Blood sugar, natural remedies

Peppers, the colors of health

Green, red, yellow or orange? Let's discover the properties of peppers based on the color of the skin and pulp.

Cheerful and tasty, peppers are a very versatile ingredient in the kitchen. And at the greengrocer you can really find them in quite all the colors of the rainbow. In fact, peppers, in their sweet variety, can be green, usually harvested before reaching full ripeness, yellow, orange and red. Often the choice falls on the classic red pepper, but, in fact, within a varied and balanced diet, a good idea would be to include them all. The point is that it is not just an aesthetic question, in fact, w...

Walking, almost a medicine for various ailments

Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, helps control body weight, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep apnea symptoms and relieves low back pain.

Walking is the simplest action there is and also the form of gymnastics that is most accessible to all. We have already had the opportunity to focus on the health properties of a walk, talking about the benefits on mood, heart, immune system and visceral fat. Today we focus on the fact that walking can really become a medicine against various diseases, such as diabetes but also hypertension, back pain and even sleep apnea. But let's go deeper, also evaluating how many steps per day are recommend...

Grapes, the fruit loved by Dionysus that rejuvenates body and mind

Improves mood and cognitive function, counteracts cellular degeneration, strengthens the immune system and protects the heart, supports circulation, protects teeth and reduces the risk of caries, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging.

For the ancients, grapes were the fruit of the gods, so much that they adorn, in many representations, the head of Dionysus, the god of wine. And, in a wonderful and fantastic work by Luciano di Samosata, a Greek author, there is an island beyond the Pillars of Hercules, sacred to Dionysus, where a river of wine flows. This river flows from a vineyard full of ripe bunches of grapes, from whose roots drops of wine jump into the river. In short, grapes have always ignited the imagination of poets ...

Blueberries, the blue that cures

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, protect the immune system, eyesight and brain, counteract visceral fat, help keep blood sugar and cardiovascular risk under control, protect the skin from damage from UV rays and pollution, which can worsen acne but also dry, dehydrated and wrinkled skin.

Blueberries are delicious, juicy, colorful and incredibly healthy fruits. In fact, these tasty berries are a source of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which give the characteristic blue color and which are concentrated mainly in the peel, but also of phenols and flavonols. These substances give blueberries precious anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties with benefits on the brain, skin, immune system and heart. But let's try to understand better. Blueberries and brain - Blueberrie...

Acerola cherry, a superfood rich in vitamin C

High content of vitamin C, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity action, counteracts weight gain, bad cholesterol and triglycerides, antidiabetic and capable of supporting the immune system against infections, especially of the respiratory tract, protects the skin from UV damage and stimulates collagen production.

Acerola cherry, scientific name Malpighia emarginata, also known as West Indian cherry, is a bush that grows in the warm climates of Central and South America and the Caribbean. Its fruits are cherry-like berries with extraordinary properties for health and the immune system. Here you can find acerola berry in the form of a supplement in pharmacies, herbalists and specialty stores. But let's try to understand the extraordinary properties of this red berry. Acerola cherry, nutrients - Acerola ...

Coriander, all the secrets of this precious spice

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive and carminative, counteracts obesity and metabolic syndrome, helps in case of abdominal pain and stomach pain, strengthens the immune system and the microbiota, neuroprotective and useful for heart health, protects the skin from premature aging.

Coriander, coriandrum sativum, is a herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family that includes also cumin, dill, fennel and parsley. Coriander has been known for millennia and traces of this plant have even been found in the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun. But what are the properties of this fragrant plant? Let's try to understand this on the basis of scientific research. Finally, we will also look at its uses in the kitchen. Be careful if you are controlling your blood sugar with drugs because cori...

Yogurt, the superfood with unthinkable properties

Vitamins, minerals, probiotics and proteins, supports the immune system, the microbiota, helps to keep body weight and visceral fat under control, protects the heart and fights type 2 diabetes, strengthens muscles and bones, makes the body more resistant to fatigue.

Delicious, creamy and fresh, yogurt is a food that everyone really likes. Produced from the fermentation of milk by bacterial cultures, yogurt is also versatile. In fact, it lends itself to being eaten alone, for breakfast or as a snack, to accompany desserts or to make delicious sauces, such as the Greek tzatziki sauce, of which you can find the recipe in the Healthy Food section. Today let's talk about the properties of yogurt! In this article we will limit ourselves to talking about yogurt ob...

Proso millet, the rediscovered cereal

Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and proteins, supports the health of the nervous system, counteracts water retention, protects the heart and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, is anticancer and strengthens bones, does not contain gluten.

Proso millet, scientific name Panicum miliaceum, is one of the oldest cereals but is often, wrongly, neglected. Several scientific studies have brought attention to this cereal, because, in fact, millet is a precious source of properties for health. Proso millet, nutrients - Millet is easy to digest, provides energy and protein in higher quantities than rice, wheat or oats. Not only that, millet is a source of easily assimilable amino acids, but also of vitamins, such as B vitamins, especia...

Cherries, the fruits of health sacred to Venus

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties, reduce blood pressure, help prevent gout attacks, improve sleep and mood.

The cherry tree is the sacred plant of Venus, the goddess of love. And we can also say without fear of making a mistake that bringing its red and juicy fruits, cherries, to the table is a gesture of love towards us and our loved ones. In fact, cherries are a precious source of properties for health, also helping to keep body weight under control, if included in a healthy and balanced diet. But let's understand better. Cherries, nutrients - Cherries are a valuable source of antioxidants, such ...

Walking, the simplest and most beneficial exercise there is

It helps maintain body weight, counteracts abdominal fat, lowers inflammation, stimulates the defenses, especially those of the airways, protects the heart and reduces the risk of cellular degeneration, brings a good mood.

Gymnastics, running, swimming, we have at our disposal a multitude of different types of physical activity, all equally beneficial. However, sometimes, we forget that there is also a very simple physical activity, beneficial for all and within everyone's reach, walking. Walking is a natural anti-aging and fat burner and protects heart, lung and brain health. Walking and visceral fat - Walking for more than 30 minutes at a brisk pace improves insulin resistance and counteracts both subcutaneou...

Lemon, the juice with many benefits for heart, skin and stomach health

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, useful in case of nausea, stomach pain, difficult digestion and heartburn, fights the formation of urinary tract stones, detoxifies, helps to keep blood sugar, cholesterol and pressure under control.

According to the myth, when Zeus and Hera got married, Gaea, the Earth, donated to the bride a lush garden called the garden of the Hesperides. This garden was located at the end of the then known world, in the West, where the Sun sets. Guarding the garden and its splendid plants were three nymphs, the Hesperides. In the garden, every flower, every bush and every grass was full of life, however, among all that wonderful vegetation, a tree stood out, the tree with golden fruits. And according to ...

Golden milk, the precious turmeric latte for health

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor, protects the intestinal microbiota and the liver, fights neurodegeneration, helps fight overweight, hypercholesterolemia and high blood sugar.

A cup of gold-colored milk, fragrant and rich in health properties, this is the result of the Ayurvedic tradition that has its roots over the centuries. Today we are talking about golden milk, a drink prepared with milk, animal or vegetable, turmeric and spices, useful to give a boost to the metabolism, to counteract inflammation, to support the mind and immune system, but also to improve mood and to protect the liver. Yes, because golden milk, or turmeric latte, is not just tradition but can co...

Sage, properties and uses in the kitchen

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antiseptic, improves digestion, is carminative and antispasmodic, drives away anxieties and insomnia, improves mood, fights tumors and hyperglycemia, helps in menopause in case of hot flashes and excessive sweating, protects the brain, improves memory and combats cognitive impairment.

In the vegetable gardens, sage begins to appear, with its tender and fragrant leaves, it is a real joy for the palate! But it is not just a matter of taste, sage is also a precious source of health properties, already known for centuries. In fact, in one of its writings the Salerno medical school, the most famous medical school of the Middle Ages, said, what should a person who grows sage in his garden die of? Not to mention the vinegar of the four thieves ... in fact, a French legend wants that...

Mistletoe

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, acts as an immunostimulant and antitumor, regulates blood pressure, raising it if low and lowering it if too high, reduces blood sugar and LDL cholesterol, cardioprotective action.

At the solstices, the druids, dressed in white, cut with a golden sickle mistletoe branches that were then used to prepare precious infusions, capable of curing any ailment. This ancient wisdom, in which magic and knowledge were mixed until they get confused, has passed the centuries and has arrived to us. Even today, in fact, mistletoe is considered a precious natural remedy, against both hypertension and cellular degeneration. Of course, nowadays the mistletoe is harvested without golden sickl...

Moringa, the miracle tree

Antioxidant and anticancer, protects the heart, helps to keep blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol under control, supports the liver and kidneys, tones the mind, strengthens the immune system from the attack of viruses and bacteria, useful analgesic action against migraines, anti-inflammatory, counteracts asthma and overweight, also useful for the beauty of the skin.

Few things are certain in life, but one thing was sure. Anyone who went to see Fidel Castro, whether he or she was a head of state or a celebrity from the world of sport or show business, had to go through his garden. And above all that person had to listen to him describe in detail the beneficial properties of a particular plant, his favorite, of which he had a personal cultivation, the moringa, or miracle tree. Not only that, it is also said that Fidel Castro used to chew moringa leaves like c...

Kombucha, the emperor's tea

Antioxidant, counteracts free radicals and the development of tumors, helps to keep blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and overweight under control, detoxifies the liver, probable probiotic action and support for the immune system against infections of the respiratory tract.

It is said that Qin Chi Huangdi, the first emperor of unified China, was obsessed with becoming immortal. For this reason, it is said, he visited the island of Zhifu three times, where, according to tradition, the mountain of immortality stood. But his search for eternal life also led Quin Chi Huangdi to an alchemist who prepared for the emperor a special drink, dark in appearance and slightly sparkling, which the emperor loved right away, kombucha tea. Unfortunately, however, the search for ete...

Tarocco blood oranges

Able to protect and strengthen the immune system by counteracting colds and coughs, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and anti-cholesterol, protect the health of blood vessels and the brain from degeneration.

Among the different types of blood orange, the undisputed queen is certainly the tarocco blood orange, known and appreciated all over the world even though its origin is Italian, Sicilian in particular. Tarocco orange has a juicy and sweet pulp streaked with red. The red color is given by antioxidant substances, called anthocyanins, which are formed in the presence of particular climatic conditions, such as hot days and cold nights. Anthocyanins are present only in this type of oranges while the...

Chia seeds, small sources of health

Vitamins, minerals, proteins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, protect heart health, improve insulin sensitivity, satiate and help reduce waist circumference. They can also be used in place of eggs in sweet and savory recipes.

Small and dark, this is how chia seeds appear. Chia seeds have risen to the fore in recent years, becoming one of the healthiest foods on the market. But why so much interest in chia seeds? Let’s try to understand this on the basis of scientific research. We will also see some ideas for using chia seeds in the kitchen and making them become our precious allies in different preparations. Chia seeds, properties - Chia, scientific name salvia hispanica, is a plant of the Lamiaceae family typical ...

Black pepper, the king of spices

Digestive, improves the absorption of turmeric, vitamins and minerals, fights diabetes and high cholesterol, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, beneficial in cases of arthritis and asthma.

Today we talk about pepper, the king of spices! The black pepper that we find on supermarket shelves is the dried fruit of the pepper plant, scientific name Piper nigrum. This spice is widely used and appreciated to give taste and aroma to dishes but, as we will see, also to reinforce the beneficial action of other ingredients, such as turmeric. Let's try to understand better based on scientific research. Black pepper, properties - Black pepper has an antimicrobial action against a wide range ...

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 ...