Free radicals, natural remedies

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...

Food combinations and cooking methods, sweet peppers

Vitamins, mineral salts, proteins and antioxidants, peppers are a truly beneficial food for health, characterized by anticancer, anti-obesity, neuroprotective and diuretic properties as well as useful for bone health. Let's find out how to make them more digestible and what are the best cooking methods and food combinations to maximize their properties.

They can be of different colors, red, yellow or green, some are small and elongated, others larger and square, we are talking about sweet or bell peppers. Peppers bring joy to any dish but are also a precious source of healthy substances. First of all, they are characterized by a high antioxidant, anti aging, antitumor, anti diabetes and neuroprotective power. Peppers strengthen the immune system and contain vitamins, such as C, group B and P, provitamin A but also proteins and mineral salts (Ch...

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...

Apples, the colors of health

Red, yellow or green apples, for each color there is a different antioxidant with different properties and different benefits for the health of the skin, eyes, heart, brain and more.

Green, red and yellow apples brighten up the shelves of the greengrocer. But does the different color of the skin of apples also determine different properties? Yes, as we will see. In particular, some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that determine the color of the peel and also some properties vary while the nutritional profile, therefore the quantity of water, fibers, the presence of vitamins A and C and mineral salts such as potassium remains constant (Nicklas et al, Food Nutr Re...

Apple persimmon

Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, apple persimmons help protect the heart and counteract DNA damage.

In the gardens and parks it is now easy to admire trees laden with persimmons that, with their beautiful orange color, brighten up the approaching winter. Persimmon, scientific name Diospyros kaki, is one of the oldest fruit plants cultivated by humans and its fruits are large, roundish orange-red berries. Persimmons are typically consumed only when they have reached overripe and have a juicy, soft pulp. However, there are varieties, which we will talk about today, belonging to the Fuyu, Hana Fu...

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,...

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 ...