Anyone who has eaten an ice cream or slurped a Tropical Smoothie or Slurpee a bit too fast probably knows what an "ice cream headache" is.  But what actually causes an ice cream headache or "brain freeze?" 

Apparently, when the cold touches the roof of your mouth it causes a bundle of nerves called the sphenopalantine ganglion to spasm.  This in turn causes the blood vessels around the brain to dilate or enlarge.  When the blood vessels are dilated you experience a shooting pain, usually in the front of your head.  This chilling sensation is often referred to as an "ice cream headache" or a "brain freeze."
 
There are several quick "cures" for an ice cream headache - some of which may work for you.  The most common cure for an ice cream headache is to firmly push your tongue to the roof of your mouth and hold it there.  Some have  found that pressing the bottom of the tongue rather than the top works best.  Another is to press the pad of your thumb against the same area.  Some find a drink of warm water will quickly cure an ice cream headache while others stand by putting a pinch of salt in their mouths.  You can try pressing your thumb against the inside of you wrist, as some do - or bend down so your head is below your heart.
 
Either way, it almost makes you want to purposely give yourself an ice cream headache to see which method relieves it the best!

Have you ever glanced at a food advertisement and stopped short, completely mesmerized by the depiction of such a savory, juicy meal?  Now let me ask you.  Did you visit the advertised restaurant and find yourself disappointed at the almost complete difference between the picture and the real food?
 
What you may not realize is the food depicted in the picture was probably fake, glued or frozen!  For the one moment you glanced at the picture, a talented photographer probably spent hours to days setting up the tantalizing treat. 
 
The next time you follow a truck advertising a deliciously depicted bowl of ice cream, take a closer look.  Do you see any dribbles?  Of course not!  Because you are probably looking at a picture of dyed mashed potatoes.  And what about the picture showing off a huge slice of juicy steak?  That steak might be coated with a glaze of water and glycerin.  As a matter of fact, glycerin, water and paintbrushes are the key to making fruit, vegetables and meats appear juicy.  Glycerin and water is also sprayed on items that appear frosty and cool.
 
Indeed, taking pictures of food is a difficult task, with only an hour or two in between fresh and funky.  For years photographers have been mastering the art of food photography.  The next time you look at a picture of hot and steaming food, remember that steam only lasts a short while.  You are probably looking at dry ice or smoke pellets rather than steam.  And is that turkey in the picture golden brown?  Try shoe polish and a blow torch.
 
Food items such as ice are often fake since the heat of the lights will quickly melt real ice.  Drinks are usually dyed water with back lighting.  Modeling clay and toothpicks are used to hold food on the plate.  And those pesky onion pieces that keep sliding off the food?  Glue!

Are you tired of crying every time you cut an onion? To help reduce the tears while you are cutting onions, try a few of these tricks!

First of all, a refrigerated onion will be easier on your eyes than a room temperature one. Then use a sharp knife, which will burst fewer onion cells than a dull knife. Always leave the root intact, since that contains the greatest amount of propanethial-S-oxide – the “root” of your tears!

You can place a lit tea candle near the cutting board to help reduce the irritants in the air. And while you are cutting, keep your mouth open. Strange, but true!

Ok, we all know that we have to eat healthy. Vegetables are at the top of the list, and fast food is at the bottom. But there are times when we find ourselves in front of a fast food restaurant at lunch time with no other options. And frankly, you haven’t had an order of hot, steaming fries in months!

So how do you actually get those fries steaming hot? Or get a fresh, juicy burger rather than a cold hard one? For the fries, ask for an unsalted order. This will force them to make a fresh batch just for you. Then if you like, add the salt at the table.

As for the burgers – it is best to ask for something a bit different from the menu listing. There are just too many fast food joints that have rows of ready-made burgers sitting under the heat lamps. So order a burger with no ketchup, or have them add extra onions - anything to make it different. This will help to make your order fresher and better tasting. Then savor those hot fries and that juicy freshly made burger. And later that night? Have yourself a nice healthy salad – or two!

Sure enough, that amazingly rich cup of java is actually good for you. A new study has shown that coffee helps to protect against quite a few ailments, from Parkinson’s disease to gallstones, cavities and even colon cancer. Drinking coffee can also lower your risk for type two diabetes and can even help to keep your liver healthy.

What makes coffee good for you? Some credit can go to the caffeine, but the majority of benefits result from the antioxidants found in the coffee bean. The coffee bean is actually considered a fruit, and packs even more punch than the grapes uses for red wine.

So enjoy your cup of coffee – and if the urge hits – go get a refill!

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