Free radicals, natural remedies

Chilli, the spice that fights obesity and cellular degeneration and protects the brain

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, counteracts overweight and obesity, helps reduce triglycerides and insulin resistance, protects the brain and counteracts cognitive impairment, anticancer properties.

In one of his travel reports, Christopher Columbus talks about a spice widely used in Espaniola, today's Haiti, where he had landed a few days before. This spice, writes Christopher Columbus, was characterized by a much higher quality than pepper and was added in all culinary preparations, none excluded, as it was considered curative. This spice was chilli. So, the fact that chilli is not just a way to enrich dishes with taste was well known, centuries ago. Today on our side we also have the sci...

The secret of longevity, diet, exercise and training for the brain

Diet, lifestyle and brain exercises are the key to longevity. Let us try to make our own some long-life secrets taken directly from the great centenarians of our time.

Loma Linda in Mexico, Sardinia in Italy, Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica. All these places have something in common, namely the highest number of people over 90. Is it all thanks to particular lucky genes? Not exactly. What emerged from field studies is that lifestyle and diet have their say when it comes to longevity. And we are not talking about complex habits to integrate, but about small tricks that do not upset everyday life. So let's try to make our own some longev...

Green tea, a cup of health against viruses, cell degeneration and abdominal fat

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, contrasts obesity and visceral fat, supports the immune system against viruses, protects the brain, memory and learning, also useful for women's health.

An ancient legend tells that the emperor Sheng Nung, a figure of Chinese mythology, always used to boil water before drinking it. One day, tired from countless commitments, he fell asleep next to a plant of Camellia sinensis, the tea plant. The wind dropped a few tea leaves into the hot water that the emperor kept close to him. The leaves thus released their aroma and properties. Upon awakening, the emperor tasted this new drink and experienced all its benefits, green tea was born! Beyond the my...

Strawberries, the fruits that protect the heart and brain

A precious source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, they improve the function of the endothelium, help reduce bad LDL cholesterol and insulin resistance, protect brain function, counteract cell degeneration.

Fragrant, juicy and full of flavor, strawberries make their appearance on supermarket shelves to everyone's delight! According to the myth, strawberries were born from the tears of Venus, desperate for the fate of Adonis, the man she fell in love with and who had been pierced by the fangs of a wild boar, actually Mars transformed into this animal. The tears, as they fell to the ground, turned into fruit in the shape of a red heart. But, thanks to the knowledge we have today, we could also say th...

Japanese sakura tea, the cherry blossom tea that makes you dream

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, useful in counteracting the aging processes also affecting the skin.

There is an ancient Japanese legend that tells of a completely bare tree, a cherry tree, which stood in a wood. All around him the war of men raged and this saddened the tree very much, which was unable to cover itself with flowers and leaves. One day, a fairy decided to help the tree and transformed it into a man giving it 20 years to find happiness and be able to bloom. The tree man thus lived the years granted by the fairy knowing the feelings of human beings, including hatred, sadness and re...

Chestnut honey, properties and benefits of this superfood

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, useful for upper respiratory tract infections that cause sore throats and coughs, strengthens the immune system, counteracts the effects of obesity and obesity itself, neuroprotective action, counteracts gastritis and ulcers.

With an amber color and a bitter taste, chestnut honey is a real delicacy! In fact, it is perfect for sweetening morning yogurt in small quantities and thus giving a boost, but also as a snack, when we spread a thin layer of it on a slice of toast. However, chestnut honey is not only an exceptional product in terms of flavor, it is also a small concentrate of health. Obtained from chestnut flowers, this honey indeed has valuable properties for the health of the immune system, brain and stomach. ...

Sweet potatoes, properties, benefits and cooking methods

Complete food from the point of view of nutrients, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, cardioprotective and neuroprotective properties, help in case of gastric ulcer, protect the intestinal microbiota, promote a good functioning of the immune system.

A bright orange pulp and a buttery taste, what a delicacy these sweet potatoes! Today we are talking about a tuber that with the potatoes that are commonly eaten as a delicious side dish shares only the shape and color of the peel, the sweet potatoes, scientific name Ipomoea batatas. There are different types of sweet potato, here today we will talk about the orange-colored potato, the most common on supermarket shelves. So let's try to understand the properties of sweet potatoes on the basis of...

Dark chocolate, the food of the gods

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, improves neuroplasticity and neuronal survival, stimulates concentration and learning, helps to keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar under control, increases energy consumption at rest by keeping overweight and obesity at bay, improves mood.

According to ancient Aztec legend, it was the god Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, who gave humans the cocoa plant, stolen from other deities. It was the same god, then, who taught how to crush cocoa and obtain a special drink, useful for counteracting tiredness and sadness. The first hot chocolate was born. Over time the product has been improved and reworked and now, on the shelves of every supermarket, we can find delicious and fragrant chocolate bars, cocoa-based drinks and cocoa powder ...

Carrots, the superfood that protects eyesight, heart and lungs

Vitamins, mineral salts, fibers and antioxidants, protect lung health, counteract photo-aging of the skin, cardioprotective, reduce the accumulation of visceral fat.

When we think of superfoods, surely our mind will immediately go to exotic, rare and special foods. Actually, we have a very tasty superfood on hand, easy to find and abundant on supermarket shelves, the carrot! Today we are talking about the properties of carrots, trying to understand their benefits and the best ways to serve them. Carrots, colors and nutrients - Carrots are a valuable source of fiber, minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and potassium, and vitamins, such a...

Spirulina algae, a true superfood, says science

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties, counteracts the proliferation of viruses, reduces the accumulation of visceral fat, neuroprotective, cardioprotective and anticancer, helps reduce blood pressure, bad cholesterol and triglycerides, helps in case of allergies.

Spirulina algae is probably one of the best known supplements in the world. It is considered a true superfood, an elixir of life for the body and brain. But are these just beliefs or is there a scientific basis behind these claims? Let's try to find out by analyzing, as always, the most important scientific research published on the subject. Spirulina, what it is - Spirulina is a blue green alga whose fame has grown a lot in recent years after NASA chose it as a supplement for its astronauts ...

Glutathione, king of antioxidants and powerful ally against free radicals and viral infections

Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, stimulates the defenses, antiviral, inhibits viral proliferation, reduces the risk of neurodegeneration, cancer and diabetes.

The enemy number one of our health is represented by free radicals. Free radicals are those substances released by the body in particular conditions of stress, inflammation, exposure to UV rays, radiation, pollution, heavy metals or as a result of physiological processes such as cellular respiration. Free radicals, if in excess, can cause organ damage and cellular degeneration. Studies have shown that even the most serious consequences of the new coronavirus infection are due to an excess of fre...

Jam, from a voluptuary product to a genuine and healthy food

When chosen without or with a little sugar, the jam, especially if made from oranges and berries, provides valuable antioxidants, with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidiabetic and neuroprotective action. Not only that, the jam is a simple source of sugar for immediate use, excellent as a breakfast, or as a snack for athletes, students and for those who lead an active life..

The legend has it that Maria de Medici, who moved to France following her marriage to Henry IV, began to suffer from a lack of vitamins. Men of the court were immediately sent to Sicily to pick up citrus fruits, considered among the finest of the time. However, the road was long and the citrus fruits would not arrive intact. Thus, the men of the court had the idea of heating the citrus pulps by mixing them with sugar. On the boxes containing this fruit and sugar cream was written, Per Maria Amma...

Quercetin, the natural substance that protects the immune system and fights diabetes and obesity

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, counteracts the proliferation of viruses, especially viruses that affect the respiratory tract, increases energy needs and therefore counteracts obesity, reduces visceral fat and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, neuroprotective and anticancer action.

Quercetin is a substance belonging to the flavonoid family. Quercetin occurs naturally in some fruits, vegetables and grains or can be taken as a supplement. The fame of quercetin has grown a lot in recent times as this substance has been indicated as a possible ally against the new coronavirus given its antiviral action. Science immediately became interested in quercetin, bringing out its beneficial properties that, as we will see, are not limited to its action to support our immune system. So ...

Herbal teas for health, here are the infusions that fight obesity, swollen belly, memory loss, stress and a weak immune system

The best infusions that counteract overweight, swollen belly and poor digestion, support the health of the intestinal microbiota, strengthen our natural defenses against external attacks, reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, thus increasing cognitive function and memory, also able to stabilize the mood and bring calm and relaxation.

A steaming cup, a scent that goes up to the nostrils and incredible benefits for the heart, brain, mood and even the immune system. Today we are talking about health teas, prepared with leaves and flowers that nature offers us to take care of us and our well-being. For each infusion different properties, let's see which ones on the basis of scientific research. Kombucha, the tea that strengthens the defenses and fights obesity - Kombucha tea is a delicious, slightly sparkling drink made from ...

Kale, the superfood that keeps inflammation and cellular degeneration at bay

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, counteracts the effects of a diet that is too rich in fat, helps to keep blood sugar and cholesterol under control, anticancer properties, protects eyesight and the immune system.

It has curled leaves and a beautiful bright green color. Perhaps at first glance it is not given the importance it deserves, but in fact, kale is the king of superfoods. Let's start by saying that it is a precious source of antioxidants, such as glucosinolates, but also polyphenols such as quercetin, kaempferol and the carotenoids beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin (Shahinozzaman et al, Microorganisms, 2021). Not only that, this vegetable is also a source of folate, potassium, magnesium, phosp...

Tangerine, the gift of winter for our health

Antioxidant, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties, protects the liver, brain and heart, fights diabetes and the oxidation of bad cholesterol, also useful in combating wrinkles.

Tangerines are the gift that winter gives us. In fact, these fruits are not only cheerful, colorful and pleasantly scented, but they are also a precious source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, which work to protect our health. And the strength is that nothing is thrown away from the mandarin since every part of it is a concentrate of beneficial properties, even the peel. But let's understand better. Slices of health - One slice and then another, juicy, refreshing and fragrant,...

Extra virgin olive oil, butter, palm or seed oil, what is better and healthier to use in the kitchen?

What to use for seasoning and cooking? Let's see a description of the main butters and fats commonly used. In particular, we will investigate their properties for health, if any, and any damage that their consumption may cause in the long run.

Olive oil, butter, palm oil or seed oil, when it comes to oils and fats for seasoning or cooking, you are really spoiled for choice. But what are the best products to use every day for our dishes? Is coconut oil, which we hear a lot about in recent times especially in wellness magazines, to be avoided or can it be beneficial? And the butter? Let's try to understand better by referring, as always, to scientific journals. The Finland case and the butter problem - Have you ever heard of the Finl...

Hibiscus, the flower with important protective properties for the stomach, liver and heart

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, useful to keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control, counteracts obesity and visceral fat.

From the petals of its ruby-red flowers we obtain an exceptional tea, which can be tasted both cold and hot and with incredible properties for health. We are talking about hibiscus and the infusion obtained from its flowers. But what can hibiscus do for our health? Let's try to understand this on the basis of scientific research. Hibiscus for the stomach - Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium capable of colonizing the mucous membrane of the stomach. Infection caused by this bacterium increases ...

Extra virgin olive oil, the superfood that protects the brain, bones and muscles

Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-tumor properties, protects the heart, muscles and brain, counteracts the risk of Alzheimer's, stimulates the processes of bone tissue formation, beneficial prebiotic action for the microbiota.

it is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, one of the foods, because it is a food, most studied by science that has shown its very important health benefits, also thanks to the more than 30 different types of phenolic compounds, in short, an irreplaceable superfood. We are talking about extra virgin olive oil. This type of olive oil is obtained from the first pressing of the olives, which must always and only take place mechanically and never chemically. But what are the properties of extr...

Breakfast to start the day in the best possible way, the real muesli recipe

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, fiber, highly digestible, satiating, source of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and mineral salts, capable of protecting the immune system.

It is said of him that the diet he had developed, based on raw foods, fruits and vegetables, was designed primarily to cure himself and his jaundice. This diet was then also adopted in his clinic in Switzerland, where very famous people of the time, such as Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse and Tsar Nicholas II, went to be cured. We are talking about Maximilian Bircher Benner, perhaps a not very well known name, but his breakfast recipe, muesli, is certainly better known. Bircher Benner was looking for...

Pumpkin, the gift of autumn that fights inflammation and cellular degeneration

Antioxidant, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties, protects the brain from damage by mycotoxins, helps to counteract hypertension, cosmetic properties useful in acne and dermatitis.

Legend has it that the carved pumpkin put outside the house on Halloween night can imprison evil spirits. This is a fascinating story but the reality is not very different. In fact, as evidenced by numerous scientific researches, the pumpkin seems to be able to "imprison" and counteract inflammation and cellular degeneration. And the strength of pumpkin is that nothing is thrown away because every part, from the peel to the seeds, is a precious ally for health. The antibiotic power of the pee...

Pizza, not only a pleasure for the senses but also a beneficial food for health

Small tips to make pizza a tasty moment for the palate but also healthy for the body, providing precious anti-aging substances, helping to protect the heart and counteracting cellular degeneration, inflammation, stroke, heart attack and hypertension.

Raise the hand who didn't feel at least a little relieved, after a hard day's work, when he or she was in front of a fragrant and steaming pizza? Yes, because pizza has always been synonymous with taste, joy and lightheartedness. And then the pizza is exquisite and absolutely customizable. However, pizza is often considered an unhealthy meal, too high in calories, sodium and carbohydrates. But is this really the case or is it enough to follow a few small tips to make pizza a pleasant moment for ...

Flaxseed, a source of health to fight inflammation, obesity, diabetes and viruses

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor and immunostimulating properties, enhance the defenses against viral infections, counteract obesity and support cognitive function, help reduce blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure with benefits for the heart.

In the form of oil to season salads or as ground whole seeds added to yogurt and fruit salads, flax seeds are a tasty, and healthy, enrichment for our diet. In fact, these seeds are a precious source of proteins, fibers, fatty acids, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, mineral salts such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron, vitamin A and group B, which give flaxseeds anti-aging, immunostimulating, anti-obesity and cardioprotective properties (Kajla et al, J Food Sci Technol, 201...

Pomegranate, the superfood with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helps to keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control, makes the body more resistant to fatigue, antiviral action, protects the skin from UV damage.

A healthy and tasty way to start the day? With a glass of pomegranate juice. In fact, the juice of this ruby-colored fruit is a precious source of properties for health, protecting the body from damage of free radicals, from inflammation but also from viruses. Let's try to understand better on the basis of the most recent scientific research. Pomegranate juice and photo-aging - Oral intake of pomegranate juice has been shown to protect the skin from UV damage, increasing resistance and reduci...

Honey, properties and benefits of this superfood

Antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, protects the brain and memory, healing and soothing action useful in case of wounds and skin irritations.

Sweet and with a delicious amber color, it can be enjoyed alone, spread on bread or added to herbal teas and yogurt. In short, honey is a real treat. But it's not just this. Honey is also a valuable source of beneficial substances for the health of the body and mind. Let's try to understand better based on the latest scientific research. Honey and its antiviral action - Several scientific studies have highlighted the antiviral properties of honey, for example, against influenza and airway v...

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...

Sesame, an elixir of longevity enclosed in a seed

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anticancer properties, sesame improves memory and learning, also counteracts back and joint pain, protects the skin from UV rays, stimulates wound healing and strengthens bones.

According to scholars, the manuscript dating from the third century BC, was written in three volumes that contained the millenary Chinese wisdom. Oral traditions, medical arts and natural remedies were included in this book, the Shennong Ben Cao Jing. We no longer have any trace of the original manuscript but other works have come to us which have taken up its contents. One section in particular is of considerable interest. In fact, at a certain point in the manuscript commonly used foods are li...

Natural cosmetics, like kings and queens Part 57, a pine cone with a gold heart

Anti-aging, anti-inflammatory properties, useful in case of acne, skin spots, premature aging, wrinkles and dull complexion, brightens and renews the skin.

It was 14 November 1943 in Guadeloupe, Caribbean Sea. At the feet of Christopher Columbus, the local population had placed a basket containing strange fruits that resembled pine cones. In reality, they were delicious fruits, woody only on the surface but with a golden heart, juicy, sweet and at the same time with a hint of sour, the pineapples! And as travelers, passing through these lands, tried this delicious fruit, they fell in love with it. So much so that it seems that a Spanish explorer sa...

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 ...