Blood sugar, natural remedies

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...

Pecan nuts

Vitamins, mineral salts and precious monounsaturated fatty acids, protect the cardiovascular system, reduce cholesterol and triglycerides and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, powerful antioxidant action, contrast arteriosclerosis, very energetic.

Pecan, scientific name Carya illinoinensis of the Juglandaceae family, is a tree native to Mexico and America whose fruits are drupes containing an edible seed. It is precisely this seed that is called Pecan nut and that, nowadays, can be bought in all shops and supermarkets. Pecan nuts, widely used in cooking to prepare tasty desserts but also as a snack, alone or in a mixture with other dry fruits, are characterized by interesting healthy properties. Pecan nuts, properties - First of all, pe...

Potassium

Supports the heart and muscles, reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, its deficiency causes fatigue, cramps, arrhythmias and constipation.

Potassium, symbol K, is a mineral element present in our body where it plays a very important role. Potassium, functions - Potassium is present in intracellular fluids, helping to maintain cell function and determining the amount of water within the cell itself. But potassium also affects the activity of the muscles and, therefore, also that of the heart by carrying out a protective action on the cardiovascular system and reducing the risk of heart attack and heart disease. Moreover, a high in...

Muesli

Vitamins and mineral salts, energy, fiber, action against cholesterol, diabetes and overweight, a source of antioxidants, omega 3 and phytoestrogens.

Muesli is a mix of cereal flakes, such as oat, spelt, amaranth or barley, dry fruit, especially raisins but also apples, dried berries and bananas, and seeds, including pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds and hazelnuts. Muesli is eaten for breakfast or as a snack added to yogurt or milk. Muesli, properties - Because of its composition, muesli is an energy food, rich in fiber but also vitamins and mineral salts. In addition to this, scientific studies indicate that the consumption of muesli...

Food combinations and cooking methods, the mushrooms

Vitamins and mineral salts, anti cancer properties, able to support the liver and the immune system, counteract high levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, useful in case of overweight, constipation and anemia, let’s see the best food combinations and the cooking methods that maximize the properties of mushrooms.

In June the mushrooms start growing in the woods. The mushrooms, even if they are vegetables, aren’t constituted by cellulose, such as salads or fruits, but by nitrogenous substances, carbohydrates, low fat and, in particular, proteins. And it is thanks to this characteristic that mushrooms have been nicknamed the plant based meat. But the mushrooms are also a precious source of mineral salts such as iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium that give anticancer and antioxidant properties. Mushrooms co...

Chokeberries

Vitamins and mineral salts, able to lower blood sugar levels, helpful to counteract cholesterol, against water retention and cellulite, able to protect the liver, the stomach and the heart, reduce the waist line.

Aronia, scientific name aronia melanocarpa, is a bush belonging to the Rosaceae family. Its fruits, called aronia berries or chokeberries, are berries that, for what concerns their appearance, remind the blueberries but the taste is a bit sourer. Aronia berries can be found in the form of dried berries or in the form of juices. Chokeberries, properties – As for the properties, aronia berries are a source of vitamin K, useful for the health of bones and the proper blood clotting, vitamin C, gro...

Common medlar, leaves

Remedy able to reduce blood sugar, useful in case of diabetes and prediabetes, powerful antioxidant and anti inflammatory action, neuroprotective effect against Alzheimer.

Common medlar, scientific name Mespilus germanica, is a tree of the Rosaceae family. Its fruits are the medlars, important source of vitamin A and characterized by anti inflammatory properties. In this post we’ll speak about the medlar leaves and their interesting applications in case of diabetes, prediabetes and as a weapon to counteract degenerative illnesses. Medlar leaves, properties – According to scientific studies (Shafiee et al, Medicines, Jan 2018), indeed, medlar leaves are able to l...

Longevity diet Part 3, the Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet is recognized by science as a combination of lifestyles and food choices that may play a role in maintaining the general health of the body by counteracting the risk of developing illnesses and by helping live longer and healthier.

Living long and living well, what is the secret of this winning combination? According to the most recent scientific researches, it seems that diet, intended as the set of food choices, plays a pivotal role in determining also our health. In previous posts we discussed about the longevity diet in Okinawa, the Japanese island where the people live long and healthy. Today we’ll see another cornerstone of healthy diet studied a lot by science, the Mediterranean diet. Mediterranean diet, what is a...

Stinging nettle, the herbal tea for health and beauty

Detox and anti inflammatory action, antibacterial and digestive properties, useful in case of gout, rheumatism, retention, kidney stones, acne, eczema, wounds, benign prostatic hypertrophy but also bleedings, hypoglycemic properties, source of vitamin C.

Stinging nettle, scientific name urtica dioica, is a plant belonging to the Urtica genus well known for its action that causes stinging and itching on the skin. The leaves, indeed, are covered by hair that, when breaks, releases a substance that causes the rash. However, it is in fact this substance that makes the nettle so healthy. Stinging nettle is indeed a valuable natural remedy, known and appreciated for centuries for both the wellbeing of the body and the beauty of skin and hair. Stingi...

Mung beans and their sprouts

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, protein content and low caloric intake, useful in case of overweight and obesity, help to reduce cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, in the form of sprouts powerful antimicrobial and antiviral action, proved useful also to counteract cold sores and Helicobacter pylori.

Mung bean, also called green gram or moong, scientific name Vigna radiata, is a plant of the Fabaceae or Leguminosae family. The fruits of this plant are pods that contain edible seeds characterized by a peel of an intense green color. These seeds can be found on the market both in the dried form, in this case they should be soaked in water and then cooked, or in the form of sprouts, the famous mung bean sprouts, that can also be self-produced at home. Mung beans are the most used seeds in the w...

Lemon, peel

Lemon peel contains more antioxidants and vitamin C than its pulp, useful in cases of sour stomach, gastric reflux, stones, high blood sugar, cholesterol and high triglycerides, hypertension and obesity.

The lemon, scientific name Citrus limoni, is a plant of the Rutaceae family, the same as tangerine, orange and bergamot. The term lemon also refers to the fruit of this plant, of a beautiful intense yellow color and characterized by a rounded shape. Lemon is known and appreciated for its juice, drunk as a purifying and refreshing drink, used to dress salads or to marinate fish, meat or even fruit. But science is also interested in another part of the lemon, less used except for giving flavor to ...