Each year, millions of people are estimated to become sick from food they eat. What’s especially concerning about this estimate is that in many of these cases, the food comes right from the home they live in. If you want to avoid illness and eat higher-quality, healthy food, you must pay attention to a variety of factors. These factors include the four items below, each of which can impact the quality of your household food.
1. Fridge
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends setting the refrigerator temperature between 35 to 38 degrees and no higher than 40 degrees. They also recommend the freezer should be set at no higher than 0 degrees, although lower is fine. When the temperature inside of either of these is higher than it should be, your food will be at risk of growing dangerous bacteria.
If you’re unsure that your fridge or freezer temperature is inaccurate, then place a food-safe thermometer inside. When you know the accurate temperature, you will know it’s safe for storing food.
2. Air Ducts
While your air ducts may seem like they don’t impact the food you eat, they certainly can. When air ducts inside your home run, they will eventually collect dirt and dust. They will gather an estimated 40 pounds of debris throughout the year, which means a lot of dust and bacteria could be blowing around your home throughout the day.
Additionally, when running, the exhaust system located in your kitchen can take in many types of bacteria, including salmonella and E. Coli. To avoid this danger, it’s crucial to have your air ducts cleaned out at least once a year. This will remove dust and dirt to keep your home cleaner while also getting rid of dangerous bacteria that can transfer onto your food. Air duct cleaning has an impact on your digestive and respiratory health.
3. Microwave
The microwave is an excellent tool when you need to heat something up quickly. However, many people will argue that the microwave reduces the quality of the food you eat by heating it up improperly. If you want to use the microwave, pay attention to cooking times as closely as possible. It’s also important to know the wattage of this appliance so you can heat food properly. You may also want to avoid using the microwave to thaw or cook raw foods, as this can cause food poisoning when not cooked through.
If you have the time, cooking in a toaster oven or on the stove is a great alternative. While it might take a few more minutes, your food will usually turn out tasting better as a result.
4. Water
Running water is such a basic universal feature that many of us don’t think twice about it. The truth is, what’s coming out of your tap could be seriously impacting the quality of your food.
For example, if you grow your own produce or fresh Nature Jim’s sprouting seeds at home, what kind of water are you using? When you grow Nature Jim’s sprouting seeds, it’s very important to use filtered, bottled or distilled water. Otherwise, you risk introducing contaminants and bacteria to the plants you and your family will soon be eating.
All in all, no matter what you’re growing at home, filtered water is a cleaner, healthier choice than water straight from the tap.
Cooking better-tasting healthy meals for your family doesn’t have to be difficult. While the recipes you use and the way you cook are important, don’t forget about the factors above. By making sure those are in check, you can avoid potential dangers that you would otherwise miss. With those taken care of, you can explore new methods of cooking with peace of mind.
About the Author
George Reynolds
Nature Jim's Sprouts Owner and CEO
Since 1996, George has been working hands on with all thing’s spouts, sprouting and sprouting seeds. He is also a natural health and well-being enthusiast who believes in the power of good health habits. George’s focus on healthy food, nutrition and exercise aligns perfectly with his many years of professional experience as the President of Nature Jim’s Sprouts and Reynolds Industries.
George firmly believes in the health benefits of sprouts and makes them a part of his daily diet. His favorite way to eat sprouts is raw and on sandwiches and salads.
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