As you look down your grocery cart or stroll down a restaurant menu, it’s easy to see why some experts are concerned about our ultra-processed food consumption. These foods are made from cheap ingredients and are often low in nutrients, leading to a diet that can contribute to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and an overall shorter lifespan. Read more https://theprimemirror.com/

But determining what constitutes an ultra-processed food isn’t as simple as it seems. For starters, there’s no widely accepted definition of what it means to be ultra-processed. A few years ago, scientists took a stab at defining it based on the extent and purpose of processing. They came up with a system called NOVA, which is now used by many nutrition and public health researchers to categorize foods.

Unmasking Deceptive Delicacies: The Startling Reality of Ultra-Processed Foods and Their Impact on Health

The problem with NOVA is that it lumps together whole foods with different levels of processing. For example, a yogurt with tons of sugar would be considered ultra-processed under the system, but so would one that has a little bit of honey added. This oversimplifies things, making it harder to know whether something is good or bad for you.

To make your shopping and eating decisions easier, Mayo Clinic registered dietitian nutritionist Kate Zeratsky suggests thinking about three simple categories of food: unprocessed or naturally processed; semi-processed; and ultra-processed. “Ultra-processed foods tend to be industrial creations containing ingredients like bulking agents, hydrolyzed protein isolates, color stabilizers and humectants,” she says. To avoid them, Zeratsky recommends sticking to whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables and limiting added sugar, salt and fat.

More than 90% of American households keep a vehicle, making a car essential for going to and from work, grocery shopping, and ferrying family members around. But if you have bad credit, getting the car you need may feel impossible. Fortunately, there are options for those with less-than-stellar credit. One popular option is buy here pay here, which allows you to secure a loan directly from the dealership where you shop. However, this type of financing typically comes with high interest rates and can cause you to spend more on a car than it’s worth after you take into account the total cost of financing.

Which payment method is safer?

Typically, you’re limited to the vehicles on the dealer’s lot that are within your price range, and many of them are used or dated with lower resale values than newer models. The lender also takes on the risk of the car’s value depreciating, so they often charge elevated interest rates to make up for that potential loss. Additionally, some buy here pay here lenders require that you have a tracking device installed in your car to monitor its location and disable it if you fail to make payments on time.

Despite the negative press that charlotte buy here pay here lending has received, it can be an effective way to get a newer car for a fair price if you do your homework. Compare the rates and repayment terms offered by a variety of reputable online lenders to find a deal that works for you. You should also ensure that the lender you choose regularly reports your loan and payment history to the main consumer credit bureaus, as not doing so could negatively impact your credit score even if you’re making all of your payments on time.

Equity release over 50  is a way for people over the age of 55 to access some of the money locked in their homes, without having to make monthly repayments. It can be used for things like home improvements, debt consolidation and gifting to family members. There are two main types of equity release scheme: lifetime mortgages and home reversion schemes. Both involve the homeowner selling a stake in their property to a provider and receiving either a lump sum or a regular payment. This means they can continue to live in their homes, and will only have to repay the lender if they die or move into long-term care.

Securing Your Dream Home in Your Golden Years: Halifax Mortgages for Over 70s

But despite the equity release industry having come a long way in recent years, with rules in place for providers, advisers and solicitors, it’s still important to be aware of some of the key misconceptions around equity release over 50. For example, research by over 50s experts SunLife has shown that only 6% of homeowners know all the main facts about equity release. This includes that some plans don’t have any monthly repayments, can ringfence money for inheritance and include a ‘no negative equity guarantee’.

If you’re interested in exploring your options around equity release over 50, it is best to speak with a financial adviser who specialises in this area of the market. They will check your eligibility and take the time to understand your circumstances. You should also make sure you use a solicitor who is qualified to advise on equity release schemes and can offer independent legal advice.