Cholesterol, natural remedies

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...

Porcini mushrooms

Vitamins, mineral salts and high amounts of protein, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, an aid against asthma, helpful to keep cholesterol levels under control.

Boletus edulis, the scientific term says little but it is certainly known to everyone with the name of porcini mushroom, as it is commonly called. The porcini mushroom is certainly among the tastiest mushrooms that can be found in specialized shops and at the greengrocer's. But the porcini mushroom also has some interesting health properties, let's see them! Porcini mushrooms, properties - The porcini mushroom stands out, compared to other edible mushrooms, for its high protein content. Not on...

Earl Grey, the bergamot tea that is good for health

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, protects the heart, helps lower bad cholesterol and regulates blood pressure, counteracts gastritis and intestinal inflammation, fights obesity.

Earl Grey tea is a black tea flavored with oil extracted from bergamot peel. It is named after Charles Grey, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who received as a gift a tea mixed with bergamot oil. Nowadays, Earl Grey is very popular all over the world with a lot of variations. In fact, sometimes black tea can be replaced with green, white, oolong and even rooibosh tea, the tea leaves can be mixed with bergamot extract, with its essential oil or with the dried citrus peel and other flavors ca...

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...

Soy yogurt, properties and production with and without yogurt maker

Antioxidants, able to counteract the damage of free radicals, protects heart health by increasing good cholesterol and decreasing the oxidation of bad cholesterol, without cholesterol and lactose.

Soy yogurt is, as the name suggests, a yogurt made from soy milk and the same bacteria used for fermenting cow yogurt, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. Flavors, sweeteners, fruits or chocolate chips can sometimes be added. Soy yogurt, properties - Soy yogurt is a tasty, plant based alternative to cow's yoghurt that, often, due to lifestyle choices or intolerances, cannot be eaten. This soy product does not contain cholesterol, 100 grams of yogurt brings approximately 3....

Replacing the egg in sweet and savory recipes

Eggs bring proteins, vitamins and mineral salts, however in some cases, there is the need to replace them. Let's see the possible alternatives to eggs for sweet and savory recipes.

Eggs are ingredients widely used in cooking, both alone or together with flour and sugar to prepare delicious cakes. In fact, in addition to being versatile, the eggs are also characterized by interesting healthy properties. However, sometimes, as we will see, there is the need to replace them in the recipes. So let's try to understand better. Eggs, properties and why you sometimes may prefer not to use them - Eggs are a source of proteins, distributed both in the egg whites and yolks. But egg...

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...

Wild garlic

Antioxidant, antimicrobial and immune support properties, deep detoxifying action, helps to keep pressure and cholesterol under control, antithrombotic.

Wild garlic, scientific name Allium ursinum, is a plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. The name, wild garlic, derives from the Latin word ursus, which means bear, based on the popular belief that bears, once they come out of hibernation, consume this plant to purify themselves of accumulated toxins and to regain their strength. Wild garlic is characterized by broad leaves that smell of garlic due to the presence of sulfur compounds. And it is precisely this aroma that makes wild garlic a rea...

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...

Mastika

Protective action on the stomach and gut, helpful in case of ulcer, inflammation of the gastric mucosa, poor digestion and sour stomach, contributes to lower cholesterol and protects the liver.

Mastika is a vegetable resin obtained from lentisk trees, scientific name Pistacia lentiscus (L.) var. chia. The latex that comes out from the trunks of these plants solidifies in contact with air becoming a hard resin with a drop shape that is often called the tears of Chios, from the name of the Greek island where the lentisks are cultivated from which the Mastika is extracted. Herodotus, the Greek historian lived in the 5th century BC, Galen and Dioscorides, two physicians of antiquity, spoke...

Garlic, supplements, properties and benefits

From garlic, different types of herbal remedies are obtained, such as powdered extract, aqueous or oily extract and aged garlic, each with different properties, such as strengthening the immune system, protecting the heart or fighting inflammation.

Garlic, scientific name allium sativum, is an essential ingredient for cooking, it is excellent rubbed on slices of toasted bread and really delicious minced and added to the preparations of sauces and fillings. But garlic is also a powerful source of important substances for health. In fact, it is useful in reducing cardiovascular risk and tumors, has an antioxidant and antimicrobial effect, helps detoxification processes and is protective for the liver (Bayan et al, AJP, 2013). These propertie...

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, ...