Category: General Interest

Brunnenkresse — known in English as watercress — is quietly holding the crown as one of the most nutrient‑dense vegetables on the planet, even though it rarely makes it onto people’s plates. Nutrition researchers have long praised the small leafy green, but its reputation still lags behind more familiar stars like broccoli or spinach. A Nutrient Powerhouse Hiding in Plain Sight Watercress belongs to the cruciferous family, the same group as broccoli, kale and cabbage. Despite its delicate leaves, it is packed with essential nutrients, including: The U.S. Centers for…

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Allergy sufferers in Vienna should brace themselves: the tree‑of‑heaven (Ailanthus altissima) has officially entered its pollen season, which typically runs from early June to mid‑July. The reminder came Monday from the Pollen Service Vienna at MedUni/AKH Wien, which warned that this year’s bloom has begun earlier than usual due to persistent heat. An invasive species on the rise The tree‑of‑heaven, originally native to China and northern Vietnam, has spread aggressively across temperate and subtropical regions on every inhabited continent. Introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant in 1780—first planted in…

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Iceland has surpassed Switzerland as the world’s most expensive country, according to new calculations by the Icelandic trade union federation Viska, based on data from Eurostat and the Central Bank of Iceland. As reported by Bloomberg, consumer prices in Iceland now average three percent higher than in Switzerland — a reversal of the long‑standing ranking. A Shift at the Top The last time Iceland was more expensive than Switzerland was in 2018. As recently as 2024, Swiss prices were still about seven percent higher on average. But while Swiss inflation…

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Austria’s peak pollen season is creating serious safety concerns on the road, prompting the ÖAMTC to warn allergy sufferers about a significantly increased risk of accidents. Sneezing fits, itchy eyes, headaches and breathing difficulties can impair drivers for several seconds — long enough to cause dangerous situations in traffic. “Anyone who sneezes several times while driving is effectively travelling blind for moments at a time — and that can be life‑threatening,” cautions ÖAMTC traffic psychologist Marion Seidenberger. She also warns that some anti‑allergy medications can slow reaction times or cause…

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Western and Central Europe are trapped beneath an unusually early heat dome, driving temperatures to historic May records and causing multiple fatalities in France. Meteorologists warn that the combination of cloudless skies, stagnant hot air, and Saharan dust drifting northward is intensifying the heat across the continent. France: Seven Deaths Linked to Extreme Heat French government spokesperson Maud Brégeon confirmed on Tuesday that seven people have died in incidents “directly or indirectly linked to the heat.” At least five victims drowned, likely after attempting to cool off in rivers or…

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Once a package is opened, the printed date on the label becomes only a rough guideline. The true shelf life depends on storage, temperature, and the food’s vulnerability to spoilage. Why “Best Before” Doesn’t Mean Much After Opening We rely on Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum and Verbrauchsdatum when shopping, but these dates assume unopened, perfectly stored products.The moment you open a package, three things change: This is why the “real” shelf life is often much shorter than what the label suggests. How Long Common Foods Last After Opening Below is a practical guide…

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Sleeping with wet hair isn’t the health hazard many people imagine — but it isn’t entirely harmless either. The science shows a mix of persistent myths, partial truths, and real but limited risks. Below is a clear, journalistically structured feature article that separates fact from fiction while keeping the tone accessible and evidence‑based. For generations, parents have warned their children not to go to bed with wet hair. The reasons vary — from catching a cold to damaging the scalp — and the warnings have become so common that many…

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A major new analysis suggests that far more weekly exercise than the current WHO guideline of 150 minutes may deliver dramatically greater protection against heart disease — potentially 560 to 610 minutes per week. But the story is more nuanced than it sounds. A New Look at Weekly Exercise Needs For years, the World Health Organization has recommended at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. It’s a realistic benchmark — one many people still struggle to reach — and it has been widely accepted as the global…

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Passengers flying with several major European carriers will now have to pay for their cabin trolley bags.Beginning 19 May 2026, the Lufthansa Group has officially ended the long‑standing practice of allowing a free carry‑on suitcase on many short‑ and medium‑haul routes. The move affects millions of travellers across Europe and marks one of the most significant baggage‑policy shifts since Ryanair’s changes last autumn. What changes for passengers The key change: The Lufthansa Group says the adjustment reflects “changing passenger behaviour” and aims to offer more tailored fare options—particularly for day…

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