Free radicals, natural remedies

Fucus, the seaweed with anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties

Antioxidant, antiviral, anti-obesity action, helps to keep body weight but also pressure and blood sugar under control, protects the heart and thyroid activity.

Fucus vesiculosus is a brown alga that grows in cold waters, mainly along the coasts of the North Atlantic. Nowadays you can find this type of seaweed in herbalist's shops and specialized stores, dried or in capsule form. But what are the properties of the fucus seaweed? Can it help in case of some problems such as obesity or inflammation? Let's try to find it out. Fucus, nutrients - The fucus seaweed is rich in fiber, proteins but also vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, D, E and group B, and m...

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...

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 ...

Slow cosmetique, chamomile gift from the gods

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antimicrobial, healing, soothing and calming, counteracts irritation, burns and dermatitis, also helps in case of anxiety, depression and headache.

In the British Library in London, one of the most important and well-known libraries in the world, under a thick glass case there is a parchment written in ancient characters. Here is contained a spell that, according to legend, was given by the god Odin to men so that they could cure infections and other skin disorders. Nine herbs are the essential ingredients of this potion and among these herbs, including nettle, mugwort, plantain, fennel, apple tree there is also chamomile, or matricaria cha...

Food combinations and cooking methods, the healthy pesto

Pesto is quick to prepare, fresh and rich in substances beneficial for health, let's see tasty ideas for preparing a healthy and always different pesto, according to traditional or even unexpected recipes, with a little imagination. We will see, for each preparation, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties.

Summer, hot days and sun are coming, now life is spent more outdoors and there is also a desire to eat something fresh and quick. Like pesto, the ideal seasoning for bruschetta, pasta but also rice. The name pesto derives from the method with which this sauce was originally prepared, that is, by crushing, in Italian pestare, fresh basil leaves, garlic and other ingredients in a marble mortar. Today the mortar is no longer used and the pesto is prepared with the mixer, which has considerably redu...

Natural cosmetics, like kings and queens Part 53, jasmine, the plant that was not to be seen by anyone

Antioxidant properties, useful against cellular degeneration and aging processes, antibacterial and soothing action, useful in case of dermatitis and itching, stimulates the body and mind, increases energy, drives away bad thoughts and improves memory.

The legend says that Cosimo I de Medici was the first who cultivated jasmine in Italy. But he became so jealous and bewitched by the intense aroma that was released from the corollas of this flower, that he ordered that no other human being laid his eyes on it. Jasmine was not supposed to come out of the Florentine Grand Ducal gardens. But one day, a gardener saw the jasmine and decided to steal a seedling to give it to his beloved. So he did, the woman took care of the plant with affection and ...

Melon, the fruit of summer

Vitamins, mineral salts, antioxidants, fiber and water, diuretic action, against free radicals, protects the liver, modulates the immune system and stimulates the work of the thyroid, blood thinning action.

Mukashi mukashi, which means, in Japan, once upon a time, there was a married couple, very much in love but who could not have children. Their life passed quietly when one day, along the river, they saw something round that followed the current among the stones. They picked it up and saw it was a melon! The couple took the melon home and opened it thinking about eating it. You can imagine their surprise, and joy, when, opening the melon, they found not the orange and scented pulp they expected, ...

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...

Water, the blue gold, how much should you drink and what are the benefits of flavored waters

How much water to drink per day? And what are the benefits of flavored waters? Let's try to answer in order to understand how to protect the health of the kidneys, the immune system but also the brain.

It is called blue gold, this is because without water, life could not exist. Even today, in the ancient winding road that leads to Sparta, in Greece, it happens to come across water springs, which gush water from the rocks of the mountain. And, around the source, there are taverns, small markets, there is life. Our body, once we reach adulthood, is composed of 50-55% water and water is essential to help regulate body temperature and the transport of nutrients to the cells, to support digestion a...

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...

Orange, leaves, flowers and rind of the fruit

Every part of the orange can be used to benefit the health of body and mind. In fact, the leaves and flowers are calming, fight anxiety and insomnia, headaches and asthma, are anti-aging and also prevent photo-aging. The peel of the orange fruit protects the stomach and intestines, is carminative but also prevents neurodegeneration.

Of the orange tree we know above all the fruit, fragrant and juicy, with antioxidant and anticancer properties. But in fact this is such an interesting and generous plant that we can use everything from it, even the leaves, flowers and rind of the fruit for our well-being. Orange leaves - As the famous herbalist Messeguè indicates in his book My Herbarium, orange leaves, especially those of bitter orange, are rich in active ingredients that give them calming and antispasmodic properties. In f...

Dandelion, the magic plant with a thousand uses

Anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, digestive, tonic, diuretic, purifying, antidiabetic, liver support, anticancer properties, also useful to treat skin irritations and acne.

According to an ancient Irish legend, a long time ago, at the origin of the world, when human beings had not yet appeared, the gnomes and fairies were free to run in the meadows and woods. But everything changed when the humans arrived. The fairy creatures, to escape man's thirst for conquest, had to seek refuge in the woods, among rocks and bushes. But for the fairies it was different, with their bright clothes they certainly couldn't think of hiding! And here's the magic, the fairies turned in...

Sage, properties and uses in the kitchen

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antiseptic, improves digestion, is carminative and antispasmodic, drives away anxieties and insomnia, improves mood, fights tumors and hyperglycemia, helps in menopause in case of hot flashes and excessive sweating, protects the brain, improves memory and combats cognitive impairment.

In the vegetable gardens, sage begins to appear, with its tender and fragrant leaves, it is a real joy for the palate! But it is not just a matter of taste, sage is also a precious source of health properties, already known for centuries. In fact, in one of its writings the Salerno medical school, the most famous medical school of the Middle Ages, said, what should a person who grows sage in his garden die of? Not to mention the vinegar of the four thieves ... in fact, a French legend wants that...

White or green asparagus, what are the differences?

Green asparagus are characterized by a higher antioxidant action, they also contain greater amounts of vitamin C, white asparagus, on the other hand, are a valuable source of some types of anticancer substances. Let's try to understand in detail the main differences between white and green asparagus. In addition, we will also talk about how cooking affects the properties of asparagus.

According to legend, once the only known asparagus was green. But, around the sixteenth century, following a large hailstorm that destroyed all the tips of the asparagus that came out of the ground, people had to eat only the part that was saved, namely that under the soil, the white one, because it had not been reached by the sunrays. In fact, both green and white asparagus all belong to the same species, asparagus officinalis. But green asparagus are grown out of the ground and take on a green...

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...

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...

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...