You've probably asked yourself too if that old bottle of water in your pantry is still good to drink? Water is life, yet there are remaining questions about the shelf life. Whether you are stockpiling for emergencies or wondering if that bottled water left in a heated car is safe to drink, understanding if and how water "expires" is essential. This article goes into the science behind water storage and its potential risks and practical tips to ensure your water will remain safe and consumable.

Water itself does not spoil or degrade. Chemically, pure water (H₂O) remains unchanged indefinitely. However, there are issues that arise due to the containers in which it is stored and the environmental conditions surrounding the storage.

In the United States, most bottled water has an expiration date. This labeling is often misunderstood as being an indication of the water's safety, but it mainly has to do with quality. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that commercially sealed bottled water is safe to drink indefinitely if stored properly. Over time, though, the taste, smell, and even the appearance of water may change due to interactions with its packaging.

Role of Packaging in Water Safety

Plastic Bottles and Chemical Leaching

Bottled water is mostly packed in polyethylene terephthalate, PET plastic. Even though it is light in weight, resistant, and recyclable, this material is limited in other aspects. It leaches chemicals in trace amounts in the water if heated or placed under direct sunlight. For instance, do not leave your bottled water in the hot car for an extended period.

The next is bisphenol A or BPA. This chemical has been used to soften some plastics and is known for its hormone disruption. Many producers have shifted toward BPA-free materials, but older bottles and improper storage still pose risks. Bottles carrying recycling code #7 may be BPA-contaminated. There are also concerns over microplastics and long-term storage.

Microplastics and Long-Term Storage

Over time, the plastic in the bottle may leach into the water, causing some to question health risks. In 2019, one article published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health noted that these particles exist but are usually not at high enough concentrations to pose a problem if the water is properly stored.

Also Read: What Happens When You Drink Too Much Water?

How Long Can Water Be Stored Safely?

Bottled Water

Unopened bottled water, kept in a cool, dark place, remains safe to drink for years. But manufacturers often advise that it should be consumed within two years of its manufacture date for best quality. After this period, it may start showing off-flavors or odors due to contact with the plastic.

Tap Water

Tap water, under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), undergoes strict standards for safety. It can be kept in pure, BPA-free bottles up to six months. Afterward, it loses its fresh flavor or becomes dirty if not properly sealed.

Rainwater

Don't drink rainwater unless treated first. It usually contains contaminants that should not reach the human stomach. It should be used to water plants if not filtered and sterilized first.

Signs That Water Has Gone Bad

Water itself doesn't go bad, but extrinsic factors make it unsafe. Always discard water that has:

An off smell: An earthy, metallic smell indicates contamination.

Coloration: Greenish or bluish coloration signifies microbial growth or rust.

Unpleasant taste: A metallic or stale taste is a hallmark of degradation.

Froth or particles: Indicate dirt, germs, or other impurities.

How to Store Water Safely?

Avoid Heat and Sunlight

Store water in a cool, dark place and out of direct sunlight. Heat breaks down the plastic, allowing chemicals to leach out more easily.

Choose the Right Containers

For long-term storage, select BPA-free or food-grade plastic containers. The best alternatives are stainless steel and glass containers, which avoid all the risks that plastic poses.

Hygiene Maintained

Wash and sanitize the container before refilling. Always seal the lids so that no bacteria get inside.

Rotate Your Stock

Use a first-in, first-out rotation system with stockpiled water. This will mean that you will use the oldest water first to keep your water supply fresh.

Is It Safe to Drink Water Past Its Expiration Date?

The expiration date on bottled water is a mark of its quality, not safety. Although the water is safe to drink past this date, it is sensible to check it for any signs of spoilage as mentioned above. Tap water that has been stored for longer periods should be checked for clarity and odor before consumption.

Plastic bottles, although convenient, degrade the environment. Only a few percent of PET bottles are recycled, while the rest remain in landfills or oceans. Choose reusable containers and tap water whenever possible to minimize plastic waste and environmental damage.

Water is one of the most precious resources in this world, yet it can be safe only if it is kept appropriately. People may tell you that water does not expire, but the fact is that packaging materials, exposure to the environment, and storage conditions may affect the quality of the water. Proper storage techniques, opting for BPA-free containers, ensure that water remains fresh, safe, and ready for consumption at any time.

Christmas is meant to be joyful, but the fear of gaining weight often sneaks in between helpings of roast potatoes and dessert. There is a reason this worry feels real. Nearly half of the weight many people gain in a year tends to show up during holiday periods, and once gained, it often sticks around longer than expected. The good news is that enjoying festive food does not have to mean starting the new year with regret. Smart choices, balanced plates, and mindful eating can make all the difference.

Build your plate around plant-forward foods

Festive spreads are often richer than everyday meals, which is why vegetables play a key role in keeping things balanced. Christmas classics like Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, carrots, parsnips, onions, and even potatoes offer more than color and crunch.

Cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and red cabbage support the body’s natural detox systems and provide compounds linked to healthy ageing.

Roasted root vegetables supply complex fibers that feed good gut bacteria, helping digestion stay on track despite heavier meals. Onions support natural cleansing processes, while cooked and cooled potatoes contain resistant starch that behaves like fiber and helps keep blood sugar steady. This also makes leftovers a surprisingly good option.

Adding grains and healthy fats further improves satiety. Quinoa provides complex carbohydrates along with complete protein, while avocado contributes heart friendly fats that help you feel full longer. Pomegranate seeds add antioxidants and support gut and heart health, making them a festive ingredient worth sprinkling generously.

Pair plants with protein for better balance

A common reason for holiday overeating is a lack of protein on the plate. Protein helps regulate appetite and keeps energy levels stable. Plant based mains such as mushroom wellingtons, nut roasts, or lentil loaves work well for this reason. Mushrooms offer antioxidants and immune supporting nutrients, while lentils provide protein, iron, and fiber without excess fat. Chestnuts stand out among nuts because they act more like a starch, making them filling but lighter than many other nut based foods.

Even for non vegetarians, these dishes can sit comfortably alongside traditional mains, adding variety and balance without sacrificing flavor.

Mindful eating matters as much as food choices

What and how you eat both matter during the holidays. Slowing down helps the body register fullness before overeating sets in. Taking time to notice the aroma, texture, and taste of food improves satisfaction, often with smaller portions. Putting cutlery down between bites and staying present at the table can naturally reduce mindless eating.

Hydration is another simple but powerful tool. Alcoholic drinks are calorie dense and dehydrating, which can increase appetite. Alternating festive drinks with water or fruit based punches helps manage intake while still allowing you to join the celebration.

Choose desserts that satisfy without excess

Dessert does not need to be skipped to stay on track. Lighter versions can be just as comforting. Fruit based options like baked apples, berry crumbles with oats and nuts, or spiced poached pears offer natural sweetness and fiber. Greek yogurt based desserts provide protein and probiotics that support digestion and help prevent overindulgence.

Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content can also fit in. A small portion enjoyed slowly with fruit delivers antioxidants and satisfies cravings without going overboard. Nuts and dates make rich, festive treats too, but portion awareness matters since they are calorie dense.

Focus on joy, not guilt

Christmas food is about connection, tradition, and pleasure. Guilt free enjoyment actually supports digestion and overall wellbeing. When meals are built around vegetables, balanced with protein, and eaten mindfully, the festive season can feel indulgent without tipping into excess. The goal is not perfection, but balance. Nourish the body, enjoy the moment, and let Christmas be both festive and kind to your health.

Cheese And Dementia Risk: One of the world’s most loved foods may offer an unexpected benefit for brain health. A long-term study has shown that regularly eating high-fat cheese is linked to a lower chance of developing dementia.

The findings come from research published December 17 in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Scientists in Sweden examined dietary information from roughly 27,600 participants in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study, who were followed for an average of 25 years, and discovered a surprising connection between cheese consumption and dementia risk.

Cheese And Dementia Risk: Eating Cheese Linked To Lower Dementia Risk

High-fat cheeses and cream may help reduce the risk of dementia, according to a new study. Published in Neurology, the research found that individuals who included two servings of high-fat cheese in their daily diet were less likely to develop dementia. Participants who ate 50 grams or more of high-fat cheese per day had a 13% lower risk compared to those who consumed less than 15 grams, the study reported. Similarly, people who included more high-fat cream in their diet had a 16% lower risk than those who had none, as per USA Today.

While the study shows an association between high-fat cheese and cream and reduced dementia risk, it does not prove that eating these foods directly prevents the condition. “This does not prove that cheese prevents dementia, but it does challenge the idea that all high-fat dairy is harmful for the brain,” said study co-author Emily Sonestedt, a nutrition researcher at Lund University in Sweden, where the Malmö Diet and Cancer study is based, in an interview with USA TODAY. “For most people, it means that enjoying cheese in reasonable amounts, as part of a balanced diet, does not appear harmful and may even have some benefit.”

Cheese And Dementia Risk: Which High-Fat Cheeses Were Linked To Lower Dementia Risk In The Study?

The Swedish research specifically linked daily intake of high-fat cheeses—Brie, Gouda, and Cheddar—to a lower risk of developing dementia. Participants who consumed at least 50 grams of these cheeses each day experienced a 13% drop in dementia risk compared to those who ate smaller amounts.

The study also noted reduced risks of Alzheimer’s disease in certain genetic groups, though the researchers caution this does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Rather, it challenges the assumption that all high-fat dairy negatively affects brain health. Experts highlight that including these cheeses in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, could be beneficial.

Importantly, how cheese fits into a person’s overall diet may influence dementia risk. Sonestedt pointed out that U.S. dietary habits differ from Sweden’s, where cheese is often eaten uncooked, while in the U.S., it’s frequently heated or paired with meat. “A person’s overall dietary context matters,” she said. “Cheese eaten on a hamburger or with processed meat is very different from cheese eaten with healthier foods. We are not suggesting people switch to high-fat cheese as a strategy.”

Cheese could still be a healthier alternative in some cases. “Choosing cheese instead of a hotdog may be a step in the right direction,” said Yeh, “but the broader body of evidence suggests there are even better options for supporting cognitive health.”

The findings arrive as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again commission pushes to reintroduce whole milk in schools, despite ongoing questions about the health impact of saturated fats in milk.

Energy drink is linked with stroke risk was found out when a fit 54-year-old man suffered stroke. Previously Health and Me also reported about the man, a non-smoker and non-drinker, who suffered stroke, thanks to his habit of consuming energy drinks. The doctors found his blood pressure to be sky rocketing. His left side of the body was weak, he lost balance, had trouble walking and speaking.

Another similar case comes from Canada, where a 10-year-old also suffered a seizure, consuming just two energy drinks in the week.

Experts are now weighing in if it is at all safe for anyone to consume energy drink.

Read: How Energy Drinks Nearly Killed a Healthy 54-Year-Old Runner

Energy Drink: Are They Safe To Consume?

As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), energy drinks are "pure and highly concentrated caffeine products can have serious health consequences, including death."

A BMJ study from 2025, Energy drinks, hypertension and stroke, found high morbidity and mortality rates associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease linked to high-sugar drink consumption.

Energy Drink: What Do experts Think Of Its Safety?

Speaking to wmur.com, Dr Raj Dasgupta, a board-certified physical who specializes in internal medicine, pulmonology critical care, and sleep medicine said, "Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it increases activity in your brain and nervous system."

Caffeine keeps us awake by blocking adenosine, the brain chemical responsible for making us feel drowsy. Energy drinks boost alertness and focus partly by increasing adrenaline levels, though how strong the effects feel and how long they last can vary based on the person and the amount of caffeine consumed.

What Makes Energy Drinks Different From Coffee?

The short answer is that it depends. The energy drink market is huge, and there is no one-size-fits-all comparison. That said, many energy drinks do contain more caffeine per serving than a regular cup of coffee.

An average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 95 to 100 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks, on the other hand, can range widely, often providing anywhere between 70 and 200 mg per serving. The actual impact depends on how much you drink and how your body responds to caffeine.

Where The Caffeine In The Energy Drink Comes From Matters

Not all caffeine is created equal. The source can influence the drink’s overall nutritional value.

Some natural sources, like green tea, come with added benefits such as antioxidants and trace minerals. Ingredients like guarana and yerba mate also contain natural compounds that may support mood and energy levels. In contrast, highly processed or artificial caffeine sources usually do not offer these extra benefits.

The Sugar Problem Of Energy Drinks

One of the biggest differences between coffee and energy drinks is sugar. Coffee can be customized, so you control how much sugar goes in. Many energy drinks, however, are loaded with added sugar.

For example, a single 16-ounce can of some popular energy drinks can contain over 60 grams of sugar, well above the recommended daily limit. Some brands use artificial sweeteners instead, which research has linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke over time.

How Safe Are Energy Drinks?

Health experts agree that moderation is key, regardless of your caffeine source. Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day.

Too much caffeine can cause shakiness, poor sleep, a racing heartbeat, headaches, or stomach issues. Over time, excessive intake can also lead to dependence, meaning you need more caffeine to feel the same effect.

Who Should Be Extra Careful Before Consuming Energy Drinks?

Certain people should be more cautious with energy drinks. Caffeine can worsen anxiety and interfere with sleep, especially for those already struggling with these issues. People with heart conditions may also need to limit or avoid caffeine since it can raise heart rate and blood pressure.

While labels may highlight antioxidants or added supplements, the high sugar, caffeine, and preservatives often cancel out these benefits. The same nutrients can be found more reliably in whole foods like fruits and vegetables.