Inflammation, natural remedies

Inflammation, how to fight it to reduce the risk of obesity, depression, sarcopenia and a poor immune system

Chronic inflammation is associated with various diseases and conditions, such as an increased cardiovascular risk, sarcopenia, obesity, depression and cellular degeneration. However, some foods, if included in the diet regularly, are anti-inflammatory.

Inflammation is, nowadays, the real enemy to fight. Yes, because this protection mechanism, essential for dealing with external threats, can, in some cases, backfire on us. But let's try to understand better what we are talking about and then, in the following paragraphs, also what we can do against inflammation. The two faces of inflammation - Inflammation is the body's natural response to a threat. When the threat has been eradicated, however, the inflammation must go away. The problem is...

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...

Plums, the fruit that supports the brain, heart and bones

Vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, reduce inflammation, protect the heart and help reduce the risk of diabetes, improve memory and concentration, counteract age-related cognitive decline, protect bones from the risk of osteoporosis, are antiallergic.

With a sweet taste and a pleasant sour note, here are the plums, which brighten up the September table! These delicious fruits are also a valuable source of beneficial properties for health, as we will see in the next few paragraphs, helping to support the proper functioning of the heart, brain and bones. So, green light for the consumption of plums! And when is it no longer plum season? There is no problem, because plums are available all year round in their dried form, also in this case charac...

Counteracting neuroinflammation, the key against brain degeneration

How to combat neuroinflammation with the diet and counteract the mechanism that could lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease for which, at present, there are only treatments in order to slow its progression. The problem with Alzheimer's is that until now the causes were not well defined and therefore the possibility of action was limited. What has been observed and studied so far has allowed us to state that accumulation of beta amyloid and tau protein plaques in the brain is the distinctive feature of Alzheimer's but what could actually cause the onset of this disease was no...

Immune system, how to fortify it with tea and herbal teas

Infusions, teas and decoctions to strengthen the defenses, to fight colds and flu, to protect the lungs and to reduce inflammation.

When it comes to the immune system it is important to emphasize that there is no magic drink capable of wiping out viruses and bacteria. Rather, it is the synergy of food and drinks, which, if taken regularly, counteract inflammation, free radical damage and support the body's natural defenses. After this necessary premise, certainly there are drinks, teas and herbal teas, more powerful than others to strengthen our immune system, fortifying the airways, helping to prevent viral infections and a...

Inflammaging and centenarians, the secret of a long and healthy life

Little tips on diet and lifestyle to put into practice every day to combat inflammation and live longer and healthier.

The secret of the centenarians? Being able to fight inflammation! Inflammation, in fact, if on the one hand it is beneficial as it represents our defense against aggression, be it viruses, bacteria, fungi, toxins or tumors, on the other it can represent a threat. The problem is when the inflammation never goes out but works continuously, perhaps remaining at low levels, but always present. Especially as the years go by, the inflammation increases, we talk about inflammaging, a physiological cond...

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...

Coriander, all the secrets of this precious spice

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive and carminative, counteracts obesity and metabolic syndrome, helps in case of abdominal pain and stomach pain, strengthens the immune system and the microbiota, neuroprotective and useful for heart health, protects the skin from premature aging.

Coriander, coriandrum sativum, is a herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family that includes also cumin, dill, fennel and parsley. Coriander has been known for millennia and traces of this plant have even been found in the tomb of the pharaoh Tutankhamun. But what are the properties of this fragrant plant? Let's try to understand this on the basis of scientific research. Finally, we will also look at its uses in the kitchen. Be careful if you are controlling your blood sugar with drugs because cori...

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...

Coffee essential oil

Tonic for mood and memory, healing, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and emollient, useful to combat wrinkles, sunburn and damage caused by UV rays.

The coffee essential oil is extracted from the cold pressing of roasted coffee beans, Coffea Arabica quality. This variety of coffee is the one that contains the highest amount of oil, around 15% (Raba et al, PLoS One, 2018). So today we are talking about the properties of this very special essential oil and its uses for the well-being of the mind and for the beauty of the skin. Coffee oil for mood and memory - Inhaling the aroma of coffee helps improve cognitive function, attention and mem...

Honey, the yellow gold of kings and gods

Vitamins, mineral salts, amino acids and antioxidants, protects the respiratory tract, calms coughs, soothes and improves mood, strengthens the immune system, fights inflammation, metabolic syndrome and overweight, anti-aging, gastroprotective action.

The jewel inside the glass case shines and glows with gold. We are in Crete, in the archaeological museum of Heraklion, and in front of us there is the famous Mallia pendant. A gold jewel that depicts two bees depositing a drop of honey in a honeycomb. But this is not just any jewel, it was the jewel worn by the king of Crete and represented his power and his majesty. Honey has, in fact, always been associated with divinities, the newborn Zeus was fed with honey and honey is also considered not ...

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 ...

Walking, the simplest and most beneficial exercise there is

It helps maintain body weight, counteracts abdominal fat, lowers inflammation, stimulates the defenses, especially those of the airways, protects the heart and reduces the risk of cellular degeneration, brings a good mood.

Gymnastics, running, swimming, we have at our disposal a multitude of different types of physical activity, all equally beneficial. However, sometimes, we forget that there is also a very simple physical activity, beneficial for all and within everyone's reach, walking. Walking is a natural anti-aging and fat burner and protects heart, lung and brain health. Walking and visceral fat - Walking for more than 30 minutes at a brisk pace improves insulin resistance and counteracts both subcutaneou...

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...

Hibiscus, the anti-aging drink

Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory substances, hypotensive action, useful to keep cholesterol under control and to counteract overweight, obesity and abdominal fat, for external applications it soothes irritated and burned and sunburned skin.

When they arrive in Hawaii, tourists are greeted with garlands of hibiscus flowers, the symbol of Hawaii but also as a sign of good luck. In fact, the hibiscus is considered the flower of opportunities. But hibiscus does not only bring good luck, as emerges from numerous scientific researches, in fact, hibiscus flowers, used to prepare tasty and thirst-quenching herbal teas, are a precious source of beneficial substances for health. Hibiscus, properties - Hibiscus, scientific name hibiscus ...

Omega 3 fatty acids, the healthy fats

Omega 3 are anti-inflammatory, protect brain, eye and nervous system health, counteract fatty liver, are antiviral and help maintain muscle mass.

Essential fatty acids, a category to which omega 3 also belong, are not synthesized by the body but must be introduced with diet or supplements. But what are the properties of omega 3 fatty acids and why are they said to be good for health? Are there any side effects related to their intake? We try to answer these questions by analyzing, as always, the results published in scientific journals. Omega 3 and heart - Omega 3 fatty acids help protect the health of the cardiovascular system. In fac...

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...

Ginkgo biloba, the ancient plant that protects the brain

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, counteracts the formation of blood clots, improves blood flow to the brain, counteracts neurodegeneration, improves memory and attention.

What a fascinating plant ginkgo biloba is! Tree of ancient origin, it is estimated indeed that it appeared about 250 million years ago, it is nowadays a highly appreciated ornamental plant, used in parks and gardens also because it is very resistant to pollutants. To show its degree of resistance, think that in Hiroshima there are still six specimens of ginkgo biloba that survived the explosion of the nuclear bomb. But ginkgo biloba is also appreciated for its beneficial properties on brain heal...

Mistletoe

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, acts as an immunostimulant and antitumor, regulates blood pressure, raising it if low and lowering it if too high, reduces blood sugar and LDL cholesterol, cardioprotective action.

At the solstices, the druids, dressed in white, cut with a golden sickle mistletoe branches that were then used to prepare precious infusions, capable of curing any ailment. This ancient wisdom, in which magic and knowledge were mixed until they get confused, has passed the centuries and has arrived to us. Even today, in fact, mistletoe is considered a precious natural remedy, against both hypertension and cellular degeneration. Of course, nowadays the mistletoe is harvested without golden sickl...

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...

Noni, the juice with a thousand properties

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor, protects and strengthens the immune system from the attack of viruses and bacteria, increases energy and resistance, helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, analgesic, helps to soothe and in many cases to resolve joint pain and stiff neck.

Legend has it that the peoples of Polynesia overcame periods of famine thanks to a plant with extraordinary fruits, noni, or morinda citrifolia. We do not know if this is true also because, it must be said, the taste of mature noni is not very pleasant and can suggest a certain degree of rancidity, but certainly the peoples of Polynesia well knew that their health would take advantage. And the fame of noni, over the centuries, has endured reaching the present day. In fact, today it is easy to fi...

Chia seeds, small sources of health

Vitamins, minerals, proteins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, protect heart health, improve insulin sensitivity, satiate and help reduce waist circumference. They can also be used in place of eggs in sweet and savory recipes.

Small and dark, this is how chia seeds appear. Chia seeds have risen to the fore in recent years, becoming one of the healthiest foods on the market. But why so much interest in chia seeds? Let’s try to understand this on the basis of scientific research. We will also see some ideas for using chia seeds in the kitchen and making them become our precious allies in different preparations. Chia seeds, properties - Chia, scientific name salvia hispanica, is a plant of the Lamiaceae family typical ...

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 ...

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...

Prebiotics, a source of health for the microbiota and the whole body

Prebiotics nourish the gut microbiota and benefit not only the digestive processes, but also the heart, brain and immune system.

Not only digestion depends on intestinal health but also, through connections and biological processes, the proper functioning of the brain, the immune system, mood and body weight. This is why it is important to take care of the microbiota, which is the set of bacteria that make up our intestine. In this regard, it is important to take probiotics and prebiotics through the diet. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, once ingested, populate the microbiota. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are p...