Category: Nature

With a body that can weigh up to 200 tons, the blue whale consumes up to 7,900 pounds of krill per day. The specific diet of a 'giant' varies dramatically depending on the species, but answering the question of what does giant eat in a day requires looking at several of the world's most massive animals.

A 2019 study showed that spending just 20 minutes in a natural setting can lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. While 'Vitamin N' isn't a real substance, this powerful effect highlights the immense therapeutic value of our connection to the outdoors.

Nectar, the sugar-rich liquid produced by plants, is not a uniformly thin or thick substance but rather varies significantly in its viscosity. This inherent variability in nectar thickness is a crucial biological adaptation that directly influences which pollinators a plant attracts.

According to research published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, our early human ancestors did consume grasses around 3.5 million years ago, but modern human physiology has evolved beyond it. The central question for many today remains: Is it okay to chew on grass?

According to ancient folklore and herbal medicine traditions, the dandelion is the flower linked to bedwetting, a belief so prevalent that its French name, 'pissenlit', translates directly to 'wet the bed'. While the superstition states that picking or touching the flower is the cause, the truth lies in the plant's powerful diuretic properties when consumed.

Globally, thousands of plant species contain compounds that are toxic, and some of the most common ones can be fatal even in small doses. This is precisely why you should never test unknown plants by tasting them to see if they are edible, regardless of how harmless they may appear.

Maple sap, often referred to as maple water, is a traditional beverage enjoyed for centuries and comprises 95% water with trace minerals. Many people wonder if it is safe to consume directly from the tree, and the answer involves understanding the distinction between raw sap and its pasteurized form.

According to the American Psychological Association, spending just two hours per week in nature can significantly improve both mental and physical health. This concept of nature's healing power has been playfully dubbed "vitamin N," and its benefits extend far beyond a simple stroll through the park.

According to a study by the French poison control center, over 10% of plant-related poisonings between 2012 and 2018 were due to confusing horse chestnuts with edible sweet chestnuts. This highlights the critical importance of knowing the difference between chestnuts and horse chestnuts, as one is a delicious fall treat while the other is toxic and can cause severe illness.

Reports from poison control centers indicate that wild berry ingestion incidents, especially among children, occur frequently, underscoring the critical need for caution. For anyone venturing outdoors, the question of whether wild berries are okay to eat is a matter of both curiosity and safety.