Free radicals, natural remedies

Dates, properties and benefits

Energy, vitamins and mineral salts, antioxidants and fibers, help to keep nervous hunger under control, antitumor action, protect the brain from degeneration, thanks to the anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating and antimicrobial action they are beneficial for the respiratory tract.

Dates are the fruits of the date palm, scientific name Phoenix dactylifera, one of the oldest plants cultivated by man and a source of nutrition for more than 6000 years. Nowadays, dates can be found almost everywhere in their dried form and are a treat for adults and children thanks to their sweet and buttery note. But dates are not only a pleasure for the palate, they are in fact also a source of healthy properties, so much that they are considered a real medical food. But let's understand bet...

Apple peel

Powerful antioxidant, antitumor and cardioprotective action, helps in case of joint pain and irritable bowel syndrome, anxiolytic properties.

It was an apple that caused the war between Greeks and Trojans, it was an apple the fruit of immortality that Hercules managed to steal from the garden of the Hesperides and it was always an apple that, according to legend, fell on Newton's head, inspiring the great scientist the theory of gravitational force. The apple has always been a symbol of beauty and eternal life but it is not just about myths and traditions, this fruit is truly a precious source of beneficial substances for health conta...

Turmeric, ginger and pepper, here is the best combination

How to make curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, easily assimilated? And how to take turmeric to enhance its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties? Let's try to answer these questions.

It has been said a lot about turmeric. Although there is a solid basis in the literature that testifies to the health properties of this spice, obtained from the rhizome of the Curcuma Longa plant, there are those who doubt them, while others use turmeric almost everywhere, in every type of recipe, in sauces, soups and even in herbal teas. Who's right? As always, the truth is somewhere in the middle, but let's try to understand better. Curcumin, properties and availability - Curcumin is the ma...

Pomegranate, the properties of the whole fruit

Pomegranate grains are antioxidant, anticancer, protect the heart and brain from degeneration, support the immune system by promoting the growth of good bacteria in the intestinal microbiota, also useful against hot flashes and osteoporosis in menopause.

With its red and juicy seeds, the pomegranate is a fruit that brings joy even in the grayest autumn days. The juice obtained from the pomegranate is certainly one of the best known and most appreciated drinks, it can be purchased almost everywhere, in supermarkets and specialty shops, and is characterized by a powerful antioxidant action. However, often at the greengrocer we find the whole pomegranate fruit, what are its properties? And how can it be used in the kitchen? Let's try to understand ...

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 ...

Dried figs

Vitamins, mineral salts, fiber, source of antioxidants, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective action, useful in case of constipation but also irritable bowel syndrome.

With the colder season it is easy to find dried figs on the shelves of supermarkets and specialized shops, small delicious beauties that you can hardly resist. Dried figs are produced by dehydration of the fig fruits, scientific name Ficus Carica. These delicacies are not only tasty, they are in fact a really healthy snack, but with some cautions as we will see. Dried figs, properties - Dried figs are an important source of vitamins, such as vitamins C and A, minerals, such as iron, potassium ...

Woods, more than an anti-stress, a real stimulant for the immune system

Anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant action, supports the immune system thanks to the absorption by our body of the essential oils released by the trees, reduction of blood pressure, helpful in case of anxiety, stress, bad mood and depression.

A silent forest, where everything seems motionless but in reality beats with life. The shoes creak on the path as you make your way through ferns and mosses, the air is fresh and clean, slightly scented with aromas of resin. The forest is a unique experience to be immersed in nature, to detach from stress and to bring benefit to body and mind, so much that even science has been interested in its properties for health and a term has been coined to indicate the immersion in a woods as a regenerati...

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...

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...

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...

Fermented papaya

Enhanced antioxidant action compared to fresh fruit, digestive properties, capable of protecting the brain from oxidative stress, anti-aging action.

Papaya is the fruit of the Carica papaya plant, native to Central and South America. Papaya is traditionally used as a remedy, in fact, the fruit is rich in polyphenols, lycopene and tocopherol, powerful antioxidant substances, and exhibits anticancer, immunostimulating, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. All these properties are enhanced in fermented papaya, a food that counteracts the damage of free radicals (Logozzi et al, Cancers, 2019). So let's try to understand what exactly ferment...

White grapes

Vitamins, mineral salts and fiber, provides antioxidants that support the immune system, protect the brain and memory and are beneficial for the heart.

Grapes are the fruit of the vine, vitis vinifera. In fact, grapes are a grouping of fruits that form the cluster, which we can then collect from the plant or buy from the greengrocer. There are different types of grapes but generally the main distinction concerns the color of the berries, therefore dark red, sometimes even tending to blue, or greenish yellow. The color of the grape also determines its properties as grapes of different colors contain different substances. Today we talk, in partic...

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...

Kukicha green tea

Supports the immune system, fights anxiety and stress and high blood pressure, improves cognitive function, anticancer, low in caffeine and therefore lends itself to being drunk even in the afternoon.

Lot of small sticks and twigs, this is kukicha green tea, a very particular Japanese tea that differs from other teas that are in the form of leaves. The aroma of kukicha green tea is sweet and stands out from other Japanese green teas that, on the other hand, have a scent that reminds of freshly picked grass. So let's see the types of kukicha, the properties and the preparation of this particular tea. Kukicha tea, types - Whether it's gyokuro, sencha or kukicha, the plant from which green tea...

Nectarines

Vitamins, mineral salts, powerful antioxidant action capable of counteracting the aging process.

The Prunus Persica, or peach tree, is a plant of the Rosaceae family. Its fruits are the peaches, juicy drupes that are characterized by a yellow, red or brown skin, with or hairless. Among the different varieties of peaches that can be found on the market we find nectarines, which are peaches with smooth skin without hair and whose harvesting period goes from June to the end of September. Today we are talking about this type of peach, trying to understand its properties on the basis of scientif...

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....

Zucchini

Vitamins, mineral salts, fiber and many antioxidants, courgettes fight aging processes, protect the heart and skin, help in case of constipation.

Zucchini or courgette, scientific name Cucurbita Pepo, is a plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruits, the zucchini, are collected and eaten immature and are characterized by an elongated shape. The color of the peel of zucchini is bright green but, depending on the variety, it may also be light green or yellow. Zucchini are a widely used ingredient in cooking, so let's understand their health properties and have also some ideas for tasty and healthy zucchini recipes. Zucchini, properties ...

Cherry honey

Cherry blossom honey has purifying, diuretic but also antioxidant properties, protective action on the liver and heart.

Honey is a food produced by bees that go from flower to flower to collect nectar. In general, honey contains sugars, minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese and selenium, vitamins, such as vitamin C and group B, proteins and antioxidant substances such as polyphenols and carotenoids that confer an anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action and also properties able to support the immune system (Miguel et al, Integr Med Insights, 2017). However, both the compos...

Flowers to eat, colors, scents and health are served Part 4, chamomile and dandelion

Chamomile is antioxidant but also anti diabetes while the dandelion protects the immune system, is anti aging and fights diabetes and tumors.

We are used to give flowers as a gift, or to grow them to beautify our garden or balcony. But the flowers are not only beautiful to look at, some can be added to recipes making them even healthier thanks to their anti-aging properties. Let's understand the action of two very common flowers, chamomile and dandelion. However, remember that it is important not to collect flowers on the sides of the roads or in the fields to avoid ingesting pollutants or pesticides. Edible flowers can be either boug...

Flowers to eat, colors, scents and health are served Part 3, lavender and zucchini flowers

Lavender is antioxidant, helps to keep blood sugar under control and protects the brain, zucchini flowers fight aging processes, lower blood sugar and cholesterol.

Some flowers are edible, such as rose, calendula, but also nasturtium or pansy. Adding flowers to recipes not only contributes to making the dish more cheerful, but also healthier. In fact, as we have seen, flowers can bring valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective properties. Be careful though, not all flowers are edible, so avoid collecting flowers in the fields because you could confuse them with other toxic species. In addition, if you grow the flowers personall...

Flowers to eat, colors, scents and health are served Part 2, calendula and pansy

There are flowers that can be eaten and that provide valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, such as calendula and pansy.

Flowers to eat? Yes, some types of flowers are edible and can be added raw to recipes. Perfect in this case are the salads to which the flowers give color but also antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. In the previous post we talked about the rose and nasturtium, today we talk about the properties of calendula and pansy when they are added to our dishes. However, a warning is required first. Avoid picking flowers along the streets or in the meadows as you cannot know if ...

Flowers to eat, colors, scents and health are served Part 1, nasturtium and rose

Flowers are not only ornamental but, in some cases, they can also be eaten and are characterized by important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties.

A well laid table and a colorful bouquet in the center, we are used to see in this way flowers for lunch or dinner. However, there is also another fascinating way in which flowers can make their appearance at the table, namely ... on the plate. In fact, some flowers are edible, they can be added raw to salads, appetizers or drinks, to give color, taste but also healthy properties, useful to counteract the damage of free radicals, tumors, obesity but also to protect the brain (Lu et al, Crit Rev ...

Golden berry

Vitamins, antioxidants for the well-being of eyesight and skin, mineral salts and fibers, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and useful action to keep blood pressure at bay, relaxing and antispasmodic properties.

Physalis peruviana is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, the same as potatoes, aubergines and tomatoes. The fruits, called golden berries, are round yellow berries with a bitter sweet taste, with notes of pineapple and vanilla. Golden berries can be purchased in specialized shops or online in the form of dried berries. Golden berry, properties - Golden berries are a source of carbohydrates, therefore energy, of fiber, vitamin C, vitamins of group B and K, tocopherol, carotenoids, such...

Beta-carotene

Antioxidant properties, supports the immune system and counteracts cognitive decline, counteracts the development of chronic diseases, protects the skin.

Beta-carotene is a substance belonging to the group of carotenoids, which are antioxidant substances synthesized by plants and which gives the bright color to different types of fruit and vegetables. Beta carotene is then converted into vitamin A in the body. Let's see why it is important to take beta-carotene with the diet, what are the properties of this substance and what are the main food sources. Beta carotene, properties – Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant, able to counteract the d...

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...

Vegetable garden, health and relax Part 6, gooseberry, red currant and coriander

Properties, uses and cultivation of gooseberry, red currant and coriander.

This is the time to take care of the garden! Taking care of plants, seeing them grow, bloom and then reap the fruits is healing, puts you in a good mood, removes bad thoughts and empowers the mind leaving it free to draw on its talents and resources. Because it is these resources that help us overcome any trauma, concern or obstacle. By taking care of a vegetable garden we also take care of ourselves! Today we talk about gooseberries, red currants and coriander. Gooseberry - Gooseberry, scient...

Vegetable garden, health and relax Part 5, tomatoes and zucchini

How to grow tomatoes and zucchini, two seedlings that cannot miss in your garden.

Watering the plants, seeing them grow full of life and then harvesting the fruits! Taking care of a vegetable garden is fascinating and beneficial, it relieves stress, anxiety and also allows you to have fruit, vegetables and aromatic herbs available every day. Today we talk about how to grow tomatoes and zucchini. Tomatoes - The tomatoes are plants that really cannot miss in a vegetable garden. Elongated tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, ribbed tomatoes, there are many varieties of tomatoes and all ...

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...