Copper-infused water has gained popularity in recent years, with many believing it offers unique health benefits. However, is it really necessary for daily consumption? Experts suggest that while copper is an essential mineral, most people obtain enough of it through their regular diet, making additional intake from copper water largely unnecessary.

Tata Copper Water, for instance, contains 0.06 mg of copper per 100 mL, equating to 0.6 mg (600 mcg) per liter. The recommended daily intake of copper for adults is 900 mcg (0.9 mg), which can be easily met through a well-balanced diet rich in natural sources of copper.

Common dietary sources of copper include shellfish, seeds and nuts, organ meats, wheat-bran cereals, whole grains, and chocolate. With such an abundance of copper in everyday foods, deficiencies are rare among individuals maintaining a nutritious diet.

One concern often raised is whether drinking copper-infused water could lead to excessive copper intake or toxicity. However, research indicates that the copper content in such water is too minimal to pose a risk. The maximum tolerable limit for adults is 10,000 mcg (10 mg) per day, meaning one would have to consume approximately 17 liters of Tata Copper+ water to exceed this threshold—an impractical and unrealistic amount.

While copper water is not harmful, it is also unlikely to provide significant health advantages for most individuals. Since dietary sources already supply sufficient copper, additional intake from infused water may not have any measurable impact on health.

Copper is an important trace mineral, contributing to various bodily functions. It plays a role in energy production, connective tissue and blood vessel formation, nervous and immune system maintenance, and gene activation. Additionally, copper is vital for proper brain development and overall well-being.

For those interested in incorporating copper into their lifestyle, an alternative practice is storing water in copper, steel, or glass bottles rather than plastic or PET bottles. This choice is often recommended as a better health practice, promoting cleaner and safer water storage.

Ultimately, while drinking copper-infused water is not harmful, it may not be necessary for those already consuming a copper-rich diet. Instead, maintaining a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet remains the best way to ensure adequate copper intake and overall health.

Don’t be fooled by their size, nuts are nutritional powerhouses that may offer major benefits for your heart. High in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals, these plant-based snacks are increasingly being linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, better cholesterol levels, and even reduced inflammation.

Backed by research from institutions including the British Heart Foundation and several clinical trials, nuts like almonds, walnuts, macadamias, and even peanuts (technically legumes) are showing potential to improve heart health when eaten regularly, just a few handfuls a week may do the trick.

What the Research Says

A 2020 study involving three large cohorts looked at the cardiovascular effects of increasing nut intake to at least half a serving daily over a four-year period. The results were clear: people who consumed more nuts had significantly lower risks of key cardiovascular conditions.

• 8% lower risk of cardiovascular disease
• 6% lower risk of coronary heart disease
• 11% lower risk of stroke

The most benefits were seen with increased consumption of tree nuts, walnuts, and peanuts. Interestingly, participants who decreased their nut intake over the same period were found to be at a higher risk for these conditions.

Even more promising: replacing red meat, refined grains, and even desserts with nuts was associated with a 7% to 13% lower risk of cardiovascular events.

Better Cholesterol Without the Weight Gain

A separate 2021 clinical study looked at 52 adults at risk of heart disease. After consuming 68 grams (about half a cup) of pecans daily for eight weeks, participants showed:

• 5% decrease in total cholesterol
• 10% drop in LDL “bad” cholesterol
• Increase in HDL “good” cholesterol

Reduced triglycerides and improved TC/HDL ratio

The research underscores a key finding: even small improvements in LDL cholesterol—just 1%, can translate to up to a 2% lower risk of coronary artery disease.

Despite their calorie density, nuts don’t appear to contribute to weight gain. A 2020 review of 55 studies confirmed that nut consumption had no effect on body weight, BMI, or waist circumference. In fact, some individuals even experienced reduced body fat.

Nuts May Reduce Inflammation Too

Inflammation is a major player in atherosclerosis and heart disease. A 2020 study involving 634 participants tested the anti-inflammatory effects of nuts, specifically walnuts. Consuming 30 to 60 grams of walnuts daily over two years significantly reduced 6 out of 10 inflammatory markers. This suggests that nuts may offer cardiovascular protection not just through fats and fiber, but also through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Which Nuts Are Best?

While most nuts offer similar fat and calorie content, some pack more specific heart-friendly nutrients:

• Almonds: High in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium
• Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid)
• Macadamia nuts: Abundant in monounsaturated fats and magnesium
• Hazelnuts: Offer vitamin E, copper, and magnesium
• Peanuts: Technically legumes, but still rich in protein, fiber, and niacin

When shopping, opt for raw or dry-roasted, unsalted varieties with the skin on (where applicable) for added antioxidants.

Final Word: A Smart Snack for a Stronger Heart

Adding just 3 to 4 small handfuls of nuts per week, about 15 grams each, could be a simple yet powerful step toward better heart health. They’re versatile, satisfying, and science-backed.

However, individuals with nut allergies should steer clear and consult labels for safety. And as always, consult a doctor or dietitian before making major dietary changes.

We have all had times when we want nothing more than a doughnut or chocolate. Having sweets can help lift up our mood, however, excess of it is not good for our health either. A big cause of concern for people, however, was the fear of craving sugar, because many of them believed that having sugar meant craving it.

A new study challenges the common belief that eating sweet foods makes you crave them more. Researchers found that a person's preference for sweet flavors isn't affected by how much sugar they eat. In a six-month study, people who ate more or less sweet foods showed no real changes in how much they liked sweet tastes.

The study done by researchers at the Wageningen University also found that diets with different levels of sweetness didn't affect how many calories people ate or their body weight. The researchers concluded that sweetness alone isn't the reason people consume too many calories, even though many people think it is.

Filling a Research Gap

Most previous studies on sweet tastes have been very short, lasting only a day. This meant there wasn't a lot of information on whether a person's preference for sweetness could change over a longer period.

To solve this, researchers designed a six-month study. They gave food and drink packages to 180 volunteers, providing about half of their daily meals. The participants were split into three groups: one with a diet of mostly sweet foods, one with less sweet foods, and one with a mix. To keep the study fair, the foods given to each group had the same balance of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. The volunteers were also sorted into groups to make sure they were similar in age, sex, and body weight.

Surprising Results

After six months, the study showed that participants' preference for sweetness stayed the same, regardless of the diet they were on. The group that ate fewer sweet foods didn't lose their taste for them, and the group that ate more sweet foods didn't crave them more.

The study also found no link between eating more or less sweet foods and changes in body weight or health markers for diseases like diabetes. Once the study was over, the participants naturally went back to eating the same amount of sweet foods as they did before the study began.

Implications for Health and Diet

This research is important because it's one of the first studies to look at how different levels of sweetness in an entire diet affect people over a longer period. Some people avoid sweet foods because they believe it will increase their preference for them, but these results show that isn't the case.

The researchers now plan to repeat the study with children, who may be more likely to have their taste preferences and eating habits change over time.

Why Do We Crave Sugar?

According to the Cleveland Clinic one major reason we crave sugar is because of how it affects our brains. Sugar makes us feel good by releasing chemicals like serotonin. This creates a cycle where we want to feel that good feeling again and again.

Additionally, many processed foods are loaded with sugar because it triggers the release of dopamine, a brain chemical that motivates us to seek out more of what we find rewarding. Over time, our tolerance for sweet foods can build up, leading us to need more to get the same satisfying feeling. If you're looking to cut back, here are some tips to help you get control of your cravings:

Check your energy levels

Before you grab a sugary snack, consider if you're truly hungry or just tired. If fatigue is the problem, try taking a short walk or doing some other physical activity to boost your energy instead.

Drink water

Sometimes, our bodies mistake thirst for hunger. Staying properly hydrated can help you avoid unnecessary cravings.

Choose a healthy snack

When you need a snack, choose one that combines fiber-rich carbohydrates with a lean protein or healthy fat. An apple with peanut butter or Greek yogurt with cinnamon will provide a longer-lasting source of fuel than a sugary treat, which only gives a short-term boost.

It started with a simple TikTok video, four large carrots shaved into ribbons, mixed with garlic, sesame oil, lime juice, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and green onions. The resulting “crunchy and addictive” salad quickly racked up millions of views under the viral trend #EatYourRetinol. But is it just social media hype, or can what’s on your plate really show up on your face?

The trend encourages eating vitamin A-rich foods, like carrots, to support skin health from the inside out. “Skincare always starts within,” says Johanna Salazar, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Healing Nutrition, as noted by Martha Stewart. But experts urge a balanced view: while diet can support your skin, it’s not a magic replacement for topical care.

What’s in the Carrot Salad That’s Good for Your Skin?

The base of the salad, carrots, are packed with beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, known for boosting skin cell turnover and promoting a radiant complexion. Pairing it with a fat, like sesame oil, helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamin. Lime juice adds vitamin C, key for collagen production, while garlic and green onion offer prebiotics that support gut health, which in turn impacts skin health.

Sesame seeds sprinkled on top bring in vitamin E and fiber, which contribute to skin hydration and a healthy glow.

“It’s a nice mix of ingredients that all play small but beneficial roles in skin support,” says Salazar.

Dermatologists Weigh In: Not a Cure-All

Lauren Kole, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, appreciates the effort to eat for skin health—but with a word of caution.

“Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can negatively affect the hair, skin, and nails,” she says. “But eating an excess doesn’t necessarily make your skin better.”

Kole points out that while beta-carotene from carrots is helpful, it's not strong enough to replace prescription retinol or other topical treatments for conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation. “Diet is not a substitute for proper skin care,” she emphasizes.

Beyond Carrots: Other Skin-Loving Foods

Experts agree that eating for your skin isn’t just about one salad. A variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats are essential. Salazar and Kole both recommend incorporating:

Dark-colored fruits like berries and red grapes, which are high in antioxidants that fight oxidative skin damage.

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and chard, which are rich in vitamin C and help with collagen production.

Vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and cauliflower, which support healthy pigmentation and skin repair.

Healthy fats including avocados, walnuts, flaxseeds, and omega-3-rich foods to reduce inflammation and maintain skin moisture.

According to Kole, diets like the Mediterranean diet—rich in plant-based foods and good fats, have shown potential skin benefits in clinical settings.

Don’t Ditch Your Skincare Just Yet

While the “Eat Your Retinol” movement has its heart in the right place, Salazar and Kole stress that no food trend should replace professional skincare or personalized advice.

Lizzy Davis, Ph.D., a dietitian and assistant professor at UAB, advises people to approach such trends with balance.

“Cooking carrots, for example, doesn’t reduce their skin-friendly fiber,” she notes. “It can actually make them easier to digest and still beneficial.”

Davis also warns against over-relying on TikTok or Instagram for skincare advice. “Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian,” she says. “Social media is convenient, but it can’t give you a plan tailored to your needs.”