At a barbecue this weekend, some friends and I were demolishing a bowl of chips and salsa while the food finished cooking — and I never thought twice about indulging in the communal dip. Sure, double-dipping in a public bowl is a pretty universal no-no, but among friends, a little germ-sharing seems harmless ... right?
Well, one study found “significant bacterial transfer” from a partially eaten cracker into a shared bowl. And — perhaps most unsettling — the saliva can even alter the composition and texture of your food. Ew. Spending time with loved ones is one of the best things you can do for your health, but before your next summer party, you may want to think twice before reaching for that shared bowl of guac — it might be a little grosser than you realize.
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Nutrition & Food
What Actually Happens When You Fast for a Week
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Not So Fast: Fasting has generated plenty of attention in recent years, mostly around intermittent fasting and weight loss. However, a new study published in Nature Metabolism looked at what happens during a full seven-day fast and found effects that go beyond shedding pounds.
The Study: Researchers at Queen Mary University of London tracked nearly 3,000 blood proteins in 12 healthy volunteers before, during, and after a seven-day water-only fast. As expected, participants shifted from burning glucose to burning fat within two to three days, leading to noticeable weight loss. But around day three, researchers observed a much broader biological response. More than one-third of the proteins measured changed significantly, affecting multiple organs and systems, including proteins linked to brain-support functions. These findings suggest fasting may influence inflammation, cellular repair, and disease risk in ways that extend beyond weight loss.
The Takeaway: The study indicates that many of fasting’s potential health benefits may not emerge until at least three days of complete calorie restriction. Shorter fasting periods may not trigger the same widespread molecular changes.
Keep in Mind: Extended fasts can carry health risks, including electrolyte imbalances and muscle loss. Medical experts recommend attempting prolonged fasting only under professional supervision.
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Health Tech
Biohacking Is Growing Up
The Trend: When we think of biohacking, stem cells, peptides, and expensive lab workups might come to mind. But biohacking is growing up. At this year’s Beyond Biohacking Conference in Austin, the conversation extended beyond supplements and wearables. A recurring theme was health isn’t built through metrics alone — it’s also shaped by relationships, community, and a deeper understanding of your own body.
What People Are Saying:Dave Asprey described biohacking as a “Trojan horse for longevity,” and longevity as a “Trojan horse for consciousness.” In other words, the conversation is expanding beyond physical performance and lifespan to include mental well-being, meaning, and human connection. Speakers emphasized how connection itself may be a health intervention, with community, relationships, and play holding vital roles in long-term health.
What to Know: Many biohacking principles once considered fringe are now mainstream, and the focus is shifting from one-size-fits-all advice to a more balanced, personalized approach. Even the products featured reflected this trend: Morphus and Nuropod focused on meditation and nervous system regulation, while Prolon and Acorn highlighted personalized nutrition and longevity. The future of health might not be about doing more, but understanding your own body, valuing social connection, and recognizing that a healthy life is about more than just the data points.
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Nutrition & Food
What Happens If You Accidentally Eat Mold?
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You Should Know: Generally speaking, mold on food is not appetizing (with the exception of blue cheese). We know that mold forms when food is going bad, but if you find a splotch on a piece of bread you were about to eat, is it OK to tear that bit off, or should you toss the whole thing? And what actually happens if you accidentally eat moldy food?
Going Deeper: Mold is a type of fungi that’s naturally occurring in the environment and releases tons of tiny spores, which spread virtually everywhere. It thrives in warm, humid spots. On high-moisture foods, mold can begin growing quickly as soon as it is exposed to air.
Takeaway: Plenty of molds are safe to ingest, like the kind used to make penicillin, cured meats, and cheese (unless you’re allergic to mold), but some are toxic. If you accidentally eat a tiny bit, your stomach acids and digestive enzymes will likely neutralize any mycotoxins, but some molds can make you sick.
Bottom Line: A little is probably OK, but food-safety experts recommend tossing most moldy food because mold can penetrate far deeper than what’s visible on the surface. Hard cheese and firm fruits or vegetables can be salvaged, but cut off at least one inch around the mold.
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Quick Picks
Burning Up — Only 20% of sunscreens meet safety standards. Here’s what to buy.
Post-Workout Upgrade — This drink supports muscle recovery without the chalky powders.*
Brain Power — Could this new vaccine slow aggressive brain cancer?
Midlife Crisis — Here’s how to make peace with where your life is at, and where you want it to go.
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All Healthy + Better Plates
Introducing Better Plates
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Simple, healthy recipes shouldn’t feel overwhelming. That’s why we created Better Plates, our new daily recipe newsletter designed to make eating well easier.
Each day, Better Plates sends you one healthy recipe that’s easy to make, nourishing, and actually delicious. Think high-protein dinners, better-for-you comfort foods, and simple meals you’ll genuinely look forward to.
If you’re trying to cook more at home or just want fresh ideas that don’t overcomplicate healthy eating, Better Plates is here to help.
This garden-fresh tomato soup recipe uses ripe tomatoes, onion, cloves, and chicken broth simmered together to create a simple homemade soup with rich flavor. After cooking, the mixture is strained or blended until smooth, then thickened with a buttery flour roux for a creamy texture. Sugar and salt balance the tomatoes’ acidity and enhance the flavor. The result is a light, comforting soup that pairs perfectly with a grilled cheese.
By clicking, you are agreeing to receive a daily recipe from Better Plates.
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HEALTHY HABIT
Do a Two-Minute Reset
Set a timer for two minutes and tidy one small area: your desk, nightstand, sink, or car console. A cleaner environment can make the rest of the day feel a little less chaotic.
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Final Thought
The reward of a thing well done, is to have done it.”
