Five houseplants to add to your home if you hate dusting – and one of them is just £9 from Wilko right now
Many houseplants can catch and hold onto airborne dust particles, which is great
news
for plant lovers and homeowners.
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2
Plants will need their leaves wiped to remove the dust they collect
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2
The plants help remove dust thanks to their ions which pull it in like magnets
Credit: Getty
The plants do this by pulling in the dust like magnets, from the air and onto their leaves.
So, which plants work best for this?
S
pider plant
If you're looking for a low maintenance plant that's easy to find and take care of, the spider plant is the best choice for you.
It's great choice for pet owners too, because it's not toxic and resilient to all kinds of conditions.
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The plant also thrives in indirect sunlight, but you will need to wipe the collected dust from the leaves to ensure it can photosynthesise.
Additionally, they absorb nitrogen dioxide which can help to keep the air circulating your home clean and fresh.
Snake plant
The snake plant is renowned for being succulent, which means it's super easy to look after.
It's a great choice for keeping air inside clean and fresh as it releases oxygen into the air whilst removing other toxins.
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Most read in Fabulous
Meanwhile, researchers at Harvard University found it to be one of the most oxygen-producing houseplants, helping you to breathe and sleep better.
Better yet, you can pick up this plant for just £9.99 from Wilko right now, making it budget-friendly too.
English Ivy
If you frequently dye your hair at home, then it's worth
investing
in an English Ivy plant.
I pinky promise you'll have happy houseplants if you avoid the 'gap of death' that's killing them – fixing it is easy
That's because it helps to reduce the levels of chemicals, but this plant is toxic for pets so should be avoided by pet owners.
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The plant is pretty easy to look after though, and needs water and sunlight every day.
Peace Lily
The peace lily is an ideal plant to be kept in the bedroom as it has a high transpiration rate meaning that when watered, it helps to bring moisture back into the room.
However, the bad news is it's toxic to pets and needs a bit more TLC, as it requires morning sunlight only, misting and damp soil.
Aloe Vera
When you think of aloe
vera
, chances are its skin-soothing
benefits
instantly spring to mind.
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However, it turns out it's also very effective in removing toxins from the air.
Aloe Vera plants are great for places like kitchens, so they can banish airborne chemicals found in detergents.
Five popular plants which can damage your home
HOME insurance experts at Norton Insurance Brokers have identified five popular plants, including wisteria, bamboo, and ivy, that, while visually appealing, are increasingly linked to costly structural issues, rising premiums, and rejected insurance claims.
Wisteria
- Hidden structural threats and denied claims for water damage
Bamboo
- Spreading roots linked to floorboard damage and legal disputes
English Ivy
- Aerial roots prying into mortar and impacting building integrity
Tall Trees
- Subsidence risk and invalidated policies due to proximity
Jasmine
- Damp and mould caused by overgrowth near vents and brickwork
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The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I lost seven stone WITHOUT Mounjaro – here's three very simple things I've done that have helped me slim down & tone up
A MOTHER has revealed that she lost seven stone without using Mounjaro. According to Lucy, instead of injecting herself with Advertisement 2 A savvy mum has shared the three healthy habits she followed which enabled her to lose seven stone Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 2 Instead of using Mounjaro, Lucy, who is from the UK, swears by eating right and exercising to tone up Credit: TikTok/@lucy52915 Posting on social media, the mum, who is from the UK, gave her followers a before and after look at her Rather than forking out the cash and travelling abroad for And not only does she look incredible, but people are struggling to believe she is the same person as the woman in her 'before' photos. The stunner, who has slimmed down and is now '7 stone lighter' attributes her Advertisement Read more on weight loss Lucy explained that she is breastfeeding, so isn't able to use Mounjaro. As a result, she took matters into her own hands She confirmed that she consumes 180g of protein every day, as well as 27g to 30g of fiber. When it comes to walking, the savvy mum stressed the importance of doing 10,000 steps every single day, which she has been doing since 1st September 2024. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous And when she's not walking, she's exercising in the gym. According to this content creator, who believes strongly in being consistent, if you want to feel your best and lose weight, lifting weights is key. I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement This mother confirmed that she goes to the After putting the effort in, less than a year since kicking off her health and fitness journey, Lucy has now reached her goal weight and doesn't want to lose any more. Advertisement The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss. But burning fat can be easy and mostly free. In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all... Don't skip breakfast Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. Eat regular meals Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. Eat plenty of fruit and veg Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. Get more active Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. Drink lots of water People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. Eat high fibre foods Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. Read food labels Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. Use a smaller plate Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. Don't ban foods Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. Don't stock junk food To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. Cut down on alcohol A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. Plan your meals Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list. Social media users gush Her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Social media users were gobsmacked by Lucy's Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done TikTok user One person said: 'You can tell this is natural too. No Another added: 'That is an amazing achievement. You should be so proud of yourself.' Advertisement How cutting out sugar can help you lose weight It might sound obvious, but cutting out sugar can help you lose weight - and this is why Reduced alorie intake : Sugar is calorie-dense but not nutrient-dense, meaning it provides a lot of calories without making you feel full. By cutting out sugar, you naturally reduce your overall caloric intake, which can create a calorie deficit and lead to weight loss. Lower Insulin Levels : Consuming sugar, especially in large amounts, causes spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that promotes fat storage. By reducing sugar intake, you can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, making it easier for your body to burn fat. Decreased Cravings : Sugar can be addictive and lead to cravings for more sugary foods. By cutting it out, you may find that your cravings for unhealthy, high-calorie foods decrease, making it easier to stick to a healthier diet. Improved Satiety : Foods high in sugar are often low in fiber and protein, which are essential for feeling full and satisfied. By replacing sugary foods with more nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you can increase your satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption. Better Nutrient Intake : When you cut out sugary foods, you often make room for more nutritious foods. This can improve your overall diet quality, providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally, which can support weight loss efforts. Reduced Fat Storage : High sugar intake, particularly from fructose, can lead to increased fat production in the liver, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Cutting out sugar helps to reduce this effect. Enhanced Metabolism : Reducing sugar can improve metabolic health, including better insulin sensitivity and lower risk of metabolic syndrome, which can facilitate weight loss. By cutting out sugar and replacing it with healthier options, you can create a more balanced and sustainable diet that supports weight loss and overall well-being. A third commented: 'Wow you look amazing!! Well done.' At the same time, one user gushed: 'Wow!! You look like a younger version of Jennifer Aniston now. Very well done.' Meanwhile, someone else gasped: 'If that's the same person fair play.' Advertisement To this, Lucy wrote back and confirmed: 'Yep it's me.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I shed 6st in 9 months on fat jabs – the rule you need to follow to not put weight back on & it works when eating out
A WOMAN who shed a whopping 6st in just nine months has shared the secret behind not pilling back all the pounds when eating out. Lucy Davies kickstarted her 3 he blonde beauty has also been documenting the process and her experience with Mounjaro on TikTok Credit: tiktok/@insightfullucy 3 She recently revealed her tip for not putting all the weight back on Credit: @insightfullucy 3 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The blonde beauty has also been documenting the process and Mounjaro is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Sun GP But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. read more on dieting "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. The injections are licensed for patients with Most read in Fabulous One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. Lucy's results were no doubt impressive - and despite looking incredible, she still enjoys the foods she loves, and it's all thanks to one key tip. Towie star Saffron Lempriere reveals how she lost 12 pounds in 4 weeks - without fat jabs The stunner, who posts under the username @ But while many of may stuff our faces - which is also needed from time to time - Lucy has maintained her enviable figure with ensuring she doesn't go overboard. ''I just make sure I stick to a calorie deficit,'' she told her 34k followers in Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. A calorie deficit is often touted as the key to weight loss - it's when you consume fewer calories than you burn in a day. Calories are the energy you get from food, fuelling everything from breathing to exercise. When you're in a calorie deficit, your body draws on stored energy (primarily fat) to make up the difference, which can lead to weight loss over time. To reach a calorie deficit, you need to either eat fewer calories, increase physical activity or do a combination of both. For example, if your calories are 2,000 per day, reducing to 1,500 calories or boosting physical activity by 500 calories would create a deficit. However, it's worth emphasising that creating a calorie deficit isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like age, how active you are, health conditions and metabolic rate - the speed at which your body burns calories at rest - can all affect your personal calorie needs. Thanks to being mindful, Lucy's managed to lose weight - whilst still consuming a variety of foods, including sweet potato fries which typically tend to be more fatty. However, that doesn't mean Lucy eats like this all the time - there have also been plenty of occasions when the foodie has opted for healthier, more veggie-heavy options to keep the calories lower. ''You can still enjoy eating out on Mounjaro,'' Lucy wrote in the caption. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. The reality of Mounjaro Although many have boasted about A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Can't get fat jabs on the NHS? The 6 ‘Nozempic' foods that mimic the effects of weight-loss injections
WEIGHT loss drugs can sound like a magical quick fix to overeating and constant hunger pangs. But not everyone is eligible for the drugs, and lots wouldn't opt for them even if they were. Lots of us are still looking to blast some belly fat though, so what if we said you could mimic the meds, with none of the unpleasant side effects? The good news is there are simple ways to mimic fat jabs. 7 With a few diet changes, you can mimic the effects of weight-loss injections without the nasty side effects Credit: Getty Yep, with just a few diet changes, you could swerve the First developed to treat They work by mimicking naturally occurring incretins - hormones, like GLP-1 - that tell your brain you're full up. 'They reduce your minute-to-minute hunger drive,' says Dr Curtis. 'They also slow stomach emptying, so make you fuller for longer and can stabilise blood sugars.' But certain foods can put the brakes on hunger like this too… THE 'NOZEMPIC' DIET 'EVERYBODY creates GLP-1 after they eat, along with a whole swathe of other hormones that tell us we're full and don't necessarily need to carry on eating,' says Emily Lenoir, a registered associate nutritionist and behaviour change coach at Voy. 'There are a few foods that might increase the feeling of fullness, and that often is in relation to a slight peak in GLP-1.' So, pop these in your basket when you next do a big shop… 1. MEAT FEAST 7 Protein takes longer digest and seems to increase GLP-1 levels which will help support that feeling of fullness for longer Credit: Getty CHICKEN, turkey, salmon, eggs… 'Protein takes a little bit longer to digest; it stays in our stomach for longer,' says Lenoir. 'There also seems to be a slight increase in GLP-1 after eating protein.' She adds: 'If a quarter of your meals is coming from protein, which is often what we recommend, then you're likely to have that meal stay in your stomach for a bit longer, and help support that feeling of fullness.' Research from 2020 found that egg whites are particularly handy for GLP-1 release, so get boiling. 2. THE F-WORD 7 Eating fibres in your meal will help slow digestion and make sure you feel fuller Credit: Getty 'That comes from a variety of fruits and vegetables,' says Lenoir. 'If you're getting a whole range of fibres - fermentable fibres (loved by good gut bacteria), and soluble fibres (which slow digestion) - in your meal, that will help slow digestion and make sure you're feeling fuller." Insoluble fibre includes wholegrains like brown rice and wholegrain cereals, as well as leafy greens, nuts and seeds. Soluble fibre, the best type for keeping you full, includes oats, lentils, beans, apples, pears and root vegetables. It turns into a gel-like substance in the gut. Like fat jabs - but by different mechanism - this slows the rate at which food exits, keeping you fuller for longer. Berries are incredibly fibre-rich, as are apples, broccoli, peas, beans and Brussels sprouts. Some studies have found you can reduce glucose spikes, often caused by carbs, by eating your veg first, but Lenoir says not to worry about that too much. 'If you're eating carbohydrates alongside lots of different foods, you're likely to manage that quite well anyway,' she says. And eating things separately isn't always realistic. 'If you're making Bolognese, you're not going to split that up into your veggies, beef and then pasta,' says Lenoir. 3. OATS SO SIMPLE 7 Overnight oats and homemade granola ticks all the boxes to help you feel fuller Credit: Getty GO big on homemade granola and porridge for breakfast to curb hunger pangs through the day - oats are a soluble A 2024 study in the Journal of Nutrition, led by University of Arizona, showed that beta-glucan, found in insoluble fibres like oats, barley and mushrooms, was the only type of fibre that helped mice lose weight by facilitating the release of GLP-1. Lenoir says: 'Oats are high in fibre and have some proteins. 'They tick all the boxes in that respect and definitely help people feel fuller. 'It's important to also pair your meals so you're having a bit of everything. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR WEIGHT LOSS JABS ON THE NHS? NHS eligibility for weight loss injections has expanded but still lags behind the number who could potentially benefit from taking them. Wegovy, medical name semaglutide, is only available for weight loss through specialist weight management clinics. Patients are typically expected to have tried other weight loss methods before getting a prescription. They may be eligible if their body mass index (BMI) is higher than 30, or higher than 27 if they have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. Mounjaro, known as tirzepatide, is also available from GP practices but currently only to patients with a BMI of 40 or higher (or 37.5 if from a minority ethnic background) plus four weight-related health conditions. The medicines are currently being rationed to the patients most in need. NHS watchdog NICE estimates that more than three million Brits will ultimately be eligible. The GLP-1 injections are prescribed separately by GPs for people with type 2 diabetes, and patients should discuss this with their doctor. 'Oats are the majority carbohydrates, so you want to pair that with some yogurt, berries, nuts and seeds on top, to give you that full variety. 'That can help you feel satisfied for a prolonged period, and stop that big peak and trough that can come from a higher carb meal.' 4. GO NUTS 7 Having a handful of almonds or pistachios as a snack might increase your GLP-1 levels too Credit: Getty NUTS can divide a room - some people feel saintly snacking on them, but others are wary of eating too many for fear of getting fat. However, a review from 2016 revealed almonds, pistachios, and peanuts might actually increase GLP-1 levels thanks to being packed with protein, fibre and healthy fats. Lenoir says: 'They're shown to overall be quite beneficial if you're adding a handful here and there, but obviously, if you were eating a huge amount, that might have an impact on your energy levels across a day.' Too many could also impact your waistline, so keep portion sizes under control. 5. HOLY GUACAMOLE 7 Avocados have a good level of fibre in them - and can also slash insulin levels while increasing GLP-1 Credit: Getty MILLENNIALS might get a lot of grief for how many avocados they eat, but it looks like they're onto something. A 2019 study by the Center for Nutrition Research at the Illinois Institute of Technology found the guacamole staple can slash insulin levels and increase GLP-1 levels, alongside peptide YY - another appetite-regulating hormone - when eaten in place of carbs. Avocados also 'have a really good level of fibre' in them, which helps with satiety, says Lenoir. She adds: 'But similarly [to nuts], it's got fats in it, and fats are higher in energy per gram than other macronutrients. 'It's important to consider your whole diet, and probably eating just avocado isn't going to fit the bill.' 6. PICKLED 7 Fermented foods are often dubbed 'superfoods' but could also curb your appetite Credit: Getty KEFIR, sauerkraut, yogurt, pickles and kimchi are all 'Fermented foods help improve the number of good gut microbiome species in your gut, and also sometimes act like fermentable fibres, which give us short chain fatty acids,' explains Lenoir. 'There's some evidence to suggest that that can increase the level of GLP-1. 'If you have a better variety of gut microbiome then you're likely to be able to manage hunger slightly better.' CAN'T GET NO SATISFACTION REMEMBER, what you're eating is only part of the story. 'There's two sides of hunger: You can feel physically hungry, but you can also feel unsatisfied because you simply aren't including foods you enjoy,' says Lenoir. This can actually lead to overeating, she warns: 'Psychologically, that can increase things like cravings.' So while not overly nourishing or hunger-busting, completely cutting out biscuits or chips could actually jeopardise your weight loss goals. 'I would never recommend people cut things out, it's always about finding that balance of how to stay satisfied for as long as possible, but also having foods you really enjoy,' says Lenoir. And whether you're on weight loss medication, or trying to shed pounds in the traditional way, also avoid eating too little. 'What we really want to maximise is your health gain as you're losing weight,' says Dr Curtis - that doesn't happen if your diet becomes too restricted. 'That's when we worry about undernutrition,' says Dr Curtis. 'I tell patients to make sure every calorie counts.'
