Forget expensive skincare products and supplements— what if the secret to glowing skin, sharp vision, and long-term health was sitting right in your fruit bowl? Apricots, the small but mighty superfruit, are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins that do more than just satisfy your sweet tooth. They help fight wrinkles, protect your eyes, and even combat serious diseases like cancer. And the best part? They’re just 17 calories per serving!

This low-calorie fruit not only makes for a weight-loss-supporting snack, at just 17 calories per serving, but also is a nutritional powerhouse that can maintain the health and beauty of your skin, support your vision, and even fight cancer.

Underestimated, the apricot, or Armenian plum, has been farmed for generations and prized for its distinctive health-giving qualities. From its bright orange color, full of beta-carotene, to its fiber-rich flesh, apricots are more than a tasty snack—they're a means of naturally improving your health from the inside out.

Apricots are a nutritional powerhouse that can improve your health in a variety of ways—keeping your skin smooth and wrinkle-free, defending your eyesight, and lowering your chances of developing chronic diseases such as cancer. Packed with necessary vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, this fruit that is too-often forgotten shows that nature's best health remedies are the way to go.

Apricots for Youthful, Wrinkle-Free Skin

Most people spend hundreds of dollars on anti-aging creams, but what if the secret to younger skin lay in something as easy as incorporating apricots into your diet? Apricots are full of beta-carotene, which is metabolized by the body into vitamin A—a vital nutrient that helps create healthy, smooth skin.

Vitamin A encourages collagen synthesis, diminishing wrinkles and fine lines. Apricots also have a high water content of approximately 85%, keeping your skin well-hydrated, plump, and glowing. Well-hydrated skin will look naturally younger and more resilient, minimizing the need for costly moisturizers.

Apricots also contain high amounts of vitamins C and E, two active antioxidants that support combat against skin damage inflicted by free radicals. In addition to defending skin cells, these vitamins co-exist in unison to guard the body against unhealthy ultraviolet (UV) light, combating early aging and sunspots.

A Natural Vision Booster

If you're keen on having sharp vision, apricots must be a part of your diet. The fruit is full of lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants that work like natural sunglasses, sheltering your eyes from harmful blue light exposure. Moreover, beta-carotene, the very pigment that gives apricots its orange color, proves to be crucial for eye health by breaking down into vitamin A, which avoids night blindness and decreases the chances of age-related macular degeneration.

Numerous researches have cited the necessity of vitamin A in eye wellness and how their lack may contribute to eye disorders as well as a susceptibility to infections in the eyes. Consuming apricots on a frequent basis allows you to introduce essential antioxidants in your body to help protect your sight when old age catches up.

Cancer-Fighting Properties of Apricots

Apricots are rich in potent antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and flavonoids, which are capable of neutralizing free radicals—unstable molecules that may trigger oxidative stress and contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer.

Oxidative stress is a situation where free radicals are more in number than antioxidants in the body, and it harms cells and tissues. Scientists have associated the process with elevated risks of contracting cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Consuming foods high in antioxidants like apricots will assist in fighting oxidative stress and reducing the risk of such diseases.

There are reports that some of the compounds in apricot seeds could be anticancer. Caution must be taken, though, because amygdalin, which is present in these seeds, has the ability to form cyanide when eaten in excess amounts. Apricots themselves are safe and very healthful, but their seeds must be avoided because they are toxic.

Gut Health and Weight Management Benefits

Aside from their spectacular skin and eye effects, apricots help with digestion and weight. The fruit is packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, and these play important roles in the health of the gut.

Soluble fiber works as a prebiotic by nourishing beneficial bacteria in the gut and fostering a healthy microbiome.

Insoluble fiber helps digestion by ensuring regular bowel movements and keeping constipation at bay.

Since fiber makes you feel full for a longer period of time, adding apricots to your diet can naturally suppress overeating and contribute to weight management. Their sweet, natural taste also makes them a better choice compared to processed sweets, so you can indulge sugar cravings without sabotaging your health objectives.

How to Add Apricots to Your Diet

Apricots are great as is, but they complement other foods too. These are some of the unique ways to indulge in this health food fruit:

• Blended into smoothies for natural sweetness and antioxidant benefits.
• Chopped and combined with yogurt for a cool, healthy snack.
• Combined with oatmeal or breakfast bowls for added fiber and flavor.
• As a garnish for meats or salads for added flavor and nutrition.
• Bake into pies, tarts, and crumbles.
• Make your own jams for a healthy, preservative-free topping.
• Mix with nuts and dried fruits for a nutritious, energy-boosting trail mix.

Instead of spending money on high-end skincare products or supplements, try putting apricots in your everyday diet. This tasty, easy-to-make, and low-calorie snack could be the secret to looking and feeling great for years to come.

Once considered purely a North African delicacy, couscous is a processed grain that offers nutritional benefits in form of selenium and plant-based protein. However, this grain contains gluten, making it not suitable for everyone. So, should we consume couscous?

Nutritional Benefits of Couscous

Rich in Selenium

One of the standout nutrients in couscous is selenium. A single cup (157 grams) offers over 60% of the recommended daily intake. Selenium is a crucial mineral with several health benefits—it acts as a powerful antioxidant, supports cellular repair, and reduces inflammation. It also plays a key role in maintaining thyroid health by aiding hormone production and protecting the thyroid gland from damage. Additionally, selenium may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering oxidative stress and preventing plaque buildup in arteries.

May Help Lower Cancer Risk

The selenium content in couscous could also contribute to a reduced risk of certain cancers. Findings from a review involving more than 350,000 participants indicate that higher selenium levels in the blood—primarily from dietary sources—may offer protection against specific cancers. Notably, selenium deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, and a combination of adequate selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin E may lower lung cancer risk among smokers.

Boosts the Immune System

Couscous may give your immune system a boost, thanks again to its selenium content. Selenium enhances immunity by reducing oxidative stress and supporting immune cell function. It also assists in regenerating vitamins C and E, which play a role in strengthening immune responses.

Good Source of Plant-Based Protein

Protein makes up around 16–20% of the human body and is essential for metabolic processes. Couscous provides about 6 grams of plant-based protein per one-cup serving. While it is not a complete protein—meaning it doesn't contain all essential amino acids in adequate amounts—it can be paired with other plant-based proteins to form a balanced vegetarian or vegan diet. Diets high in plant-based protein have been linked to lower risks of stroke, cancer, and heart disease-related deaths.

Very Easy to Prepare

Often seen as a healthier alternative to traditional pasta, couscous is made from whole-wheat flour and is quick to prepare. Most supermarket versions are pre-steamed and dried; they only require the addition of boiling water or broth followed by fluffing with a fork. Light and fluffy when cooked, couscous easily absorbs the flavours of other ingredients and pairs well with salads, meats, vegetables, or other grains like quinoa and brown rice.

Things You Should Consider Before

High in Gluten

Couscous is made from semolina, a product of durum wheat, and therefore contains gluten. This makes it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Could Raise Blood Sugar Levels

With 36 grams of carbohydrates per cup and minimal protein, couscous may cause blood sugar spikes—particularly a concern for those with diabetes or insulin resistance. Combining it with protein-rich foods or those high in soluble fibre can help mitigate this effect.

Lower in Some Key Nutrients

While couscous contains small amounts of fibre, potassium, and other nutrients, it falls short compared to other whole grains like quinoa, oats, or brown rice. Foods such as avocados, bananas, and potatoes are richer sources of potassium, which supports healthy blood flow and may reduce the risk of stroke.

The Takeaway

Couscous, with its high selenium content, offers several health benefits, including immune support and a potential reduced risk of cancer. However, it may not be suitable for everyone—especially those with gluten intolerance or blood sugar concerns. For those who tolerate gluten, couscous remains a convenient, versatile grain option worth including in a balanced diet.

Thinking about taking supplements to boost your well-being quest? You're not the only one. As worldwide sales of supplements are expected to exceed $230 billion by 2027, they've become the face of preventive health. But experts are now sounding the alarm about a less obvious risk—the silent effect they have on your liver.

From daily vitamin pills to herbal powders that claim to deliver everything from healthy skin to improved concentration, supplements are frequently perceived as benign. But the reality is, when taken excessively or without instruction, they may be doing more damage than good—particularly to one of your body's most critical organs: your liver.

Your liver is your body's biochemical sorting center. It sifts through everything from food to poisons to medicines—and, yes, supplements.

As per Dr. Karan Rajan, a well-known UK surgeon and educator with more than 1.7 million followers on Instagram, even natural supplements undergo liver metabolism. "That means your liver breaks them down with enzymes, which impacts how hard it has to work," he says. When your liver is overwhelmed, your liver cannot detoxify the body effectively, and there is a higher risk of inflammation, scarring, or worse—acute liver injury.

In a recent case cited by Dr. Rajan, a female patient developed organ failure following consumption of supplements aimed at hair and nail growth. "Just don't turn your liver into a science fair project gone wrong," he cautioned in a now-famous video.

What Constitutes a Supplement?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dietary supplements comprise:

Vitamins: A, C, D, B-complex

Minerals: Magnesium, calcium

Herbal compounds: Elderberry, ginger

Botanical powders: Green powders, turmeric blends

Probiotics: Live bacteria or yeasts that aid digestive system health

Supplements have been a daily fill for many people. Be it vitamin C as an immunity boost during the flu season or B12 for that energy drive, individuals look toward pills in anticipation of a good meal. Without proper checks and balances, the practice tends to go downhill fast into becoming a health risk.

The risk isn't necessarily in the supplement itself—but in the amount you take and how it affects other substances in your body.

"More isn't always better," warns Dr. Rajan. "Excessive doses of even simple vitamins like vitamin A can cause liver damage or brain pressure."

Other risks that are known include:

Vitamin D overdose: Can increase blood levels of calcium, leading to kidney issues and changed mental status.

Unregulated herbal mixes: May create unknown chemical interactions, especially if you’re taking multiple at once.

Drug interactions: Supplements like St. John’s Wort can interfere with antidepressants or blood thinners.

With so many supplements flooding the market, choosing a safe one can feel like a gamble. Flashy packaging and bold health claims are not enough.

Dr. Rajan suggests checking for third-party certifications. Labels such as (e.g., USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab) mean that the product has been independently tested to be of good quality, purity, and accuracy of ingredient descriptions. Although no certification can absolutely ensure 100% safety, it significantly lessens your risk of taking something potentially toxic to the liver.

How to Take Supplements the Right Way?

So does it mean you must abandon supplements altogether? No. Properly planned, supplements can be useful. Here's how to do it safely and responsibly:

1. Talk to a Healthcare Professional First

Don't start adding anything to your routine without first talking to a physician or registered dietitian. They can check whether you actually need it, particularly if taking prescription meds such as statins, antidepressants, or anti-epileptics.

2. Get Your Blood Work Done

Beginning a new supplement? Have your doctor perform liver function tests (LFTs). This establishes a baseline and allows you to track how your liver reacts over time.

3. Consult Expert

This FDA and NIH-supported database contains in-depth case reports on how drugs and supplements impact the liver. Supplements graded Grade A, B, or C need to be treated with additional caution.

4. Don't Mix Multiple Supplements

Taking more than one herbal supplement or taking high doses of several vitamins at once can have synergistic toxicity. Unless prescribed by a professional, keep it simple and concentrated.

Supplements aren't bad in themselves—but taking them without knowing how they'll affect your liver might be very bad indeed, sometimes causing irreversible damage. As consumer interest increases, so should awareness and prudence.

We've all rolled our eyes at our parents' dinner table lectures, “Eat your veggies, they'll make you smarter!” But what if they were right all along? Think about it, can a bowl of leafy greens really protect your memory? Could that sugary snack or burnt barbecue actually speed up brain aging? From the power of omega-3-rich fish to the silent damage from ultra-processed foods, we're breaking down the science behind food and cognitive health.

When it comes to brain function, Harvard Health Publishing explains that following a strategic and healthy diet is key to a healthy brain. A diet filled with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and healthy fats rather than foods that are filled with saturated fats and added sugars.

Can Food Slow Down Your Brain Aging?

Leafy greens like kale spinach collards and broccoli are rich in nutrients like vitamin K that is necessary for brain health and slow down cognitive decline. Fatty fish also has omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to lower the levels of beta-amyloid in our blood, which is a protein that clumps in our brain and cause Alzheimer's disease.

However, what are some foods you should avoid for your brain health?

Dr. Ramon Velazquez, a neuroscientist and advisor at Mind Lab Pro, has highlighted five common food categories that could be silently damaging to our brain over time. He explained that the dietary choices we make in our youth can significantly influence our cognitive function as we age.

Super-Processed Foods

Those quick and easy meals and snacks often have lots of extra stuff that isn't good for you. Dr. Velazquez warns that eating a lot of these foods might make your brain age faster. He says they can cause swelling that hurts the connections between your brain cells. He suggests eating whole foods like fruits, veggies, and plain meats instead.

Fish

Fish can be good for your brain, but some big fish that live a long time can have too much mercury in them. Mercury is a poison that can hurt your brain. Dr. Velazquez says it can get into your brain and mess with how it works, which can cause problems with thinking later on. It's better to avoid fish like shark and swordfish.

Burnt Food

That tasty char on grilled food makes bad components called AGEs. Dr. Velazquez says these AGEs can cause swelling in your brain and might even be linked to the stuff found in people with Alzheimer's. He suggests cooking food in ways that don't burn it, like steaming or boiling.

While Dr. Velazquez warns about burnt food, another expert says it's okay sometimes if you mostly eat a balanced diet with lots of good stuff. They say enjoying a little burnt food now and then is fine if the rest of your diet is healthy.

Fake Sweeteners

Dr. Velazquez says that some fake sweeteners might change the good bugs in your stomach in a way that causes swelling. This swelling could then hurt your brain and maybe even increase the chance of brain problems later. He suggests trying natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead and trying to eat less sweet stuff overall.

Too Much Alcohol

While some people like to drink to relax, too much alcohol can really hurt your brain. Dr. Velazquez says that drinking a lot for a long time can actually make your brain shrink. It especially hurts the part of your brain that helps you make decisions and think clearly. So, it's best to drink only a little, if at all.