Free radicals, natural remedies

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 ...

Blueberries, the blue that cures

Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, protect the immune system, eyesight and brain, counteract visceral fat, help keep blood sugar and cardiovascular risk under control, protect the skin from damage from UV rays and pollution, which can worsen acne but also dry, dehydrated and wrinkled skin.

Blueberries are delicious, juicy, colorful and incredibly healthy fruits. In fact, these tasty berries are a source of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which give the characteristic blue color and which are concentrated mainly in the peel, but also of phenols and flavonols. These substances give blueberries precious anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties with benefits on the brain, skin, immune system and heart. But let's try to understand better. Blueberries and brain - Blueberrie...

Acerola cherry, a superfood rich in vitamin C

High content of vitamin C, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity action, counteracts weight gain, bad cholesterol and triglycerides, antidiabetic and capable of supporting the immune system against infections, especially of the respiratory tract, protects the skin from UV damage and stimulates collagen production.

Acerola cherry, scientific name Malpighia emarginata, also known as West Indian cherry, is a bush that grows in the warm climates of Central and South America and the Caribbean. Its fruits are cherry-like berries with extraordinary properties for health and the immune system. Here you can find acerola berry in the form of a supplement in pharmacies, herbalists and specialty stores. But let's try to understand the extraordinary properties of this red berry. Acerola cherry, nutrients - Acerola ...

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...