7 unusual uses for foods

Food can be used in a variety of different things besides cooking, read on to find out more.

Food can be used in a variety of different things besides cooking. For instance, did you know that cayenne pepper can be used to heal wounds because its chemical properties allow cuts to heal faster? Check out the rest below.


Here's a list compiled from besthealthmag, Huffington Post and Delish to better assist you when it comes to food usage:

1. Lemon for stained nails

PHOTO: No Ordinary Homestead

Frequent nail polish application leaves nasty stains behind. Soak fingertips in a cup of warm water with the juice of half a lemon for five minutes, the acidic property of lemon will dissolve away any stains on your nails. Once done, rinse and moisturize to avoid skin from drying out.

 

2. Peppermint for stomach aches

PHOTO: Best Healthy Oils

Peppermint is known to relieve pain and is a common remedy for indigestion. According to University of Maryland, the properties in peppermint help calm and numb the muscles of the stomach while improving the flow of bile, thus helping food pass through the stomach faster. Bonus: Peppermint is good for nausea too.

 

3. Powdered Milk for make-up removal and insect bites

PHOTO: Dairy Reporter

Use a natural solution to remove make-up from your skin instead of store bought chemicals. Mix three table spoons of powdered milk with one-third cup of warm water in a jar and shake well. Be sure that the consistency of the mixture is that of yogurt. Use a cotton ball to apply the blend to your face and rinse with warm water after removal.

Insects leave nasty bites behind, however, mixing an equal amount of water and powdered milk with a dash of salt eases the bite pain and sting.

 

4. Oats for dry shampoo and acne

PHOTO: The Brooklyn Herborium

Need a quick fix for oily hair? Oats do just the trick. Blend one cup of raw oatmeal till fine, add one cup of baking soda and mix well. Rub the mixture on your scalp, let it absorb the oil for 2 minutes, then brush it off.

Oats are also known to help smooth irritated skin and treat acne. There are two ways to help heal your skin with oatmeal; cooked oats and raw oats. While raw oatmeal is a good exfoliator and can be used as a scrub, cooked oatmeal can be used for a face mask which helps reduce inflammation and redness of skin. Apply it with 2 spoon of honey and it’ll be a natural antiseptic for your skin.

 

5. Ketchup for tarnish

 

PHOTO: Fast-company.net

Metals tend to tarnish over time, the best way to polish them without using chemicals is ketchup. Ketchup contains acidic properties which clean metal surfaces. If it’s a small piece of metal which needs a shine, soak it in a bowl of ketchup and for a detailed decoration piece rub it with an old toothbrush to get into the crevices. Rinse after cleaning and dry with a towel.

 

6. Yogurt for sunburn

PHOTO: Women's Health Mag

With summer upon us, trips to the beach are necessary but not at the cost of multiple sunburns. To ease the pain, apply cold yogurt to affected area, the yogurt will provide moisture to the affected are and the coldness will soothe the skin, providing temporary relief. Rinse with cold water after.

 

7. Vinegar for shiny floors

PHOTO: HGTV

Floors become dull with time, to brighten them up add a cup of white vinegar to a bucket of warm water and mop away. This will leave your floor shining like new!