Portable Bluetooth Speakers

not good quality meaning

Embark on a Quest with not good quality meaning

Step into a world where the focus is keenly set on not good quality meaning. Within the confines of this article, a tapestry of references to not good quality meaning awaits your exploration. If your pursuit involves unraveling the depths of not good quality meaning, you've arrived at the perfect destination.

Our narrative unfolds with a wealth of insights surrounding not good quality meaning. This is not just a standard article; it's a curated journey into the facets and intricacies of not good quality meaning. Whether you're thirsting for comprehensive knowledge or just a glimpse into the universe of not good quality meaning, this promises to be an enriching experience.

The spotlight is firmly on not good quality meaning, and as you navigate through the text on these digital pages, you'll discover an extensive array of information centered around not good quality meaning. This is more than mere information; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the enthralling world of not good quality meaning.

So, if you're eager to satisfy your curiosity about not good quality meaning, your journey commences here. Let's embark together on a captivating odyssey through the myriad dimensions of not good quality meaning.

Showing posts sorted by date for query not good quality meaning. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query not good quality meaning. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Is Caffeine Really Bad For You? A Doctor Weighs In


Is caffeine really bad for you a doctor weighs in spanish is caffeine really bad for you a doctor weighs in is caffeine really bad for you is caffeine really bad during pregnancy is caffeine really a diuretic is caffeine really bad during pregnancy is caffeine really that bad for you is caffeine healthy how long is caffeine withdrawal
Is caffeine really bad for you? A doctor weighs in


Is caffeine really bad for you? A doctor weighs in

Mmmm, coffee. If you're anything like me, you can't live without a morning cup (or four). But with all the fear mongering about how caffeine might give you heart disease or cancer, you may be feeling a little freaked out about the habit.

I was mainly terrified at the prospect of having to quit coffee, so I did some research and talked to Dr. Matthew Chow, a neurologist and assistant clinical professor at UC Davis, to get the lowdown on caffeine intake. He told me everything you need to know, including who should stay away from the stuff, what health benefits it could provide and how to know when you need to quit.

Who shouldn't drink caffeine?

energy drinks

Energy drinks aren't great for anyone to consume, least of all children.

Getty Images

Chow explains that children should refrain from ingesting any caffeine, as well as people with heart disorders (specifically arrhythmias) or peptic ulcer disease.

The main reason that kids should stay away from caffeine is because they tend to drink it in the form of sodas and energy drinks. These beverages are marketed toward children, but contain high levels of sugar and can contribute to childhood obesity and health disorders. The caffeine in those beverages could potentially be harmful when concentrated in childrens' smaller bodies as well, so Chow recommends that kids don't consume any at all.

Chow also notes that anyone who is pregnant should stay away from caffeine, though the evidence behind this rule of thumb is inconclusive. There are differing opinions about this guideline in the medical community -- Dr. Deep Bhatt of Weill Cornell Medicine tells CNET in an email statement that pregnant people should keep their caffeine intake below 300 milligrams per day. Anyone who is concerned about their caffeine intake while pregnant should talk to their doctor.

How much caffeine should I drink?

gettyimages-1095162642

Beware of coffee drinks that contain extra shots of espresso.

Getty Images

For anyone who's cleared to drink caffeine, the upper limit is about 400 milligrams per day. That equals four cups of coffee, 8 cups of green tea or 10 cans of soda. However, this guideline is highly personal -- if you feel jittery or uncomfortable when drinking caffeine, consider limiting yourself further.

Will caffeine give me heart disease?

One comprehensive study debunked the myth that moderate caffeine intake in healthy adults leads to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation or arrhythmia. It also has not been demonstrated to raise the chance of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction or stroke.  

While caffeine causes a short-term increase in blood pressure (lasting for around three hours), it hasn't been shown to raise your blood pressure on a long-term basis. Still, anyone with chronic high blood pressure should talk to their doctor about consuming caffeine, or consider cutting back.

Is it bad if I'm addicted to caffeine?

It depends. If you find yourself physically dependent on caffeine, Chow says that it's a good idea to ask yourself why. Do you chug coffee throughout the day because you don't sleep well at night? If so, it's time to focus on getting enough high-quality rest during the nighttime instead of ordering more double shot espressos. 

Again, if you're dependent on caffeine and also have a heart disorder, high blood pressure or any other chronic health conditions, you should highly consider weaning yourself off. Chow explained that a large part of caffeine addiction is psychological -- sometimes all we really want is a warm beverage in the morning. Substituting a latte for a hot cup of herbal tea may give you that same good feeling.

addicted to caffeine

If you are downing several energy drinks each day, you might need to cut back.

Getty Images

Other than that, if you keep your caffeine intake to a safe level, there's not necessarily a compelling reason to force yourself to quit. Those two cups of black coffee in the morning most likely aren't doing you any harm.

Are there any health benefits to caffeine?

You're probably fairly familiar with the short-term cognitive benefits of caffeine: increased concentration, memory, alertness and attention. These advantages come from the fact that caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, meaning it activates your flight or fight response. Chow explains that people usually experience the benefits of caffeine most when they've gotten insufficient sleep.

One study suggested that drinking moderate amounts of coffee reduces the risk of several different types of cancer. However, the mechanism behind this correlation is unclear -- the lowered risk of cancer could come from the antioxidants naturally present in coffee, and not the caffeine. While the caffeine itself may be inconsequential, drinks like green and black tea contain plant chemicals that are suggested to reduce inflammation and the risk of cardiovascular disease. 

The bottom line? As long as your doctor clears you to drink moderate amounts of caffeine, it's a very safe substance that might even have powerful health benefits. Just make sure you're in it for the right reasons.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.


Source

https://nichols.my.id/how-to-fix-headphone-jack-loose.html

.

How Much Cheaper Are Store-Brand Groceries Than Name Brands?


Grocery store cost comparison grocery store price comparison compare prices between stores how much does an online store cost how much cheaper are things on black friday how much cheaper are foreclosures how much cheaper is fleet pricing how much protein in an egg how much sugar per day
How Much Cheaper Are Store-Brand Groceries Than Name Brands?


How Much Cheaper Are Store-Brand Groceries Than Name Brands?

This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.

Store-brand groceries might not have all the flashy packaging and advertising oomph of your favorite cereal, seltzer and snacks. If you can grin and bear a cheesy knockoff in place of those name-brand products, though, you can save a bunch on your monthly food spending.

In a summerlong series on saving money to combat inflation, we've calculated whether it's cheaper to buy groceries online or in person and laid out some strategies for saving at Whole Foods. But it turns out one of the most surefire ways to save at the supermarket is by letting some of that brand loyalty go by the wayside. 

If you're curious about exactly how much you can save buying store-brand groceries, I've done the math and the final figures are pretty shocking. On average, it's about 40% in total savings across various grocery categories. I compared the cost difference for buying name brands versus store-brand products at two popular grocery stores. Read on for a full savings breakdown in case you decide to make the switch. 

Read more: Is Grocery Shopping Online Cheaper Than at the Store? I Did the Math

Who makes store-brand products?

First things first, it's well documented that most major food manufacturers label their products under a number of different brands, including generic or store brands. According to recent statistics captured by the Private Label Manufacturing Association, one in five store-brand products is manufactured by a private label manufacturer. It makes sense: Those manufacturers can then appeal to people who are paying at either price. But they want you to go for the brand name price, rather than the store brand. That's why advertising exists; to make you believe that brand name products are somehow better, when the truth is that identical products are often going down parallel conveyor belts, getting two different labels at the end of the production line. 

toasted o's next to cheerios box

This store-brand toasted cereal retails for around $2. A box of General Mills Cheerios is more like $5.

David Watsky/CNET

Now, this doesn't necessarily mean that all store-brand, O-shaped, toasted oat cereals are actually General Mills Cheerios in disguise, but it stands to reason that for a lot of store-brand products, the quality or flavor is potentially equal to their name- counterpart. And considering the opportunity for savings, they're certainly worth a taste test. While some brand-name products are unlikely to have a generic equivalent, (like, is anyone really seeking off-brand Cool Ranch Doritos?) commodity items like canned beans or rice would seem especially safe bets in the store-brand category.

pepita salsa

Trader Joe's beloved pepita salsa is just one example of a store-brand item that's gained fandom and loyalty all its own.

Trader Joe's

Here's how much you can save buying store brand: Wegmans vs. Stop & Shop

I chose both Wegmans and Stop & Shop to represent high-end and average grocery store chains, using Instacart to generate current prices. 

Discount grocery stores such as Trader Joe's and Aldi keep their costs low because they deal primarily in their own brands. Wegmans is an interesting example since it has a lot of its own brand loyalty, not only as a grocery store chain, but also for its Wegmans label. (Seriously, I know people who would cross state lines to stock up on its flavored seltzers. Take that, LaCroix.) Stop & Shop is generally perceived as a midrange grocery chain, with good selection and good quality, and not considered expensive, but neither is it revered for its generic brand, which is simply called SB or Store Brand. 

Despite perceptions, however, both Wegmans and Stop & Shop are relatively aligned on prices, for both national and store-brand products. Wegmans came out a little ahead in price for name-brand products, in fact: The whole order was about $2 less than Stop & Shop's. Store-brand prices were within 20 cents of each other for the full list at both stores.

Cost of store brand versus name brand


Wegmans Wegmans store brand Stop & Shop Stop & Shop store brand
Goya chick peas, 16 ounces $1.49 $1.09 $1.19 $1.09
Barilla thin spaghetti, 16 ounces $2.29 $1.19 $2.49 $1.49
Arnold whole wheat bread, 24 ounces $4.99 $3.49 $5.69 $2.69
Bird's Eye frozen broccoli florets, 12 ounces $3.29 $1.79 $3.39 $3.29
Skippy creamy peanut butter, 16 ounces $4.29 $2.69 $3.49 $2.89
Honey Nut Cheerios, 10 ounces* $4.39 $2.29 $6.49 $2.79
Organic Valley/Horizon reduced fat organic milk, half-gallon $6.39 $5.09 $6.29 $5.19
FAGE nonfat Greek yogurt, plain, 32 ounces $7.49 $4.99 $7.89 $5.79
Bonne Maman strawberry preserves, 13 ounces* $6.39 $4.09 $6.99 $4.19
Mission flour tortillas, soft taco size, 10-pack $3.49 $1.79 $4.49 $2.59
Rao's homemade marinara, 24 ounces $9.19 $1.19 $9.79 $1.99
Finlandia/Sargento sliced swiss cheese, 7 ounces* $6.89 $3.09 $5.79 $3.69
Starbucks Breakfast Blend ground coffee, 12 ounces $12.69 $7.49 $12.69 $5.19
Smithfield thick cut bacon, 16 ounces $9.79 $7.89 $9.49 $7.99
Heinz Original tomato ketchup, 20 ounces $3.49 $2.09 $3.19 $2.89
Lay's Classic potato chips, 8 ounces $4.59 $2.69 $5.29 $2.39
LaCroix sparkling water, 12-pack $6.89 $4.09 $7.39 $4.69
Swanson chicken broth, 32 ounces $4.59 $3.79 $3.49 $2.79
Colavita extra virgin olive oil, 17 ounces $13.79 $8.09 $12.49 $5.79
Hellman's mayonnaise, 30 ounces $6.89 $4.89 $6.99 $4.19

$123.30 $73.80 $125.00 $73.60
*Indicates store-brand item whose quantity was greater for listed price



Buying store brand can mean huge savings

For both Wegmans and Stop & Shop, the huge savings in buying generic products can't be denied. The original shopping list of 20 staple items amounted to about $125 in both locations, with the store-brand version of the list coming to just under $75. That's an average of 40% savings over the whole list

Granted, this doesn't represent a complete shopping list, since certain grocery categories were excluded intentionally. Some of these items, such as condiments, are products that you might shop for once in a while, rather than weekly. Regardless, the math is clear: Store-brand products are significant potential savings in your grocery shopping experience.

various wegman's branded groceries

Certain grocery stores including Trader Joe's and Wegmans have managed to cultivate cult-like fandom for their own brands.

Wegmans

How I evaluated name brands vs. store brands

Using grocery shopping list templates available online, I generated a list of 20 common staple ingredients from the pantry, bakery, dairy, deli and freezer sections, covering a variety of prices. Items such as whole fruits and vegetables and butchered meats aren't typically subject to brand (or they're rarely revealed) and I discluded them for the purposes of this investigation. For each of the items I selected, I compared prices between national, well-known brands and the store brand of the same item, at roughly the same size, using Instacart. If there's a discrepancy in size, I've noted that with an asterisk, but did not adjust the price accordingly, since I wanted to reflect an accurate total of what you'd pay for a grocery list's worth of either name-brand or store-brand products. 

In most cases, the store-brand model was the larger size of the two items anyway, meaning even more savings if you factor in its relative value. For example, at Wegmans, Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves are $6.39 for 13 ounces, whereas Wegmans brand Strawberry Preserves are only $4.09 for a full 18 ounces, nearly 50% more product. The savings on your grocery receipt will amount to $2.30, but if you scale up the Bonne Maman price to match the same amount of store-brand product, its price would become $8.85, representing a savings of $4.76, or over 50%, for the Wegmans brand.

Read more:  Hungryroot Review: Meal Kits and Grocery Delivery Together as One

bonne maman cherry preserves jar

Certain upscale and imported goods like Bonne Maman preserves will cost you significantly more than store brand. 

Bonne Maman

Where are the biggest savings on store-brand items?

Between both Wegmans and Stop & Shop, the more the brand-name item cost, the more savings were typically available, not only in terms of pure dollars and cents but also as percentage savings between the brand name and store brand. Brand-name items above $5 tended to result in the largest percentage discount, with bigger-ticket items such as olive oil, coffee and spaghetti sauce pushing 50% off or more for their generic or store-brand counterparts. 

olive oil being poured

Pricier items such as olive oil and marinara sauce are where you're likely to see bigger savings if you opt for store brand.

Colavita

Less expensive items, especially those under $2 to begin with, may offer only 10% to 30% savings overall. For example, approximately 17 ounces of Colavita Extra virgin olive oil costs $12.79 at Stop & Shop, whereas the equivalent store-brand olive oil costs only $5.79, which amounts to over 55% off the name-brand price. 

On the other hand, 16 ounces of Goya chickpeas are only $1.19 to begin with. With the store brand being only 10 cents less, the savings only amount to 8%. Olive oil, however, is more likely to be subject to quality and flavor nuance, so while the savings can be much larger, it may be a matter of personal preference if the savings are worth it. Chickpeas are generally less subject to flavor or texture scrutiny.

kirkland sign

Costco's Kirkland is another budget store brand that has garnered its own customer loyalty. 

Costco

Does every grocery store have its own brand?

While store brands are growing, not every grocery store has its own brand, and many just carry no-name or generic brands in addition to name-brand products. Among store brands, there are those that carry the name of the store in its proprietary label, such as Wegmans, Publix, Kroger and others that have a separate label for store-brand products, such as Stop & Shop's SB, Walmart's Great Value and Costco's Kirkland Signature. Whichever the case, it's worth getting to know your local grocer's store-brand products, to see where you may be able to generate huge savings in your grocery bill.

More money-saving kitchen intel


Source

https://nichols.my.id/how-to-fix-green-purple-video-corruption-vlc.html

.

Battery Backup Vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best For You?


Best battery backup generator battery powered backup generator battery power generator backup battery backup vs generator battery backup vs generator battery backup vs surge protector cyber power battery backup 850 va battery backup for computer
Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?


Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?

When you live somewhere with extreme weather or regular power outages, it's a good idea to have a backup power source for your home. There are various types of backup power systems on the market, but each serves the same primary purpose: keeping your lights and appliances on when the power goes out.

It might be a good year to look into backup power: Much of North America is at an elevated risk of blackout this summer thanks to an ongoing drought and expected higher than average temperatures, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation said Wednesday. Parts of the United States, from Michigan down to the Gulf Coast, are at a high risk making blackouts even more likely. 

The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you search, compare, sign up and save on the right energy fit for your home — all for free. If you're interested in solar, answer a few questions to get an exact price quote from our solar advisors.

In the past, fuel-powered standby generators (also known as whole house generators) have dominated the backup power supply market, but reports of risk of carbon monoxide poisoning have led many to search for alternatives. Battery backups have emerged as a more eco-friendly and potentially safer option to conventional generators. 

Despite performing the same function, battery backups and generators are different devices. Each one has a particular set of advantages and disadvantages, which we'll cover in the following comparison guide. Keep reading to find out about the main differences between battery backups and generators and decide which option is right for you.

Cynthia R Matonhodze/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Battery backups

Home battery backup systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall or the LG Chem RESU, store energy, which you can use to power your house during an outage. Battery backups run on electricity, either from your home solar system or the electrical grid. As a result, they're much better for the environment than fuel-powered generators. They're also better for your wallet.

Separately, if you have a time-of-use utility plan, you can use a battery backup system to save money on your energy bills. Instead of paying high electricity rates during peak usage hours, you can use energy from your battery backup to power your home. In off-peak hours, you can use your electricity as normal -- but at a cheaper rate.

LifestyleVisuals/Getty Images

Generators

On the other hand, standby generators connect to your home's electrical panel and kick on automatically when the power goes out. Generators run on fuel to keep your electricity on during an outage -- typically natural gas, liquid propane or diesel. Other generators have a "dual fuel" feature, meaning that they can run on either natural gas or liquid propane.

Certain natural gas and propane generators can connect to your home's gas line or propane tank, so there's no need to refill them manually. Diesel generators, however, will need to be topped up in order to keep running.

Battery backup vs. generator: How do they compare?

Pricing

In terms of cost, battery backups are the pricier option upfront. But generators need fuel to run, which means that you'll spend more over time to maintain a steady fuel supply. 

With battery backups, you'll need to pay for the backup battery system upfront, as well as installation costs (each of which are in the thousands). Exact pricing will vary based on which battery model you choose and how many of them you need to power your home. However, it's common for an average-sized home battery backup system to run between $10,000 and $20,000.

For generators, the upfront costs are slightly lower. On average, the price of purchasing and installing a standby generator can range from $7,000 to $15,000. However, remember that generators require fuel to run, which will increase your operating expenses. The specific costs will depend on a few factors, including the size of your generator, which type of fuel it uses and the amount of fuel used to run it.

Installation

Battery backups earn a slight edge in this category since they can be mounted to the wall or floor, whereas generator installations require a bit of additional work. Regardless, you'll need to hire a professional for either type of installation, both of which will require a full day of work and may cost several thousand dollars.

Aside from setting up the device itself, installing a generator also requires pouring a concrete slab, connecting the generator to a dedicated fuel source and installing a transfer switch.

Maintenance

Battery backups are the clear winner in this category. They're quiet, run independently, don't produce any emissions and don't require any ongoing maintenance.

On the other hand, generators can be quite noisy and disruptive when they're in use. They also emit exhaust or fumes, depending on which type of fuel they use to run -- which may irritate you or your neighbors.

Keeping your home powered

As far as how long they can keep your home powered, standby generators easily outperform battery backups. As long as you have enough fuel, generators can run continuously for up to three weeks at a time (if necessary).

That's simply not the case with battery backups. Let's use the Tesla Powerwall as an example. It has 13.5 kilowatt-hours of storage capacity, which can provide power for a few hours on its own. You can get extra power out of them if they're part of a solar panel system or if you use multiple batteries in a single system.

Expected lifespan and warranty

In most cases, battery backups come with longer warranties than standby generators. However, these warranties are measured in different ways.

Over time, battery backup systems lose the ability to hold a charge, much like phones and laptops. For that reason, battery backups include an end-of-warranty capacity rating, which measures how effective a battery will hold a charge by the end of its warranty period. In Tesla's case, the company guarantees that the Powerwall battery should retain 70% of its capacity by the end of its 10-year warranty.

Some backup battery manufacturers also offer a "throughput" warranty. This is the number of cycles, hours or energy output (known as "throughput") that a company guarantees on its battery.

With standby generators, it's easier to estimate lifespan. Good-quality generators can run for 3,000 hours, as long as they're well maintained. Therefore, if you run your generator for 150 hours per year, then it should last about 20 years.

Which one is right for you?

Across most categories, battery backup systems come out on top. In short, they're better for the environment, easier to install and cheaper to run long-term. Plus, they have longer warranties than standby generators.

With that said, traditional generators can be a good option in some cases. Unlike battery backups, you only need a single generator to restore power in an outage, which brings down the upfront costs. Plus, standby generators can last longer than battery backup systems in a single session. As a result, they'll be a safer bet if the power is out for days at a time.

Explore more home energy topics


Source

https://notableh.pops.my.id/

.

Best Collagen Powders For 2022


Best Collagen Powders for 2022


Best Collagen Powders for 2022

Collagen is the structural protein essential in holding together the tissues of our bodies. Typically, we have plenty of collagen to go around -- it's in our tendons, muscles, skin and bones. However, collagen maintenance and production slow as we age, which leads to wrinkles and loss of bone strength.  

That's why many people turn to collagen supplements, which offer several benefits like slowing skin aging and improving bone and joint health. But there are many collagen powder options, ranging in ingredients, taste and dosage. That can make it difficult to determine which collagen powder is best. We pulled together a list of our top collagen powder picks based on price, ingredients and third-party testing. 

Read more: Best Vitamins for Hair Growth

Vital Proteins

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder takes our pick for the best overall collagen powder because of its versatility and quality. It's the type of collagen powder that everyone will like, whether you're just starting or a collagen pro. With 20g of collagen per serving (2 scoops), Vital packs a punch. It supports skin, hair, nail, bone and joint health. 

The collagen in Vital is made from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. The powder contains extra benefits like hyaluronic acid and vitamin c for skin health. User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising how easily it dissolves in liquid and the results seen. 

Collagen content per serving: 20g per serving

Price: $47 for 28 servings 

Vital Collagen Powder's best features:

  • Third-party tested for NSF Certified for Sport
  • Vital collagen powder is certified paleo-friendly and Whole30-approved
  • You get 20g of grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen in each serving. 

Things to consider: 

  • Vital is priced higher than other options available. You only get 28 servings for $47. 
Orgain

If you've been around the protein powder space for a while, then you probably know Orgain and its affordable prices. Orgain's collagen powder takes our pick as the best budget collagen powder because of the balance it strikes between price and quality -- it's the most affordable on the list without sacrificing quality. 

Like many other options on the list, Orgain collagen powder is sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised cows and includes type I and type III collagen. Collagen I is most ample in skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. Type III makes up the reticular fibers of organs and soft tissues. The only ingredient on the label is collagen peptides, which makes Orgain a great choice for those looking for a one-ingredient solution that cuts out the extra sugar or artificial additives. 

Collagen content per serving: 20g per two scoops

Price: $31.99 for 45 servings

Best features:

  • The 45-day supply of Orgain collagen powder is inexpensive compared to other options.
  • It's dairy- and soy-free. 
  • Meets CGMPs to ensure the quality and purity of the product. 

Things to consider:

  • This product doesn't contain additional nutrients like vitamin C or zinc. 
Care/of

Care/of is a popular vitamin and supplement subscription service highly regarded for personalization. When you sign up for Care/of, you take the quiz that tailors your supplement suggestions based on your diet, exercise, lifestyle and health goals. That's why it's the best collagen powder subscription available. 

The Care/of bovine collagen powder is made from grass-fed cows and supports skin hydration and elasticity. It also helps strengthen nails. Made without fillers or artificial ingredients, you can easily blend this collagen powder into your tea, coffee or smoothie. This collagen powder also includes real ingredients like organic lemon and vanilla. 

Collagen content per serving: 10g per two scoops

Cost: $24 for 15 servings

Care/of best features:

  • Care/of has a handy app that you can use to track your supplement routine and recommended dosages. 
  • The helpful Care/of quiz is easy to take. Your results suggest supplements based on your diet, lifestyle, exercise routine and goals. 
  • This collagen powder is dairy- and gluten-free.

Things to consider:

  • The unflavored Care/of collagen powder comes in 15-serving containers and costs $24. It's more expensive than other options. However, you get free shipping on orders over $20.
  • The flavored collagen powders from Care/of are more expensive. The matcha, vanilla oat creamer and lemon passion fruit cost $32.
Further Food

Sometimes you want your collagen powder to be seen but not tasted. If you're adding collagen powder to a smoothie or coffee and don't want to taste or smell it, consider Further Food Collagen Peptides. 

This unflavored collagen powder is hydrolyzed, meaning it's broken down into amino acids that your body can absorb more easily. You don't have to worry about fillers or artificial sweeteners with Further Food Collagen Peptides; the only ingredient is hydrolyzed bovine collagen. You'll get both types I and III collagen in this product. 

Further Food shines in testing, which is why it's one of the best collagen powders you can get. Not only is it rigorously tested for purity, but it's also third-party tested to ensure that the quality and potency of each bottle are what's advertised. The facilities that Further Food uses to produce this collagen supplement meet cGMP standards. 

Collagen content per serving: 8000mg (8g) of collagen peptides 

Cost: $24.99 for 28 servings 

Further Food Collagen best features: 

  • It's available in one-month, three-month supplies and single-stick packs.
  • Third-party tested and made in cGMP-certified facilities. 

Things to consider:

  • The dosage of collagen per serving is slightly lower than other products at only 8g. Though a serving is only one scoop, others have a serving size of two scoops for 20g.
Ancient Nutrition

If you're someone who likes your healthy choices to taste good, try Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder. The vanilla and chocolate flavors are fan favorites, but they have unique flavors like cold brew, strawberry lemonade and cucumber lime. This collagen powder is made from grass-fed, cruelty-free and non-GMO sources.

It includes hydrolyzed bovine collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen is easier for your body to absorb because it's already broken down into amino acids. Ancient Nutrition collagen powder also includes vitamin C, hydrolyzed bovine and fish collagen peptides. 

You get 10g of collagen per serving, which is only one scoop. Some of the options on the list have a higher serving size that includes more collagen. Ancient Nutrition collagen powder has an average amount of collagen per serving -- there are options with more or less. 

Collagen content per serving: 10g per serving

Cost: $49.95 for 45 servings 

Ancient Nutrition's best features:

  • Ancient Nutrition stands out for flavor variety. 
  • This collagen powder includes several collagen sources -- bovine hide, fermented eggshell membrane and fish collagen peptides. 
  • It's a budget-friendly option. 

Things to consider: 

  • With flavors like cucumber lime and strawberry lemonade, the taste is not for everyone. 
Momentous

Athletes must pay special attention to the supplements they buy to ensure they don't contain banned substances. Momentous Collagen Peptides boasts an NSF Certified for Sport label, which means it has been tested and proven to not contain any illegal substances. NSF is the gold standard for supplements.

Each serving delivers 11.6g of collagen from grass-fed bovine collagen and Fortigel® collagen. Fortigel® collagen is a patented collagen peptide that promotes collagen production in important areas like tendons and ligaments, which is essential for athletes. Momentous collagen powder also includes vitamin C. 

Collagen per serving: 11.6g per one scoop

Price: $49.50 for 30 servings 

Momentous collagen's best features: 

  • Momentous is designed to target more than just skin and hair. It contributes to long-term tendon and joint strength. 
  • It's GMO- and gluten-free. 

Certifications include NSF Certified for Sport and Informed Sport.

Things to consider:

  • Momentous Collagen Peptides powder is a little more expensive than other options on the list.
Garden of Life

All collagen supplements are derived from animal sources. Garden of Life mykind Organics Collagen Builder doesn't include any collagen. However, it includes key nutrients like vitamins A and C to help your body produce collagen naturally. It's a good option for vegetarians and vegans who want to increase collagen. Garden of Life's collagen builder is made from organic plant and tea extracts. It also includes 2,500mcg of biotin to improve the health of your nails and hair. 

Collagen content: None 

Price: $27.99 for 30 servings 

Best features:

  • Garden of Life shines in product testing. It is USDA organic, vegan, and NSF-certified.
  • It's a good option for vegans and vegetarians who want to boost their collagen production without taking collagen.

Things to consider:

  • This product does not contain collagen. 
  • There are additives like tea extracts in this collagen booster. 

How we chose the best collagen powders

The FDA doesn't regulate the supplement industry before it gets to consumers. This means that there are fewer requirements placed on the products. To supplement this, I looked at third-party tests that vouch for the products' quality and purity. Cost and collagen content were also considered when selecting the best collagen powders. 

Frequently asked questions

Should you take collagen powders?

Collagen powders have gained popularity for the various benefits for hair, nail and skin health and strengthening bone density. Typically, most people can take collagen powders without any negative side effects. However, if you have a food allergy, you should pay special attention to the ingredients label, as many of the best collagen powders include dairy, soy and eggs. 

Those who shouldn't take true collagen powders are vegans and vegetarians. The collagen powders available on the market are made from animals or fish. Vegan supplements help the body produce collagen, though they do not contain any collagen powder. 

Things to consider when shopping for collagen powders:

  • Third-party testing: Given the lack of FDA regulations, third-party certifications like Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, National Sanitation Foundation and Informed-Sport Certification help establish the quality and purity of the product. 
  • Price: There are various price points across the collagen market. 
  • Ingredients: Make sure to carefully read the ingredient label to see what is included in the collagen powder. Common additives include vitamin C and zinc. It's important to check the recommended daily value of these ingredients to ensure you're not getting too much of anything.
  • Type of collagen: Collagen is derived from animal sources -- typically porcine, bovine, eggshell and marine. 

Is collagen powder vegan?

No collagen powder on the market today is vegan. Currently, all products that contain collagen are made from animal sources. Vegetarians and vegan options are available, though they do not contain collagen. Instead, they include vitamins and minerals that help boost your body's collagen production. 

What are the different types of collagen supplements?

Collagen powders are typically favored because they deliver the most potent doses. However, other forms of collagen are available -- liquid collagen, collagen pills and collagen gummies. All of these options have a lower dosage than collagen powders. 

How long does it take for collagen supplements to work?

Research suggests that collagen benefits like skin hydration and elasticity can be noticeable as early as four weeks or as long as 12. How quickly results take effect will vary by person. With collagen products, progress is measured in months, not weeks. 

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.


Source

Tags:

Canva: The Poster Child Of DIY Graphic Design


Canva: The poster child of DIY graphic design


Canva: The poster child of DIY graphic design

Good design is hard. But more and more we all have to do it. Whether it's a nice Facebook banner, a clever profile pic, an eye-catching Instagram post or some well polished ideas for a work presentation, we all want something more than the terrible basic options offered up by Powerpoint.

Enter Canva. The 5-year-old Australian startup is all about offering slick templates through a free service that is exceptionally simple to use. Whether through its website or the apps for iPhone and iPad, it takes just a few seconds to work out how to get started and make something that looks great.

This all sounds like an ad -- simple DIY design sounds too good to be true -- but a quick taste test proves how true the pitch is. And after a slow boil for its first few years, a rapid climb to over 10 million users across 179 countries (Canva says it just passed five designs per second) suggest this is something that is starting to resonate.

Melanie Perkins Canva

Co-founder Melanie Perkins wants to give everyone the tools to make good everyday designs with minimal fuss.

Canva

"Having great quality ingredients for people to work with has been a driving premise behind Canva," says Melanie Perkins, co-founder of Canva. "Before Canva, you'd have to be a professional designer to easily access beautiful stock photography and illustrations. There are template libraries out there, but again, they're only for designers who use professional design software."

While the service is free, Canva makes money through the sale of stock images as well as a "Canva for Work" premium offering that lets a company set brand guidelines and templates to make it easier for people all around a company stick to core design principles without always needing designers to create every document, every presentation or whatever else may be required.

"Social media posts, pitch decks, proposals, marketing materials. Designers are getting spread really thin throughout organisations," says Perkins. "They often have to neglect sales, for example, who often just string their own terribly off brand things together. This really helps to bring brand identity together. Colours, fonts, logos so everybody is on the right track."

Democratising design

Exploring the Canva website, beyond the design tools the company also offers anyone who wants it a crash course in good design. There's a design school blog, design tutorials and a design stream where you can see what other people have been designing and offer likes and comments. Perkins suggests people have been conditioned to think they're just not creative, so they're often afraid to play around.

Canva's usage has been on a rapid rise, now surpassing five designs per second across its web and app platforms.

Canva

When Canva first launched, the company's user research found people were inherently afraid to click things in case they messed something up.

"People were really conscious about not clicking too much and not playing around. But this is meant to be the exact opposite," says Perkins. "So we introduced starter challenges -- put a hat on a monkey, change the colour of a circle, add a background to a page, really basic things. But each step builds confidence."

Offering templates that don't get too repetitive is a big challenge, but Canva has tried to solve for this concern by inviting professional designers to share templates publicly and receive royalties whenever their templates are used by others.

For Perkins, it's the success stories of those who have been using Canva that make her feel like they're achieving their mission. From the story of a small US sheriff's office using Canva to create wanted posters, to the story of a woman who created an image to help track down her birth mother that worked after going viral on Facebook.

Australia's coolest tech company

Canva is fast becoming the proverbial and literal poster child of the Australia startup scene. From humble origins in Perkins' mother's living room and "incubating" in San Francisco food courts, the company is now growing rapidly with a team of over 120 across 3 countries and a latest funding round of AU$19.8M at a valuation of AU$462M.

Canva web iPhone iPad

Canva across the web, iPhone and iPad. "Other platforms" (read Android) are planned for the future.

Canva

The company also provides classic Silicon Valley perks, with an in-house chef, free gym and yoga classes, flexible working conditions and more. It was all enough to land Canva the title of Australia's Coolest Tech Company two years running from job listings website Job Advisor.

"We're in the ridiculously fortunate position that before we took on this latest funding we hadn't spent a dollar from the previous round," says Perkins. "We got the revenues to grow rapidly and everything sort of naturally moving in the right direction."

There's still a lot more to do. Getting apps on Android is an obvious one, but Perkins suggests the company is only scratching the surface of its larger, and far loftier, long term plans.

"If we can become the productivity tool, the productivity platform for the next generation, with all the crazy needs everyone has for visual content they need to create, that would be pretty cool."


Source

Tags:

WhatsApp, Kik, Viber Or ReTXT: Which Third-party Messenger Is Right For You?


Whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is gadmowera whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is hacked whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is crashing whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is in another language whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger is my home whatsapp kik viber or retxt which third party messenger home whatsapp/kik/line
WhatsApp, Kik, Viber or ReTXT: Which third-party messenger is right for you?


WhatsApp, Kik, Viber or ReTXT: Which third-party messenger is right for you?

James Martin/CNET

There is no shortage of third-party messaging apps in either the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store and it's pretty easy to see why. While every smartphone has a default messaging app, none have many extras.

Sure, you can send photos and videos, and probably emoticons, but beyond that the default chat apps are pretty bare. To its credit, Apple has made strides with iOS' Messages app with features such as being able to send your location and voice memos, while Android will let you send contacts and other business-related tasks, but there's not much fun in that.

Fortunately, third-party messaging apps are mostly free, offer fun extras, and some even have added features like encryption to keep your messages secure. All use data, so any texting limits you have with your carrier don't apply and the ones that make calls are free for people who have the app.

Feature comparison

Obviously, a text messaging app has to let you send text messages, and adding photos and videos is more or less the standard with these type of apps. But it's the extras like locations, contacts, and even doodles that set some of these apps apart. On the other hand, you may be someone who is uninterested in stickers and gifs, so this chart will let you zero in on the things you need and the things you don't.

WhatsApp Messenger Kik Viber ReTXT
Text messages Yes Yes Yes Yes
Phone calls Yes No Yes No
Photos Yes Yes Yes Yes
Videos Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audio clips/voice memos Yes No Yes Yes
Video calls No No Yes No
Sketching/drawing No Yes Yes No
Locations Yes No Yes Yes
Share contacts Yes No Yes Yes
Special Graphics/Stickers No Yes Yes No
Emoticons default keyboard Yes Yes default keyboard
Subscription Yes ($0.99/year) No No Yes ($0.99/year)
Encryption No No No Yes
Read receipts Yes Yes Yes Yes
In-app purchases Yes Yes Yes No

whatsapppromo.jpg
James Martin/CNET

WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp has been in the third-party text messenger business for a long time, and even if you're not using it, chances are a lot of your friends are. The app has an extremely easy setup because you don't have to add buddies or invite people; WhatsApp Messenger scans your contacts for other users of the app and lets you start a conversation on your own.

WhatsApp shows your chats in little text bubbles, gives you a time stamp for messages, notifies you when a text has been viewed by your recipient and lets you include photos, audio notes and videos within your conversations. You can also change your background and send your GPS location to an interactive map. You can use premade away notes such as "I'm busy," "Available" or even "My battery is about to die," and you can block specific contacts from within the app. You also can easily send a friend's contact information to another user without leaving the app. So, while the app is not leaps and bounds ahead of other messaging apps, there are some nice extra features here.

It's important to note that WhatsApp is free for the first year of use, but then you'll need to sign up for subscription at 99 cents per year. But even though free is always better, I think a dollar a year (at the current exchange rate, that's about £0.65 or AU$1.25) is easily worth it for what you get.

Where it excels

  • A lot of people already use it so you don't have to convince as many people to download it.
  • Location maps look natural inline and let you tap to get more info.
  • You can make free calls to others who have the app.
  • You can customize the look by changing backgrounds.

Where it falls flat

  • You can't make video calls.
  • It has no special graphics other than emoticons.
  • It doesn't have strong encryption.

Best for: People who know that their friends already use the app. Also, it's great for sending texts and making international calls to others who have the app.


James Martin/CNET

Kik

Free; iOS, Android, Windows Phone

Kik is a messaging app that's much more about fun than it is about productivity. Yes, it has the regular messaging features and you can easily add photos and videos like most apps, but the extras here are more for a younger audience and not what you get with the other apps in this collection.

I noticed right away that Kik didn't have the ability to send your location or contacts. Instead, it's set up for having fun with things like stickers, the ability to sketch, add the latest viral videos and memes, and more. One really useful feature is the ability to perform an image search from within the app. It also has an assortment of original emoticons, but the ones you can use for free are not much different from what you get on your default keyboard.

And that's the other thing about Kik. It has its own currency called Kik Points (KP) that you use to buy sticker packs and special emoticons you can't find anywhere else. You don't buy Kik points with cash, though. You earn them by completing surveys, visiting specific websites, or signing up for services from one of Kik's partners. In other words, it's a way for Kik to make money without billing the users of the app.

Where it excels

  • It has a huge number of things you can add to your messages, like stickers, icons, doodles, memes and more.
  • You can perform an image search from within the app to add images to the conversation easily.
  • It has its own in-app browser to find other content.

Where it falls flat

  • Lack of location-adding and contact features make it less useful for working folks.
  • The requirement of using Kik Points to buy features means you'll need to jump through hoops to get that unique zombie emoticon.

Best for: Students or groups of friends who like to keep the conversation going continuously with lots of fun stuff to add


viberpromo.jpg
James Martin/CNET

Viber

Free; iOS, Android, Windows Phone

I recently reviewed Viber and found it to have the most useful features I've seen so far in a messaging app. It's excellent for messaging and calling your friends for free around the globe and you can even make video calls.

Sending a message is just like other apps, with balloons for each of the people chatting, and you can set up group texts for up to 100 participants. You can create an audio clip by touching the microphone, then touching and holding a big button in the bottom center to record. You also can send photos and videos, and you can send your location.

For some fun, there is a doodle feature, which lets you pick a brush size and color, then draw on the screen to send little doodles to your friends. You also get a good assortment of stickers for free, but can buy themed sticker packs if you're interested.

But what sets Viber apart from most third party messaging apps is the ability to make both audio and video calls and you can do it on a 3G connection or better. The app uses your regular phone number, and you can call anyone around the globe for free provided they also have the app. In my testing, call quality was excellent and even sounded better than regular calls on my iPhone.

You'll have to pay (through in-app purchase) if you want to call landlines or people who don't have the app, but it has a guide which shows how much it will cost you depending on the country.

Where it excels

  • You can make free calls to other people who have the app (like WhatsApp) and you can make free video calls.
  • Both audio and video calls are high quality even without a Wi-Fi connection.
  • It has its own assortment of high-quality, original emoticons.
  • It has plenty of stickers included for just about any situation, and you can buy more if you want themed sets.

Where it falls flat

  • The Public Chat features let you browse subjects and enter a conversation, but you can't participate (coming in a later update).
  • Not a lot of people use it.

Best for: People who want to message, or make audio or video calls internationally for free.


retxtpromo.jpg
James Martin/CNET

ReTXT

Free; iOS and Android

ReTXT is the newcomer to the collection having only been out for a few weeks, but in my review, I really liked the unique features you can't find in the other apps of this collection.

It does all the usual things such as letting you send photos and video, and you can add audio clips and send your location. But while it's not big on special graphics, stickers or anything like those, it has something even better to offer: the ability to correct or delete a message you already sent. Everyone has been a victim of their smartphone's autocorrect at one time or another, but with ReTXT, you can just tap the sent message and edit whatever you want. It then corrects the message for both you and your recipient.

Another unique feature is the capability to ask for clarification. When someone sends you a message that doesn't make sense, you can tap a button that sends them a question mark that appears right next to their own message balloon. This indicates that they should clarify their meaning without you having to ask questions or engage in a lengthy back-and-forth conversation.

Finally, ReTXT has strong security features which ensure you and your recipient are the only people to view your message content. It doesn't store your conversations on any server, and it has end-to-end encryption. The other apps can't boast this level of security, so if security is your number one concern, this is the app for you.

It's important to note that -- like WhatsApp -- you'll need to pay a 99 cents a year subscription (about £0.65 or AU$1.25), but if these features are important to you it's easy to part with a dollar per year.

Where it excels

  • ReTXT lets you edit sent messages to fix any errors, whether it was an autocorrect mistake or maybe even something you shouldn't have said in the heat of the moment.
  • You can ask for clarification by touching a button so you can avoid the back and forth texts.
  • End-to-end encryption means you'll know only you and your recipient can see your messages.

Where it falls flat

  • It doesn't have any customization or special graphics and emoticons besides what comes with your default keyboard.
  • Almost nobody uses it because it's so new.

Best for: Those who find themselves making a lot of typos in their messages, or those who want an added level of security not found in other messaging apps.


CNET recommends...

All of these are great chat apps, and really it comes down to a matter of your messaging style for which one you pick. But I think for most people, the fact that Viber covers so many bases puts it on top.

Not only does it have more practical features, like sending your location and contacts, it also has fun features which let you add audio clips and stickers to your conversations. And the fact that you can make both audio and video calls pushes it over the top.

There's still the problem of getting your friends to download the app, but with all these features, it shouldn't be too hard to convince them.


Source

Search This Blog

Menu Halaman Statis

close