Blood sugar, natural remedies

Bixa orellana

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, hypotensive and hypoglycemic, it can also be used externally to protect the skin from free radical damage and keep it elastic, useful against photoaging and stretch marks.

Bixa orellana, or achiote, is a shrubby plant of the Bixaceae family and is native to South America although nowadays its seeds can be found and purchased almost everywhere. From its seeds, in fact, a red orange dye is obtained, called annatto, widely used in cosmetics, such as lipsticks, or in food. The dye appears on the label with the initials E160b. But ground seeds are also an interesting, and healthy, culinary ingredient, especially when mixed with other spices. So let's try to understand ...

Cinnamon, the spice of health

Antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant, useful in the case of irritable bowel, helps keep body weight, cholesterol and blood sugar under control, protects the heart and brain.

There are aromas that make you feel immediately at home, wherever you are, and that calm you and bring serenity. I think that the scent of cinnamon is one of them. Just close your eyes and smell the spice in order to bring to mind images of warmth and family. A pinch of cinnamon makes the aroma of any dessert enveloping and fascinating! But cinnamon not only gives to dishes aroma and taste, it is also a powerful source of health. Let's try to understand better. Cinnamon, properties - From the ...

Rosemary

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral, protects the brain and heart, helps control blood sugar and body weight, improves mood and fights stress, increases concentration, when added to bread, potatoes or meat helps fight the toxicity of those carcinogenic substances that develop at high temperatures, help in case of acne.

Rosemary, scientific name rosmarinus officinalis, is an aromatic plant of the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean basin but nowadays widespread almost everywhere in the world. Rosemary is proudly displayed in gardens, vegetable gardens and balconies and, when rubbed between the fingers, its needles release a stimulating and fascinating aroma. But rosemary is also a great natural remedy, let's see what science says! Rosemary, properties - Rosemary contains active ingredients that give...

Beer, more than a drink, almost a food but to be taken with care

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetes action, protects the heart and the brain, fights obesity but has to be taken in moderation.

Beer is a low alcoholic drink obtained from the fermentation of cereals and flavored with hops. Beer is a drink of ancient origin, so much that it was known and appreciated already at the time of the ancient Egyptians, who used it to wean babies and even as a coin. In fact, the workers who had built the pyramid of Cheops were paid in part with… beer! Even nowadays, beer is probably one of the most popular beverages in the world and there are different variants of it, lighter, darker, more alcoho...

Oregano, properties and uses in the kitchen

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial, protects the stomach and intestines, counteracts the oxidation of cholesterol, fights free radical damage and aging processes, hypoglycemic action, supports the immune system and fights fungi, such as candida of the oral cavity, and infections.

Oregano, scientific name Origanum vulgare, is an aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, highly appreciated for cooking as a scented spice. A pinch of oregano perfumes and enriches different types of culinary preparations, such as sauces, bruschetta, pizzas or salads. But oregano not only gives to the dishes its aroma but also important properties for health. Today, therefore, we see the properties and uses of oregano in the kitchen. Oregano, properties - Oregano provides mineral sal...

Basil, the seedling of health

Antispasmodic and carminative, counteracts digestive problems and swollen abdomen, strengthens memory, anticancer, insect repellent, antiviral, helps to keep blood sugar and fat under control.

Basil, Ocinum Basilicum, is an aromatic plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family that includes also lavender, oregano and mint. Basil is easily grown in pots and makes a fine show in gardens, vegetable gardens and balconies. The scent of basil calms and drives away insects but also its leaves, if added to dishes, are really interesting thanks to their properties for health. So let's try to understand the properties of basil and how to use it in the kitchen. Basil, properties - Basil provides...

Okra, the vegetable with healthy properties you don't expect

Antioxidant, anti-diabetes, counteracts the accumulation of fat in the blood, is anticancer and fights depression, soothes irritations of stomach and intestines, modulates the action of the immune system, anti-inflammatory.

Okra or okro, scientific name Abelmoschus esculentus, is a typical plant of warm countries such as Tunisia, Egypt or Ethiopia but it is also grown in Italy, America and Asia. The fruits of okra, similar to green peppers, are used in the kitchen as vegetables. And what a vegetable! In fact, okra is a very healthy food to which science has dedicated several studies published in international journals. So let's try to understand the properties of okra and its uses in the kitchen. Okra, properties...

Nutritional yeast

Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, provides vitamin B12 often lacking in a vegetarian diet.

Nutritional yeast is a type of inactive yeast obtained from the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, which is the same used to prepare bread and beer, but in this case the yeast is active and alive. Nutritional yeast is used as a food and can be easily found in the supermarket in the form of flakes, granules or powder. Nutritional yeast not only gives taste to recipes, it also brings important nutrients. Let's try to understand better on the basis of scientific studies. Nutritional yeast, propertie...

Watermelon seeds

Mineral salts, proteins and precious antioxidants, help regulate blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure, support for the immune system.

We will soon be able to see watermelon, the fruit with a sweet and juicy flesh, on the greengrocer's shelves. However, today we are not talking about the properties of watermelon pulp, but about those of its seeds! Oh yes, watermelon seeds, those small black seeds contained in the red pulp and that often are left aside, not only can be eaten but are also characterized by interesting healthy properties, too. Let's see better! Watermelon seeds, properties - Watermelon seeds are rich in oils, uns...

Strawberries, the fruits of health

Vitamins, mineral salts and powerful antioxidants that counteract aging processes, protect the heart and brain, help to control body weight, blood sugar and cholesterol.

Strawberries are the fruits of the plants of the genus Fragaria, family of the Rosceae. Actually, it is a false fruit as the real fruit is given by the seeds that can be seen on the surface of the strawberry. Fragrant and juicy, the strawberry starts appearing on the shelves of the grocery stores since March and can be found until June, for the joy of adults and children. So let's see the properties of strawberries! Strawberries, properties - Strawberries provide vitamins C, E and group B, but...

Soy

Digestible proteins, important intake of vitamins and mineral salts, such as iron and calcium, antioxidant substances with anti-tumor action, able to protect heart health.

Soy, scientific name glycine max, is a plant of the Leguminosae family like beans, peas or lentils. The fruit of the plant are pods that have inside the seeds, the soy beans that we commonly find on supermarket shelves either in dried form or, after a manufacturing process, in form of milk, tofu, yogurt, tempeh or miso. Soy has been studied in recent years to verify its health properties, let's try to understand better what science says about it. Soybean, nutritional properties - What emerges ...

Matcha green tea

Vitamins and mineral salts, antioxidant, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, strengthens attention and memory without causing agitation, relaxing and anti-stress, anti-tumor effect.

Matcha is a type of Japanese green tea that is made, like the other varieties of green tea, from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. This tea is considered very valuable and is generally used in tea ceremonies. However, nowadays, the use of matcha is expanding becoming not only a ceremonial drink but also a real super drink. And science has also started to take an interest in matcha, by dedicating numerous studies to this green tea. Let's try to understand the properties of matcha, why it is consid...

Pear

Vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and diuretic action, useful against stones, protects the heart by lowering blood pressure and the risk of type 2 diabetes, helps control weight and reduces the waistline.

The pear is the fruit of the Pyrus trees of the Rosaceae family, one of the oldest plants cultivated by humans. The pear is delicious and versatile, it can be taken both as fresh fruit and in the form of candied fruit, jams or juices. But the strength of the pear is that it is also a powerful source of health! Let's see its properties, proven by scientific studies. Pear, properties - The pear is rich in fiber, therefore useful for the proper functioning of the intestine. But a healthy intestin...

Healthy in the kitchen, alternatives to white sugar Part 1, stevia, coconut sugar and agave syrup

Let's see the possible alternatives to white sugar analyzing for each properties, benefits and disadvantages.

White sugar is probably one of the most used and also most dangerous ingredients in Western diet. In addition to the sugar that we often add to sweeten desserts and coffee, during the day we consume sugar even without knowing it, for example in ready meals. The problem is that white sugar is associated with various health problems, from obesity, diabetes to even tumors (Shapiro et al, Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol., 2008 - Yang et al, JAMA Intern Med., 2014). What can we do? Definitely ...

Dried apricots

Antioxidants, vitamins and mineral salts up to 5 times more than in fresh fruit, rich in energy, able to regenerate the liver, helpful to keep blood sugar under control.

Apricots are the fruit of the plant Prunus armeniaca and are the classic fruit of early summer. However, in the dried form, they can also be eaten all year long. So let's see the properties and characteristics of dried apricots. Dried apricots, properties and use - Dried apricots are a precious source of energy, and this makes them an excellent food for breakfast or for mid-morning or afternoon snacks for athletes or for those who have a very active life. Dried apricots can be eaten whole or c...

Red onion

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, protects the liver and the heart, stimulates the immune system.

Red onion is a type of onion, Allium cepa of the Liliaceae family, with a red-purple skin and a white flesh tinged with red. Red onion, properties - The red onion is rich in antioxidant substances such as thiosulfinates, which give it the classic pungent odor, quercetin, kaempferol but also anthocyanins that are powerful substances that give to the bulb a purple color. These beneficial substances make red onion a food able to fight free radicals and infections, to stimulate the immune system, ...

Breakfast, the most important meal of the day

Skipping breakfast is not a healthy habit since it is linked to an increase in stress, obesity, impaired blood sugar levels and nervous hunger, but it is equally important to make a healthy and high quality breakfast. We try to understand, based on scientific studies, which are the best foods to serve for breakfast.

There are those who wake up early to make a nice and rich breakfast, there are those who give themselves only the time for a brioche while getting down the stairs and there are those who just drink a quick coffee. There are those who prefer a sweet breakfast and those who prefer it savory. When it comes to breakfast, habits are really different! But what does science say about healthy choices for a good breakfast? Let's try to understand. Breakfast, the most important meal of the day - Breakfa...

Pasta, joy for the palate and source of health and energy for the body

Wholegrain or refined pasta? Wheat or spelt pasta? And why is it better to cook pasta al dente? Let's try to answer to these questions about a food loved and appreciated all over the world and able to bring energy and, with a few tips, to keep cholesterol and blood sugar under control.

How many of us do feel relieved over a nice plate of spaghetti seasoned with tomato sauce? Pasta is nowadays known and appreciated all over the world, in ten years indeed its consumption has doubled reaching the incredible figure of 15 million tons per year. The strength of pasta is that, in addition to being tasty and lending itself to recipes with practically endless combinations, it can also be an important source of health. So let's try to understand the properties of pasta and some pieces o...

Poria mushroom

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer, strengthens the immune system, useful for lowering blood sugar and therefore helpful in case of type 2 diabetes, protective for brain health, diuretic action.

The poria mushroom, scientific name Wolfiporia extensa, belongs to the Polyporaceae family and is also known as Poria cocos. This edible mushroom has been known and used by traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years and, as often happens, in recent years science has also been interested in its properties, trying to verify and understand them. Poria mushroom, properties - Nowadays we know that, thanks to the presence of polysaccharides, triterpenoids and fatty acids, the poria fungus...

Eucalyptus, mother tincture

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and balsamic action on the airways, useful in cases of cough, phlegm, asthma, sinusitis and sore throat, it also acts by reducing blood sugar.

Eucalyptus, scientific name Eucalyptus globulus, is an evergreen medicinal plant of the Myrtaceae family. Eucalyptus is widely used in herbal medicine in the form of infusion, decoction, essential oil or mother tincture. Today, we will talk about the mother tincture obtained from eucalyptus leaves. Eucalyptus mother tincture, properties - This natural remedy has a balsamic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and mucus thinning effect and regulates mucus production mainly thanks to the action of ...

Peanut butter

Vitamins, mineral salts, antioxidants, proteins, good fats for the heart and fiber, gives a sense of satiety, helps to keep hunger under control and therefore body weight, useful in case of type 2 diabetes.

Peanut butter is a delicious, nutritious and satiating food, obtained by grinding peanuts until smooth. The result is a paste, perfect for spreading on slices of bread or for making cakes and sweets yummier. In the post of today we will talk about the properties of pure peanut butter, obtained only from peanuts. In fact, unfortunately, many products that are found on the market contain, instead, added sugars, oils and saturated fats that modify the nutritional profile of the butter that becomes ...

Chickpea flour

Vitamins, mineral salts, antioxidants, proteins and amino acids, helps to keep under control blood sugar and cholesterol, a rich source of energy.

The chickpea, scientific name Cicer arietinum of the Fabaceae family, is a plant cultivated and appreciated above all for its edible seeds, the chickpeas. Among the many uses of chickpeas, these can be dried and ground to obtain a flour that is very tasty, nutritious, energizing and with interesting healthy properties. Chickpea flour, properties - This flour is, in fact, considered an excellent source of proteins and amino acids such as lysine. It is this characteristic that makes chickpea flo...

Maple, herbal medicine

Gallstones, neuralgia caused by shingles, helpful in case of high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

The maple, scientific name acer campestre, is a tree of the Aceraceae family. From its buds a herbal remedy is obtained, the glycerine macerate of maple, with interesting healthy properties, let's see them! Maple glycerine macerate, properties - The glycerine macerate of maple is antiviral, anti-inflammatory and protects the cardiovascular system, the liver and the biliary tract. In fact, this remedy helps to reduce cholesterol levels, has a protective action on blood vessels by helping to cou...

Auricularia

Antioxidant, source of vitamins and mineral salts, it strengthens the immune system, helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar, promotes the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid by fighting wrinkles.

The auricularia auricula judae, also known as wood ear or jelly ear, is an edible mushroom characterized by a particular ear-like elongated shape. This fungus grows on tree trunks, especially elder, and has been used since ancient times in China as a food and herbal remedy (Balakrishnan et al, International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jan 2015). From the auricularia fungus a supplement is obtained with important medicinal properties, useful for the well-being of the organism...

Mu tea

Synergistic action of the herbs that make this mixture, useful in case of digestive problems, weak immune system, fatigue, diabetes.

Mu tea is not a particular type of tea but a mixture of herbs and roots able to tone the body, to stimulate the immune system and digestion, to protect the liver and the kidneys, to counteract water retention, fever, hemorrhoids and acne. This blend was formulated in the 50s by the Japanese Georges Ohsawa, considered the father of macrobiotics, and includes from 9 to 16 ingredients. Each ingredient of this special tea brings important healthy properties for different problems and all act in syne...

Mankai

Helpful in case of diabetes and impaired blood sugar, it provides all essential amino acids and conditional amino acids, iron, vitamin B2, antioxidants, fiber but, above all, proteins.

Mankai is an aquatic, high-protein plant belonging to the genus of water lentils, scientific name Wolffia globosa of the family Lemnaceae. Eaten for centuries in South East Asia as a vegetable alternative to meat, nowadays this plant is one of the novelties in the medical field since, as shown by recent scientific researches, it is able to control blood sugar levels after taking carbohydrates. Moreover, the intake of mankai has been proven to be able, in two weeks and in people with abdominal fa...

Fish oil pearls

Able to protect the heart, helpful in case of diabetes, depression, degenerative diseases, beneficial action on the skin, anti-inflammatory properties.

Fish oil is the oil that is obtained from fish such as tuna, cod, salmon, anchovies, herring and mackerel. It is sold in the form of pearls and, today, is one of the most popular supplements used for its beneficial properties. Let's see better in detail! Fish oil, properties - Fish oil contains long chain Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of the EPA type, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid. Scientific studies have shown that the intake of fish oil has a protective eff...

Agave syrup

We’ll see the properties and side effects of this well-known sweetener.

Agave syrup, also called agave nectar, is a sweetener obtained from various species of agave, common succulent plants often used as ornamental plants in gardens. Agave syrup has, unlike sugar, a high sweetening power and a low glycemic index, around 15. In order to better understand, you can consider that, for example, white sugar has a glycemic index of 65. For these characteristics it has been considered for some time the perfect substitute of sugar and honey for people suffering from diabetes...

Bay leaves

Digestive, carminative, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and able to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases thanks to the action in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol, against acne and folliculitis.

Bay tree, or bay laurel, scientific name laurus nobilis, is a plant belonging to the Lauraceae family. The leaves of this plant are often used in cooking to flavor meat dishes or soups, but the properties of the laurel do not end there. Indeed, bay leaf has important healthy properties, it helps keep at bay blood sugar and cholesterol levels, it has also an anti cancer action, it is healing in case of wounds and improves digestion. Bay leaf, diabetes, blood sugar and cholesterol - On the basis...

Curry leaves, health and beauty

Vitamins and mineral salts, powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, anticancer, protect the heart, fight high blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol, useful for the beauty of skin and hair by counteracting acne, wrinkles but also gray hair and hair loss.

Curry leaves … no, we are not speaking about the famous spice to season rice and sauces but about real leaves of a plant called curry, scientific name Murraya koenigii. The plant belongs to the Rutaceae family, the same as bergamot, oranges, lemons and rue, and is native to India where it is a very appreciated culinary ingredient but also the basis of various Ayurveda medicinal remedies. Nowadays you can buy curry leaves in well-stocked and online herbalists’s shops. But let's have a look at the...