Cholesterol is a waxy compound produced by the liver, and it can be obtained from food sources too. But, if the cholesterol level becomes too high, it may start depositing in your arteries and eventually choke them. Why? This condition makes it challenging for the blood to flow through arteries and veins. Sometimes, it can also lead to clot formation and cause a heart attack or stroke. So, check out these foods to avoid high cholesterol to lower your risk. Fried food Deep-fried snacks like French fries and chicken nuggets are foods to avoid with high cholesterol. They are not only loaded with calories, but also contain trans fats, which have adverse effects on those with cardiac ailments, diabetes, and high cholesterol. They also have high salt content, which can increase the risk of hypertension and stroke. Even if you crave fried products, try to prepare them at home with olive oil. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil is safe for the heart. After frying the potatoes or chicken fillets, drape them in a tissue paper to remove the excess oil. Never reuse the oil, as the oil breaks down whenever it comes in contact with heat, and becomes unsafe for consumption.

Did you know that 322 million people in the world suffer from depression? Every year, the number of citizens diagnosed with depression keeps increasing. This mental health condition can be managed with the right medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Here are the top  foods that help soothe depression and make you feel better. Whole grains Selenium is a mineral that helps improve your mood and makes you feel better mentally. Selenium has also been proven to reduce bouts of anxiety. Selenium deficiency can trigger your symptoms of depression. Whole grains are a good source of selenium. Choose multi-grain bread, whole wheat bread and pasta, and whole-grain cereals to get your dose of selenium. Walnuts Walnuts are on the list of top  foods that help soothe depression  because of their anti-inflammatory effects and high omega-3 fatty acid content. Several studies have shown that foods rich in omega-3 help fight depression. These studies revolve around the fact that the human brain needs lipids to function effectively. Fresh vegetables and leafy greens Fresh all leafy veggies have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Leaves such as kale, spinach, and Swiss chard have anti-inflammatory properties and can prevent free radicals from damaging the brain cells. This brings down the risk of depression and also keeps the condition from being triggered.

A signature cocktail is an original drink that reflects the nature of the person or the establishment creating it. It often includes local ingredients and represents the local culture. Here are some popular signature cocktails for a wedding: Watermelon refresher Are you hosting a summer wedding? How about infusing the cocktail with a fruity punch like watermelon? A popular signature cocktail for a wedding, this recipe combines strawberry and watermelon. Add a generous splash of vodka with a dash of basil, and you can also add ginger and a zesty dash of lime. Fruity champagne This classic drink is all about achieving the right look and taste. You can create a champagne cocktail with pear slices and top it off with skewered blueberries to get one of the most popular signature cocktails for a wedding. Blueberry mojito The blueberry mojito is a classic twist on hot toddy and has a fruity taste from the fresh blueberries. It is the perfect example of a vintage classic. St. Germain You can try the St. Germain, which infuses a plethora of flavors. Concoct this drink by mixing vodka, lime, and white cranberry juice. Lavender infusion Planning a spring wedding? Add a floral punch to the champagne glasses with a 2- to 4-inch piece of lavender.

Parents often find it challenging to choose healthy store-bought snacks for kids to keep them nourished and energetic in between meals. Nutritionists advocate offering foods low in added sugar, contain whole grains, have reduced sodium content, rich in fruit pulp, and do not contain trans fats. Though finding such snacks might seem tough, check out the list mentioned below when you are out shopping next time. Larabars Larabars, a product by General Mills, consists of tasty energy bars in a variety of flavors. The Larabar Kids is specially made to fuel the imaginative and delightful minds of tiny tots. These energy bars come in three flavors- chocolate chip cookie, cinnamon swirl, and chocolate brownie. They are a gluten-free blend of the finest chocolates, fruits, and spices. According to manufacturers, each bar contains only nine or fewer pantry ingredients. You can happily pack these healthy store-bought snacks for kids in their lunch boxes and be stress-free about their nutritional requirements. Bitsy’s Smart Crackers If you want to offer your kids a range of healthy crackers and crisps, then look no further than Bitsy’s Smart Crackers. The company makes them from organically grown vegetables. They do not contain any nuts, so you do not have to worry about allergens.

The number of people who have diabetes in the country has increased by threefold between 1990 and 2010. People with diabetes need to keep their sugar levels in check as diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels. Naturally, they need to pay extra attention to their diet. So, check out these  naturally sugar-free snacks for diabetics, which are tasty and nutritious: Roasted chickpeas Chickpeas are  naturally sugar-free snacks for diabetics . You can prepare roasted chickpeas with different flavors, sweet, savory, spicy, or plain. You can eat them on their own or add them to a salad or soup. They also contain protein and fiber. Celery sticks with peanut butter Create a cavity in a celery stick and fill it with peanut butter and sprinkle some raisins over it. This snack contains healthy fat, fiber, and protein, but is free from sugar. Popcorn Another one of the  naturally sugar-free snacks for diabetics  you can try is popcorn .  It can satisfy your savory cravings and provide fiber. Do not add butter or sugar, though. Roasted edamame It is a healthy snack packed with plant-based protein. It also contains fiber for smooth digestion. Whole wheat crackers with hard-boiled eggs and pesto Wheat crackers have fiber, and you can get protein and healthy fat from eggs.

People with schizophrenia tend to follow an unhealthy diet. Poor eating habits can lead to other health problems that can put such patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that changes in the diet can help people with schizophrenia live a better life. So, here is a list of  what to eat when you have schizophrenia. Fruits Fruits are the obvious answer when you are wondering  what to eat when you have schizophrenia.  Eat a lot of fresh fruits like raspberries, pears, apples, and others. They have high amounts of fiber, which helps lower bad cholesterol and aids in digestion. A fiber-rich diet may lower your risk of health problems that are often associated with schizophrenia, like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Vegetables Vegetables are low in fat and calories and packed with fiber and important vitamins. Also, vegetables contain potassium, which helps keep the blood sugar level in check. The best vegetables you can eat are lima beans, kidney beans, and sweet potatoes. Salmon and other fatty fishes Omega-3 fatty acids have been known to prevent and ease the symptoms of schizophrenia and slow the disease’s progress. The body cannot produce omega-3, hence include salmon and mackerel in your daily diet.

Whether you are traveling with your pet for the first time or have done it multiple times, a pet travel checklist always helps get things in order. Your pet is a huge responsibility, especially when it comes to traveling together. It has often been observed that pets feel the stress of travel, so you need to ensure that you carry the right things and make proper arrangements to relieve their stress as much as possible. Vaccination records:  While traveling, vaccination records are critical so that your pet can be provided with the right care if and when needed. The vaccination records are an important part of a pet travel checklist. They not only provide vital information about the shots taken so far but also give a quick view of any existing conditions that vets need to know before treating your furry friend. If you’re flying to your destination, an inspection certificate (confirming that the pet is fit for flying) may also be required by the airlines. A good-quality leash:  Think about investing in a good leash before you start your travel plans. Any leash made for runners is great for travel. Some leashes come with a belt instead of a loop, making them perfectly hands-free.

Easy and healthy homemade dog food can benefit your furry companion in a lot of ways. For dogs with allergies, skin troubles, or gastrointestinal sensitivities, these DIY dog food recipes are the best way to manage the conditions. With fresh homemade food, you know exactly what your dog is eating and can easily steer clear of any allergens or harmful ingredients, as opposed to reading the label and being anxious about the preservatives and additives in store-bought dog food. Simple DIY dog food recipes Beef stew:  An incredible alternative to canned food, this recipe provides your dog with fresh protein and a whole lot of nutrients, like vitamin D, iron, potassium, and calcium. Ingredients Beef stew meat – 1 lb. Sweet potato – 1 small Diced carrots – ½ cup Flour – ½ cup Diced beans – ½ cup Vegetable oil – 1 tablespoon Method Cook the sweet potato in a microwave oven for about 7 minutes. Slice the beef into small pieces, and stew it on medium flame in one tablespoon of vegetable oil. Remove from the pan and keep the drippings aside. Then, heat the drippings and add ½ cup of water and flour to create a thick gravy.

Food allergy causes the immune system to identify a type of food as a harmful substance and starts fighting it. Both genetic and environmental factors can cause an allergy, and several common food choices for dogs can trigger allergies. As a pet owner, you should know the most common foods that cause allergies in dogs to safeguard your pooch: Dairy:  Dogs are not designed to enjoy dairy products like humans. While many dogs are lactose intolerant, other dogs may develop an allergic reaction to lactose, which is present in all dairy products. While intolerance to lactose causes issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, if your dog is allergic to lactose, it can develop symptoms like skin rashes, constant itching of the body, and itchy paws. You should look out for these symptoms in your dog after you feed them dairy products and eliminate them from your pet’s diet if they cause an allergic reaction. Beef:  One of the most common foods that cause allergies in dogs is beef. Scientifically, it is said that feeding your dog the same type of meat every day can increase the chances of them developing an allergic reaction or intolerance toward that meat. You can avoid this by rotating the meat choices regularly.

Diabetes is a common condition in cats. It affects the body’s ability to convert sugar into energy and causes blood sugar spikes. In case your pet is suffering from the condition, timely insulin injections and a nutritious diet can help. However, not all foods are safe for a diabetic cat. If you are wondering what foods to avoid for cats with diabetes mellitus, we have a list for you. Dry foods:  If your cat is a diabetic, dry foods are a strict no-no. Most dry foods are high in calories, and their regular consumption may make it difficult for your furry buddy to lose weight. They are also high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. The low water content in dry foods also increases the chances of painful urethral obstruction and cystitis in a diabetic cat. If your cat loves dry foods, and you cannot remove them from their diet suddenly, you can reduce their quantity gradually. High-carbohydrate foods:  This is yet another important tip for pet owners with diabetic cats. Too much carbohydrate can spike blood sugar levels and result in heart diseases and kidney conditions, so choosing foods that are low in carbohydrates will help manage your furry friend’s blood glucose levels.