45+ Foods That Don't Actually Need to Be Refrigerated

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Avocados seem impossible to keep fresh. As soon as you buy them, they touch your kitchen counter and turn brown. Okay, maybe that's not exactly the case, but it can feel like it sometimes! So, what should you do? Unripe avocados should be stored at room temperature. Depending on how hard they are, they can take four to five days to ripen on the counter and even longer in the refrigerator.

Avocados

If you want to use your avocado soon, don't keep it in the fridge. To speed up the ripening process, place your avocados in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana and let them sit for a few days. These fruits release ethylene—a natural plant hormone that speeds up ripening.

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Did you know...

  • Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!
  • There are many factors that contribute to your body odor, but one of the strongest links is our diet. This may be some bad news for meat-lovers because many studies have shown that those who refrained from or ate less red meat were judged as being more pleasant smelling. The meat sweats are real, and they don’t smell great!
  • A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
  • Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
  • Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!