

8 healthy and cholesterol-lowering snacks

Those with high cholesterol should ideally opt for healthy snacks rather than empty calories or artery-clogging foods. Snacks with excessive fats or sugar can adversely affect cholesterol levels, so every calorie counts here. Moreover, skipping snacks is not an option. This is where healthy snacks come into the picture; they can help maintain metabolism, blood sugar, and even cholesterol levels. Here are eight easy snacks that will help lower cholesterol. Avocado on toast Avocado contains unsaturated fats, which keep cholesterol levels in check. This fruit contains about 10 grams of fiber. Pair it with whole grain, pumpernickel, or rye toast to make the snack even more fibrous. Popcorn According to the American Heart Association, popcorn lowers cholesterol levels since they are high in fiber content. In fact, popcorn contains more fiber than whole-wheat bread or brown rice. Although it has low calories, it should be eaten in moderation. Nuts Studies have concluded that bad cholesterol can be controlled by replacing fatty foods with healthy monosaturated foods, like nuts, almonds, and walnuts. But be sure to eat only a handful. Tuna nori wraps Tuna helps lower cholesterol since it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Make a tuna salad by adding olive oil, onions, or celery.

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A look at some of the best free investment advisors
finance

A look at some of the best free investment advisors

As a beginner investor, investing too much money at the start can be quite difficult and overwhelming. However, if you choose the right brokerage account, you can earn a lot back from it in terms of investment knowledge. So if you are looking for the best cost-free investment advisors to provide you with long-term portfolio management services, then you have come to the right place. Here is our collated list: Interactive Brokers Investment Brokers has an entity known as IBKR Lite, which offers commission-free trading on various commodities. It mainly covers exchange-listed stocks as well as exchange-traded funds (ETFs). It also offers low-priced access to various global markets without any account minimum or inactivity fee. Additionally, it offers the best competitive interest rates, while its client portal, which offers trading and account management services, is highly preferred by users. One of the most notable points is that IBKR Lite has been around for over 40 years, having earned the trust of a vast client base. You Invest by JP Morgan Chase You Invest Trade, offered by JP Morgan Chase, is one of the best low-cost investment advisors. It is complete with a range of commission-free ETFs and stocks that can be traded online.
Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria
finance

Reverse mortgage eligibility and its criteria

As you approach retirement, most of your money has been invested in your home. A reverse mortgage is an excellent way to tap into your home’s equity. If you have paid off a home loan or have only a small amount to be paid, it is a good option to meet various financial goals. Here are the criteria for reverse mortgage eligibility: Personal criteria Age You must be 62 years or older, to apply for a reverse mortgage. Generally, as you grow older the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) amount increases. Property The home should be your primary residence, and you need to live there for the entire duration of the reverse mortgage. Rental properties and vacation homes do not qualify for such mortgages. Home equity You should be the owner of your home outright or possess a minimum of 50% home equity. There is a possibility that you may qualify for a reverse mortgage despite having some outstanding balance on your existing home loan. However, the criterion is that you must first pay off the remaining mortgage from the sanctioned amount and meet other liens. The balance funds may be used for any other purpose. Using a reverse mortgage to refinance existing debt is beneficial in reducing your monthly cash outflows.
Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider
finance

Top 10 debt settlement companies to consider

A lot of people get stuck in debt due to many reasons. The interest rates keep adding up, taking a toll on an individual’s financial stability. In such a case, debt settlement can be quite helpful if you wish to settle a large amount. Here is a list of top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider to help ease the burden off your shoulders. National Debt Relief National Debt Relief has the most detailed insights on their website that can help you with debt settlement. It talks about the debt qualification, the amount of money you need to pay for enrolments as well as the debt relief services that they offer. The average savings after the fees is around 30%. CreditAssociates This particular company is known for helping clients with the elimination of debt. They undertake this entire process between twenty-four to thirty-six months. They use enhanced software, and the outstanding expertise of their team to help their clients with great debt negotiation services. Pacific Debt Inc This is one of the top 10 debt settlement companies that you can consider. You need to have a minimum of $10,000 in debt to avail their services. They offer an affordable monthly program/plan with payment as well as upfront fees.
6 top business credit card companies
finance

6 top business credit card companies

The right business credit card can help you save thousands of dollars. Business accounts can earn more rewards like discounts, hotel stays, and cashback offers. You may also use these cards to meet short-term financial requirements. In case you haven’t applied for one yet, you must check out 6 of the top business credit cards that you can apply for to make your life easier. American Express Blue Business® Plus Card This is an ideal business credit card offered by one of the leading credit card companies and does not levy any annual fees. You receive twice the Membership Reward ® points upto $50,000 with no category restrictions, which reduces to 1% thereafter. The cashback earned automatically gets credited in your statement. The regular APR on this card is 13.24% to 19.24% variable. CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select ® MasterCard® This is an excellent option if you undertake frequent business travel with American Airlines. You earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases. Additionally, the card offers 2 AAdvantage® miles for every dollar spent on telecommunications, fuel, car rental, and cable and satellite services. All other purchases earn you one mile for every dollar spent. The annual fee is $99 (waived in the first year) and regular APR varies between 15.99% and 24.99%.
Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country
finance

Top 6 NNN properties for sale in the country

NNN properties are known as triple net lease properties and can be categorized as single-tenant properties that are available for lease. In these properties, the maintenance fees, taxes, and insurance have to be paid by the lessee instead of the landlord. These costs have to be borne by the lessee in addition to the rent. Here are some of the top NNN properties for sale: 7-Eleven, Texas There are plenty of 7-Eleven properties that come under the category of NNN properties. This one is our top pick at the moment, as it serves two commodities that are always in demand: gas and foods. The property is on the 3601 West Freeway in Fort Worth, Texas, making it quite a hot spot for sale. The current annual rent for this property is $267,500, while the cap rate is 5.75%. Burger King, Florida Burger King is one of the country’s favorite fast-food chains. The current annual rent for this property is about $140,000, and the cap rate is 5.15%. This property was built quite recently as compared to the other options on our list, and it has the potential of providing good returns quickly, as it is in a strategic location on SW Port St.

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6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in
finance

6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in

Before you search for the best dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it is recommended you understand your needs and overall investment objectives. ETFs are hybrids of mutual funds and stocks. When you invest in the ETF, you purchase shares in the fund, which buys the underlying asset. Here are six of the best high-dividend ETF funds: Vanguard High Dividend Yield (VYM) This ETF adopts the simple method of choosing stocks that have higher dividend yield when compared to other companies. This has resulted in building a diversified portfolio comprising 400 stocks with higher market capitalization. The majority of these stocks belong to the healthcare, consumer, and financial sectors. During the last decade, VYM delivered average annual returns of 12.9%. The expense ratio is the lowest in the industry at 0.06% per annum. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation (VIG) The ETF focuses on investing in companies that have a long history of increasing their dividend payouts over the years. The portfolio includes approximately 180 stocks with low yields. The ETF has earned average returns of 12.6% per year over the last 10 years. The expense ratio is 0.06%, which makes it an excellent option if you do not mind lower dividend returns currently but want to earn more in the future.
Top 5 providers for automated investments
finance

Top 5 providers for automated investments

Roboadvisors are gaining popularity as these investment programs offer affordable financial advice to a large number of investors. These automated advisors use an algorithm to recommend investment options that best suit your requirements. The best automated investing algorithms offer simple account setup, portfolio management, low fees, strong goal planning, and security. Here are the top five providers of automated investments. Betterment This roboadvisor is the best for delivering top-quality services. You may sync various financial accounts without investing to gain an overall picture of your investment portfolio. You may choose the pre-built Betterment portfolios or customize one to meet your needs. The algorithm gives you the flexibility to add new goals as required while monitoring your progress without any difficulties. The advisor charges between 0.25% and 0.4% management fees with no minimum account requirement. Wealthfront It is one of the largest Robo-advisors and provides goal-based investing enabling you to understand the future effects of your financial decisions. You may choose from a wide range of portfolios that comprise individual stocks to meet your financial goals. Once your portfolio accumulates USD 25,000, Wealthfront allows you to borrow against its value. The service provider also offers margin lending. The management fee for most accounts is 0.25% and you need an account minimum of USD 500.
Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio
finance

Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio

Most people work for decades so that they can make investments and collect sufficient funds for their retirement years. Having enough savings for the golden years is ideally the most significant goal for you as an investor, but the volatile market may make it difficult to understand which retirement funds are suitable for you. To help you out, here are the best retirement investments that you can include in your portfolio: Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund This retirement fund is created for investors who want to retire early so that they can enjoy the benefits of their investment within 15 years. However, even if you don’t want to retire that early, this fund has various offerings that make it one of the best retirement investments available in the market. As of now, this retirement fund offers a current yield of over 2%, and the expense ratio is 0.14%. Plus, Vanguard is quite a trusted name for keeping your money safe. Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund This fund offers one of the best diversifications and a lot more protection in case the fund underperforms. So, it invests in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and aims to provide long-term capital appreciation at an expense ratio of 0.58%.
Top 5 capital providers for your business
finance

Top 5 capital providers for your business

People who wish to set up their business ventures need additional funding to get going. Many banks and financial institutions help promising businesses with the same and in this article, we would be covering guaranteed business loan providers. You can check the following list out when looking for business loan providers. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo is one of the best financial institutions when it comes to guaranteed business loan providers in the market. It offers various other financial products. It claims to be a leader when it comes to small business loans. The unsecured business loan has varied loan amounts starting from $10,000 and going up to $100,000. The term for this product is between one to five years. Additionally, you can go for other loans offered by Wells Fargo, such as the Equipment Express Loan or the Advancing Term Loan. Capital One Capital One does not only offer good deals on business credit cards, its business loan is worth considering too. If you are looking at a funding source that can help expand your business or get going with the operations, then we highly recommend you to choose the business loan offered by Capital One. Starting at a minimal amount of $10,000 and a maximum term length of 5 years, the repayment term is simple and can be done on a monthly basis.
All you need to know about home insurance policy
finance

All you need to know about home insurance policy

Buying a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are a lot of risks that come with owning a home like the risk of theft and property damage. Investing in the right kind of home insurance policy is important so as to be financially prepared for these risks. There are several different companies in the market that offer home insurance policies with different kinds of terms and coverages. Remember the following points before choosing a home insurance policy. Explore your options As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of home insurance policies available to homeowners at this time. When selecting one, it is important to consider factors like what potential risks are being covered in the policy. It is also important to consider the company’s record in your area, whether they are reliable as insurance providers, and their response time. Ask about discounts Home insurance policy in 2021 offers additional services and discounts. They may offer discounts on additional safety installment services such as installing an alarm system, smoke alarm, or better locks. There may also be certain offers for old and retired personnel as well as some discounts for policies when taken via your employer’s or organization’s reference.
5 technologies revolutionizing financial services
finance

5 technologies revolutionizing financial services

For any industry to sustain itself in today’s world, implementing digital strategies has become indispensable. This holds particularly true for the financial services industry. The good news is that digital transformation in financial services has already begun, and we’ll likely see more and more innovative technologies underpinning banking and financial institutions in the coming years. Keep reading to learn about the latest digital transformation trends in the financial services industry. Big data and artificial intelligence The combination of big data and artificial intelligence is a revolutionary digital strategy that is shaping the future of banking and financial services. The technology helps institutions process, store, and drive valuable insights from the data they gather from their customers’ activities. Big data and artificial intelligence allow institutions to create a highly personalized experience, helping businesses attract and retain customers. Blockchain Blockchain is a fairly new technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the financial services industry. With blockchain technology, all transactions are permanently stored in the blockchain network, providing the highest level of transparency and security. Nobody can tamper with these transactions, which nearly eliminates the risk of error and fraud. Besides security, the technology is being explored for use in a wide variety of banking and investment applications.