Cholesterol, natural remedies

Bergamot juice, the elixir of life with a citrus scent

Anti-aging and anti-inflammatory, counteracts obesity and visceral fat, helps reduce the waistline, helps lower cholesterol, anticancer, helps against colitis and fatty liver.

Fragrant and tasty, bergamot juice is a drink to be taken into consideration as part of a diet capable of preventing and treating diseases and disorders. This juice has been extensively studied by science that has demonstrated its anti-obesity, anti-cholesterol, anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, let's try to understand the action of bergamot juice and its benefits on our health. Bergamot juice against obesity and visceral fat - Bergamot juice is able to reduce the amou...

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 ...

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...

Jasmine tea, the tea with a heavenly aroma

Antioxidants, protective action on the brain, counteracts weight gain, overweight and obesity, strengthens the microbiota and the immune system, deep calming and relaxing action both on the muscles and the nervous system, reduces cardiovascular risk, protects the respiratory tract and calms the cough.

Jasmine tea is a green tea enriched with jasmine flowers that give it a particularly charming aroma. But it's not just a question of scent. In fact, jasmine flowers work in synergy with the other active ingredients of green tea to offer a drink with truly unique health properties, let's find out! Jasmine tea and its calming action - Jasmine is characterized by a calming action, relaxes the nervous system and muscles and calms anxiety and nervousness (Lis Balchin et al, Phytother Res, 2002). J...

Watermelon, the fruit of the gods that tastes like summer

Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, protects the heart, retina and skin, improves the elasticity of the arteries, helps lower blood pressure and keep cholesterol under control, counteracts weight gain and the accumulation of visceral fat, reduces muscle pain following physical activity.

Ancient papyri and depictions in some tombs of ancient Egypt clearly show this. Watermelons were deposited in Egyptian tombs as a kit for the deceased so that they were a source of sustenance for him or her in the afterlife. And that's not all, the Egyptians attributed a divine origin to watermelon, believing that it was created by the god Seth, the god of the desert and storm, but also the god who, every day, got on the solar boat together with Ra to fight and defeat Apopi, the monster who want...

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...

Pineapple, the most loved tropical fruit

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, counteracts obesity, cellulite and water retention, protects the heart, prevents thrombus formation and lowers cholesterol, strengthens the immune system from bacterial and viral infections, useful in case of arthrosis.

Pineapple is one of the most loved tropical fruits. The sweet scent and juicy texture make it the favorite ingredient for fruit salads, desserts but also juices. However, the luck of pineapple is not only due to its unique taste. In fact, this fruit is characterized by important health properties. Pineapple, properties - Pineapple is a valuable source of fiber, vitamins, including vitamin A, C, group B, mineral salts, such as copper, calcium, potassium and even manganese, which is an essentia...

Apricots, the fruit loved by Alexander the Great

Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, protect the skin, eyesight and liver, are neuroprotective, help control cholesterol, provide energy, water and fiber, reduce inflammation levels, are anticancer and support the immune system.

Apricots are the fruit of the apricot, scientific name Prunus armeniaca, a plant native to Armenia. Legend has it that, originally, the apricot tree was just an ornamental plant capable of giving wonderful white flowers but not fruit. One day, the enemies invaded the land where apricots also rose and gave the order to cut down all the trees that gave no fruit in order to obtain wood. This would also have been the fate of the apricot tree if it were not for a girl who cried all night near it. The...

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...

Hibiscus, the anti-aging drink

Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory substances, hypotensive action, useful to keep cholesterol under control and to counteract overweight, obesity and abdominal fat, for external applications it soothes irritated and burned and sunburned skin.

When they arrive in Hawaii, tourists are greeted with garlands of hibiscus flowers, the symbol of Hawaii but also as a sign of good luck. In fact, the hibiscus is considered the flower of opportunities. But hibiscus does not only bring good luck, as emerges from numerous scientific researches, in fact, hibiscus flowers, used to prepare tasty and thirst-quenching herbal teas, are a precious source of beneficial substances for health. Hibiscus, properties - Hibiscus, scientific name hibiscus ...

Apple juice

Antioxidants, minerals and properties of apple juice. Is it better to consume it cloudy or filtered? Can it replace a glass of water to rehydrate the body? And what effects does it have on the brain and memory? Let's try to answer these questions.

It tastes like picnics enjoyed in the meadows, laughter and joy, we are talking about apple juice, one of the most popular drinks by children but also by adults. It may be because it is fragrant and delicious, it may be that it is easy to make or to find in stores, but apple juice is never lacking in a house. And what about its properties? Is it as healthy as an apple eaten whole? Let's find out more. Apple juice, properties and differences compared to the whole fruit - Apple juice has prop...

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...

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...

Noni, the juice with a thousand properties

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor, protects and strengthens the immune system from the attack of viruses and bacteria, increases energy and resistance, helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, analgesic, helps to soothe and in many cases to resolve joint pain and stiff neck.

Legend has it that the peoples of Polynesia overcame periods of famine thanks to a plant with extraordinary fruits, noni, or morinda citrifolia. We do not know if this is true also because, it must be said, the taste of mature noni is not very pleasant and can suggest a certain degree of rancidity, but certainly the peoples of Polynesia well knew that their health would take advantage. And the fame of noni, over the centuries, has endured reaching the present day. In fact, today it is easy to fi...

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 ...

Pumpkin seed oil, properties and uses in cooking

Antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids and anti-inflammatory substances, useful for reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, in menopause it helps to reduce hot flashes and headaches, protects the liver and blood vessels, relieves the symptoms of urinary disorders and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

From the cold pressing of pumpkin seeds a thick and dark oil is produced, the pumpkin seed oil. We have already seen the beauty properties of this precious vegetable oil that, when applied with massages on the scalp, can help counteract hair loss. Today, however, we are talking about the properties of pumpkin seed oil for food use. Yes, because this exceptional oil can also be used raw as a condiment. But let's see its nutritional characteristics and what it can do for our health. Pumpkin seed...

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 ...

Barley, a small cereal grain with great benefits

Antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes and anti-obesity action, protects the heart and the microbiota, strengthens the immune system, thanks to the fibers contained in it brings a sense of satiety.

Barley is a cereal grain, scientific name Hordeum vulgare, widespread and appreciated all over the world. Barley can be found in different forms, such as flakes, grains, powder to prepare tasty drinks, but also flour that can be added to bread and pasta. Let's see what science says about the properties of the cereal and also some ideas to eat it in an enjoyable way! Barley, properties - Barley contains mineral salts, such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, zinc and selenium, vitamins...

Almonds, a sweet healthy snack

Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, protect digestion, counteract stomach swelling, nausea and acidity, improve rest and sleep, support the immune system, promote intestinal and microbiota health, reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and waistline, satiate and bring energy.

Almonds are the edible seeds of the almond tree, scientific name Prunus amygdalus var dulcis, native to Central Asia but nowadays widespread all over the world. With their delicate flavor, almonds are appreciated by everyone, adults and children, they can be eaten as a healthy and energetic snack, added to yogurt and sauces. So let's try to understand the properties of almonds and see some ideas to eat them in a yummy way. Almonds, properties and daily dose - Almonds contain fats, mainly unsat...

Walnuts, little elixirs of long life

Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, counteract inflammation and cognitive impairment, improve mood.

Walnuts are the fruit of the Juglans regia tree. Practical to always have with you, tasty and full of energy, walnuts are the perfect snack, they enrich the breakfast muesli and make preparations such as bread and cakes even more delicious. But walnuts are also a precious source of health properties for the well-being of the heart, brain and gut, let's see better. Walnuts, properties - Walnuts are an important source of omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are often lacking in Western diet b...

Extra virgin olive oil, properties

Antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, capable of protecting the heart and brain, extra virgin olive oil is a real medicine food.

Extra virgin olive oil is considered much more than a condiment and a real medicine food. Extra virgin olive oil is obtained by mechanical pressing of the olives without resorting to chemical treatments. For several years now, science has been interested in the properties of extra virgin olive oil and its health benefits. So let's see what extra virgin olive oil can do to improve our health, what are the differences compared to olive oil and what happens during cooking. Extra virgin olive oil,...

Food combinations and cooking methods, hazelnuts

Hazelnuts protect the heart, brain and the immune system, counteract chronic inflammation, support memory and brain activities, reduce cardiovascular risk. Let's see the best food combinations to maximize these properties.

Hazelnuts are loved by children and adults thanks to their sweet and slightly buttery taste that make them a truly irresistible mid-morning snack. But hazelnuts are also very healthy, in fact, they help to counteract chronic inflammation, which, in the long run, can weaken the immune system and cause obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Di Renzo et al, Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2019). Not only that, hazelnuts protect the heart, in fact, they are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, increase goo...

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 ...

Food combinations, avocado

Protects the heart and brain, improves memory and cognitive functions, helps reduce cholesterol and fights free radical damage.

With its buttery texture and fresh taste, avocado is a food that is increasingly making its appearance on our tables. Excellent added to salads, delicious as a base for sauces or smoothies, avocado is also a healthy food. In fact, avocado protects the heart by increasing HDL cholesterol, or good cholesterol (Mahmassani et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2018). Not only that, avocado is a source of fiber, increases the sense of satiety, is a precious source of vitamins, such as A, C, group B, K and E, minera...