Inflammation, natural remedies

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...

Okra, the vegetable with healthy properties you don't expect

Antioxidant, anti-diabetes, counteracts the accumulation of fat in the blood, is anticancer and fights depression, soothes irritations of stomach and intestines, modulates the action of the immune system, anti-inflammatory.

Okra or okro, scientific name Abelmoschus esculentus, is a typical plant of warm countries such as Tunisia, Egypt or Ethiopia but it is also grown in Italy, America and Asia. The fruits of okra, similar to green peppers, are used in the kitchen as vegetables. And what a vegetable! In fact, okra is a very healthy food to which science has dedicated several studies published in international journals. So let's try to understand the properties of okra and its uses in the kitchen. Okra, properties...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden berry

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

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

Passion fruit or maracuja, a real superfood for the body and the immune system

Vitamins, mineral salts, carbohydrates and antioxidants, counteracts chronic inflammations, supports the immune system, helps to lower blood pressure and improves digestive processes thanks to the presence of fiber.

Passiflora edulis is a plant of the genus Passiflora, family of Passifloraceae, but is also known by the Portuguese name maracuja. The fruit of the plant, the maracuja or passion fruit, is a berry characterized by a hard zest, a very soft pulp rich in seeds and by a very intense scent that makes the passion fruit an ideal ingredient for the preparation of juices and ice creams. There are many types of passion fruit but the two main varieties are the purple passion fruit, or passiflora edulis, wi...

Immune system, how to boost it

Relaxation techniques, diet, herbs and spices to stimulate the proper functioning of the immune system.

The immune system is the mechanism by which the body defends itself against aggressions. It is therefore essential to protect and strengthen it, so let's try to understand how lifestyle and diet can contribute to the health of our immune system. Stress, mind body techniques - Mind body medicine focuses on the union between mind, body and brain and uses disciplines such as yoga, tai chi, listening to music or meditation. These techniques are based on the idea that mental state affects body heal...

Lingonberry

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant remedy, useful in case of cystitis, urethritis, stomach and gut problems such as irritable colon and meteorism.

Lingonberry, scientific name Vaccinium vitis idaea, also known as mountain cranberry or cowberry, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. Each part of the plant represents a valid remedy to treat different urinary and digestive tract disorders, but let's understand better. Fruits of lingonberry - Lingonberry is characterized by red and sour berries that can be taken dried or in the form of juice. The fruits counteract chronic inflammation in the body and urinary tract infectio...

Black currant, herbal tea

Relieves muscle tension, helps in case of rheumatism, stomach pain but also water retention, stones, gingivitis and stomatitis.

The blackcurrant, scientific name ribes nigrum, is a shrub of the Grossulariaceae family, can reach 2 meters in height and is characterized by very dark fruits or berries. In herbal medicine, different parts of blackcurrant are used, for example its young buds are used to prepare glycerine macerate, which we have already talked about previously as a remedy for allergies. But even the blackcurrant leaves, once dried, are very interesting in the herbal medicine field and are the ingredients for po...

Bearberry

Diuretic, antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent action, useful in case of acute or chronic cystitis, urethritis and calculi.

Bearberry, scientific name Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, is a plant of the Ericaceae family from which an important natural remedy is obtained able to treat urinary tract infections. These infections, which include, for example, cystitis, are very common, especially in women. It is estimated that throughout her life every woman has a 50% risk of developing one of these infections (Trill et al, Trials, 2017). Often urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, however, in case of recurrent cy...

Black grapes

Both in the form of fruit and juice, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, able to show protective properties for the heart, for the liver and the brain, useful to counteract diabetes and overweight.

Grapes are the fruit of the grape vine, vitis vinifera, juicy, sweet and tasty, have been a part of human life for thousands of years. There are different types of grapes, sweeter or more sour, smaller or bigger and of different colors. Today we will talk about black grapes. Black grapes, properties and benefits - Black grapes, more than other varieties, are an exceptional source of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. Polyphenols are mainly found in grape skin and, in case of catechi...

Mu tea

Synergistic action of the herbs that make this mixture, useful in case of digestive problems, weak immune system, fatigue, diabetes.

Mu tea is not a particular type of tea but a mixture of herbs and roots able to tone the body, to stimulate the immune system and digestion, to protect the liver and the kidneys, to counteract water retention, fever, hemorrhoids and acne. This blend was formulated in the 50s by the Japanese Georges Ohsawa, considered the father of macrobiotics, and includes from 9 to 16 ingredients. Each ingredient of this special tea brings important healthy properties for different problems and all act in syne...

Pak Choi

Vitamins, mineral salts, fibers, powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor action proven by scientific studies, helpful against colitis.

Today we are talking about another member of the cabbage family, Pak Choi, scientific name Brassica Rapa Chinensis. Pak Choi, also called bok choy, is native to China but nowadays it can be found in specialized shops all over the world. Pak choi means, in Cantonese, white vegetable and is characterized by important healthy properties. Pak choi, properties - This type of cabbage has a high content of glucosinolates, powerful antioxidant and anticancer substances that release all their powerful ...

Saffron

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and antispasmodic, useful to protect the eyesight by improving the functioning of the retina, able to counteract the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, antidepressant, soothing and against insomnia.

It is a small perennial plant with a beautiful bright purple flower and red stigmas, we are talking about the crocus sativus, family of the Iridaceae, from which the famous saffron spice is obtained. Saffron, however, does not only give to the recipes a unique and exotic taste, but also has important healthy properties studied and demonstrated by scientific researches. Saffron, properties - Saffron contains carotenoids, which are antioxidant substances, such as crocin, responsible for the yell...

Red kidney beans

Source of proteins, carbohydrates and mineral salts, able to keep blood sugar under control, powerful antioxidant action thanks to the anthocyanins and the catechins present in them.

Red kidney beans are a common bean variety, scientific name Phaseolus vulgaris. These beans should not be confused with azuki beans, scientific name Vigna angularis. Now let's see the properties of this kind of beans and how to serve them! Properties of red kidney beans - The anthocyanins give the beans a dark red color and, according to scientific studies (Akond et al, American Journal of Food Technology, May 2011), result in a higher quantity than amaranth, black sorghum and soy beans as wel...

Health and beauty, the remedies of the spring

The natural remedies to purify the body and counteract the stagnations by removing toxins, stimulating the work of the liver and fighting inflammations.

During winter the lymph of the trees doesn’t reach the branches but tends to go down along the trunk towards the roots to avoid that the cold may freeze it. In spring the lymph starts again to flow. In our body happens something very similar, during winter all the processes slow down and then, with warm weather, vitality and energy come back. It is important, in this seasons change that welcomes spring, sun and warmer weather to help the body remove the accumulated toxins, to purify it but also ...

Raw honey

Let's try to understand what differentiates the raw honey from the pasteurized one and what could be the best product able to preserve the healthy, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Since ancient times, honey has been considered a source of important healthy properties, so much that this precious product of bees also appears in various myths and legends, like the one that little Zeus was fed with honey and goat's milk. Well, honey seems really a food worthy of the Gods! There are different types of honey obtained from the different plants used by bees, such as chestnut, citrus or linden just to mention a few examples. Another difference is given by the raw or processed hone...

Food combinations and cooking methods, ginger Part 2

Ginger can be consumed naturally, in herbal tea or in the form of candied fruit or it can also be associated with turmeric to increase its anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger, scientific name Zingiber officinale, is a root with important beneficial properties. It is in fact anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and digestive, protects the heart and the immune system. But how can ginger be taken to maximize these properties? In today's post we see the most important food combinations and healthy preparations with ginger. Fresh, candied or herbal tea - Natural or candied ginger is an excellent ally against nausea. Moreover, if grated fresh on foods, such as fish, veg...

Fat burning diet Part 12, the sirtuins

There are foods able to activate a type of proteins in our body, the sirtuins, that help to counteract fat accumulation, the free radicals and illness for a longer and healthier life, let’s see these foods and how to serve them in order to preserve all the nutrients.

Is it possible to lose weight with eating? Even if it may seem a strange thing, the answer to the question is yes, it is, according to recent, and very promising, researches that are focusing their attention on the connection between aging, diet and fat burning in a really complex but fascinating process. The shelves of the supermarkets are full of products prepared with refined flours, sugar-rich drinks, sweets with glucose syrup designed to satisfy our need of sweet and fatty food that is insi...

Elmleaf blackberry honey, beauty cosmetic and natural remedy

Antioxidant and antipyretic properties, useful in case of inflammation and mouth ulcers, against the flu, for cosmetic use makes the hair shiny, strengthens it and helps to counteract dandruff and itching of the scalp.

Elmleaf blackberry, also called bramble, scientific name Rubus ulmifolius, is a species of wild blackberry belonging to the Rosaceae family. The bramble is a remedy of tradition thanks to its powerful anti-pyretic properties, therefore useful to counteract the fever, and to its antioxidant effect given by some phenolic compounds such as ellagitannins (Martins et al, Food Funct, Jun 2014 - Niaz et al, BMC Complement Altern Med). These healthful properties are also transferred to honey that is obt...

Cocoa

Mineral salts such as magnesium and iron, powerful antioxidant food with a demonstrated protective action on brain and heart, able to lower blood pressure, counteracts chronic inflammations, improves the mood and has a beneficial action in case of allergies, acts against fat accumulation and to reduce the waistline.

The plant of cocoa, Theobroma cacao, belongs to the family of Sterculiaceae and is native to south America. When the seeds are extracted from the fruits of the tree they are subjected to a multi step process involving fermentation, drying, roasting and grinding in order to obtain, as a final product, the cocoa powder that we can purchase in the shops. A fine, brown and scented powder that is commonly used for cooking, sweets, drinks but also as an ingredient of beauty cosmetics. Let’s see the pr...

Fat burning diet Part 11, keeping on talking about fish

Tuna, mackerel, herring and sea bass are fishes with a high intake of omega 3 but may be contaminated by mercury and dioxin.

Our body gets the omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids from diet, for this reason, our food choices are responsible for the intake of these important substances, both essential to our health but with different actions. In fact, omega 3 fatty acids act by counteracting inflammation, adipogenesis and fat accumulation, on the contrary, omega 6 fatty acids stimulate the inflammation processes and the fat production. The scientists Gerard Ailhaud and Pierre Weill were the first ones who understood that on...

Fat burning diet Part 10, let’s talk about fish

For a higher intake of omega 3, anti inflammatory and able to counter the accumulation of fat, also consuming fish can be helpful, but you should know how to choose the type of fish to ensure an optimal ratio between fatty acids and to limit the intake of polluting substances.

In the previous post dedicated to fat burning diet we have seen that one of the causes of the obesity epidemic in the Western world may be the imbalance between omega 6 and omega 3 taken with the diet. These fatty acids, although both essential to the body, have a different effect, omega 6, indeed, are pro inflammatory and able to stimulate adipogenesis, omega 3 instead counteract inflammation and the production and accumulation of fat. An optimal ratio between omega 6 and omega 3, able to have ...

Mandarin, peel

Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that protect the health of the body and the brain.

The mandarin, citrus reticulata, is a juicy, scented and very yummy fruit, it is also very healthy. But the properties of the mandarin aren’t limited to the pulp, in fact also the peel of mandarin is arousing plenty of interest thanks to several scientific researches that are studying its benefits. In particular, researchers of the Leicester School of Pharmacy have observed that mandarin peel contains a substance, called Salvestrol Q40, which the plant produces to defend itself from external att...

Macadamia nuts

Vitamins and mineral salts, precious source of monounsaturated fatty acids able to decrease total and LDL cholesterol levels, source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances.

Macadamia nuts are the oily fruit of the Macadamia tree, also called the Queensland nut tree, belonging to the Proteaceae family and native to Australia. These nuts are round, very similar to hazelnuts and are enclosed in a hard shell, just like the common nuts. Since the shell is really very hard, these nuts are usually sold already shelled. Macadamia nuts provide vitamins, such as E and group B, and mineral salts, such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc and copper (Moodley et al, J E...

Fat burning diet Part 4, the spices turmeric, black pepper and cloves

The spices turmeric, black pepper and cloves help counteract fat accumulation and the chronic inflammations.

As we have seen in the previous posts counteracting overweight, and in particular abdominal fat, is a choice for our health. The adipose tissue indeed, especially if localized on the waistline, is an endocrine organ and is able to produce hormones and inflammatory substances, thus causing a chronic inflammation that is the basis of several illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and cardiovascular diseases (Coelho et al, Arch Med Sci, 2013 - Deng et al, Annu Rev Pathol, 2016). Let’s se...

Honeydew honey

Honeydew honey, compared to honey produced from nectar, is darker, less sweet and has antioxidant, antibacterial and powerful healing properties.

Honeydew honey differs from nectar honey for the raw material used by bees to produce honey. In nectar honey in fact the bees use, as its name suggests, the nectar of the flowers that is then transformed with bees’ enzymes in honey. But in wooded areas there are not always flowers to get nectar from, hence the solution is given by honeydew, captured by bees and then converted into honey. The honeydew is secreted by the plants themselves or by insects that feed on the sap of trees such as silver ...

Isabella grape

Vitamins and mineral salts, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, able to protect the immune system, the brain and the cardiovascular system, energy and sugars for an immediate use.

The Isabella grape derives from the Vitis labrusca plant and is characterized by a pulp with a sweet taste and a strawberry-like scent. This type of grape is native to North America but it is also widespread in Europe. Isabella grape is not only interesting for its taste, it also has important healthy properties. In fact, it brings vitamins, including A, C and group B, and mineral salts, such as iron, copper, potassium and manganese. Moreover, thanks to scientific studies that have analyzed its ...

Anti-inflammatory lifestyle Part 5, friendship and love for a healthy brain

For a healthy mind and to counteract inflammations also close relationships and friendships and the feeling of being part of a society have a pivotal role.

Aristotle was the first to say it in his work Politics, man is, by nature, a social animal and tends to aggregate with other human beings. But this behavior isn’t just natural, it is also the basis for a healthy mind and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle (Eliana Liotta, Age isn’t the same for everyone, but also articles such as Keicolt-Glaser et al, Neurosci Biobehav rev, 2010). As we have seen in the previous post, an enemy of our physical and mental health is chronic inflammation, that doesn’t gi...