Pests can be everywhere, and there are several reasons that they can infest, not only your home but also your body. One of the reasons is your diet. There is developing research that is signifying that what we eat is not only affecting our health but also has its particular effect on some of the most troublesome pests.
Cereals and Wholegrain Foods
One of the healthiest and fastest meals to start your day is by eating a bowl of grains. It can provide you the energy and nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, dietary minerals, phytochemicals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating cereals and wholegrain food can give you the following benefits:
- It is cholesterol-free
- A significant source of protein
- It is a good source of the B group vitamins which includes folate
An excellent source of phytochemicals and antioxidants that helps in lowering the level of cholesterol in the blood and protect you against heart disease.
There is a multitude of benefits that you can get from this healthy food. An opened cereal, when properly stored, can last 2 to 3 months at room temperature. However, saving it for long periods can attract grain beetles. Though these pests cannot carry or transmit harmful diseases, it can still be annoying for it can damage and infest your food.
Making your food storage areas clean and sanitized correctly can help in avoiding grain beetle infestation. You can also purchase grains and cereals in small quantities if you use them in a short period. Here are simple and easy things that you can do:
- Store in the refrigerator using tightly closed containers made of metal, glass, or heavy plastic if possible.
- Thoroughly clean the corners and crevices of your food storage.
- Rotate stock by using the older products before opening new ones.
Foods High in Potassium
Potassium is a significant nutrient for many processes of the body. According to experts, consuming foods high in potassium can help in regulating the blood levels and fluids in the body. Adequate intake of potassium is 3400 mg/day for men and 2600 mg/day for women. Dried apricots and leafy green vegetables are some of the foods that are rich in potassium.
On the other hand, bananas and potatoes can increase the amount of lactic acid in the body that is appealing to mosquitos and gnats. If you attract mosquitos in your home, you will not only suffer from their bites but can also help in transmitting diseases. You can mask some of the scents of these foods by switching it to foods that are high in thiamine like nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
A diet that is high in fruits and vegetables can help in lowering blood pressure, prevent some types of cancer, and reduce the peril of heart disease. It can also help in promoting weight loss. However, having this fresh produce in your home can help in attracting fruit flies.
These insects can contaminate your fruit and vegetables with salmonella and e.coli, which can be pretty harmful to you. Storing your fresh produce in refrigerators can help in avoiding the infestation since fruit flies cannot survive in cold temperatures.
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Loaf of Bread
Bread contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, fiber, and protein to name a few. It is an essential piece of a healthy and well-balanced diet. It is not only perfect for sandwiches but is also the right partner for pasta. There are numerous benefits that you can get in eating bread like:
- Maintains healthy bones and teeth
- Can help in making your digestive system healthy
- Lowers cholesterol
- Help prevent neural tube defects like spinal Bifida
- It is an excellent source of energy
However, bread can also be appealing to pests like rats. If you neglect in storing this food properly, then rats may infest your home and will cause damage not only to your food but also to your health. This type of rodents can spread salmonella and hantavirus, which is a severe respiratory disease.
All Kinds of Beer
Surprisingly, beer is pretty good for your health. Several studies state that beer can give your health benefits like:
- It can help prevent cancer. Beer contains chemicals such as lupulone, a bitter type of acid, and xanthohumol, which, according to research can help in lowering the risk for cancer.
- It can be useful for your heart.
- Can avoid the formation of biofilm making your teeth healthy.
- It can protect your brain cells from oxidative damage.
- It can help avoid the arrangement of kidney stones.
- It can help fight inflammation. Hops, an ingredient used that gives beer its bitter taste, contains acids that can help in fighting inflammation and can help prevent viral respiratory infections.
- Beer is a good source of silicon which can help in building and maintaining healthy bones.
- It is suitable for digestion for it helps trigger in releasing gastric acid from stomach cells, which is the key to digesting food in your stomach and controlling the growth of gut bacteria.
Though considered to be an alcoholic beverage, beer has components in its ingredients that you can take advantage of. Be sure though that you drink in moderation’s.
Beer as a Magnet to Bugs
However, on the other hand, beer can also act as a magnet that attracts bugs. It is because when you drink this alcoholic beverage, your blood vessel dilates and can increase your body temperature. Also, you may find that you sweat a little after having a drink or two, making you release ethanol, which can also help in attracting bugs.
So, if you have any plans to enjoy a few bottles of beer, please ensure that you have a bug spray or patches to help you in repelling these bugs. Also, properly disposing of the cans and bottles of beer can help in ensuring that you avoid bugs to infest your house.
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Tips to Help Keep Pest Away from Your Food
- Store your food supplies in an airtight container or refrigerator
- Wipe up spills and crumbs immediately
- Do not leave any foods out in the open
- Make sure that you keep your ripe fruits in the fridge
