Spice, natural remedies

The chickpea, scientific name Cicer arietinum, is a plant of the Fabaceae family, whose seeds are the second most consumed legume in the world, chickpeas indeed! Cultivated in more than 50 countries, we can find chickpeas in every supermarket, in dried form or even already cooked, in cans or glass j

What we eat affects our health, but so does the combination of foods we introduce into the body. In fact, combining different foods, spices or drinks can create precious synergies that maximize the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such as the case of tomatoes cooked in extra virgin oliv

A glass of kombucha a day keeps diabetes away. In fact, this seems to be the effect of this delicious drink, as emerges from a very recent research published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition by a group of American scientists from Georgetown University's School of Health, the University of Nebra

If you want to protect your liver and avoid liver disease one of the best ways to do this is to avoid frequently drinking sugary beverages. This is what emerges from a very recent scientific research published in the JAMA journal thanks to the work of a team of American scientists from Brigham and W

Visceral fat is a condition that diets, exercises, yoga, and supplements aim to counteract. The reason is soon explained. We are not talking about an aesthetic problem but a potential health risk, always in the long term and if not properly treated. Unfortunately, the fat that causes an increase in

What to eat and drink to take care of our liver, helping it purify the body of toxins and preventing any damage to it? Today we talk about this very interesting topic referring to a review published in the journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine by a Chinese team (Guan et al, E

Fasting to lose weight? Bad idea. This method, in fact, not only does not make you lose weight and does not bring any benefit in terms of circulating cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure, but it can also reduce muscle mass. This emerges from a very recent review that appeared in the journal N

Water is essential for life and we humans are certainly no exception. We need water to regulate body temperature, support digestion, carry nutrients and waste products through the blood, lubricate joints, protect kidneys, keep eyes healthy and regulate blood pressure. Ensuring an adequate supply of

Anxiety, stress, sadness and depression are conditions that, perhaps more than others, are typical of our time. But help to face and contrast them comes from a well-known spice, saffron! In fact, saffron has been shown to reduce stress levels and to improve mood. This emerges from two very recent sc

Discovered the best combination of spices to protect the liver and counteract liver damage caused by various factors, including heavy metals, medicines, alcohol and aflatoxins. This synergy is offered by rosemary and turmeric, which, together, enhance their properties and prove to be valid allies in

Cinnamon is a spice that is obtained from the bark of trees of the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon sticks are just pieces of bark that are rolled up and dried. Cinnamon can also be found in powder form, easier to add to desserts, smoothies, fruit salads and yogurt, or in the form of essential oil to inha

Turmeric is a precious spice for our health, more and more scientific studies prove it. And today we are talking about the results of two very recent researches, published a few days ago and that demonstrate that turmeric protects the muscles from the risk of sarcopenia and fights cancer, especially

A past Sars-Cov-2 infection, an unbalanced diet, stress, gut dysbiosis, a large use of medicines, overweight, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle and cigarette smoke. These are some of the causes that can ignite inflammation in our body with possible damage, even very serious. Today let's see what our wea

When the temperatures rise outside, it is normal to feel more tired. It is a normal event even in perfectly healthy people, caused by an increase in sweating, by stress accumulated during the year, but also by free radicals due to greater exposure to UV rays (Fujii et al, Environ Res, 2015). Luckily

Toxins and medicines can damage the kidneys. But, as always, nature helps by offering a powerful ally for the health of these very important organs, saffron! So let's try to understand better by analyzing a recent review published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences (Zarei et al, Iran J

In spring, it is known, some ailments can get worse. As can happen with allergic asthma, with tiredness, but also with gastrointestinal problems, such as acid reflux, which was the subject of an article published recently, or intestinal disorders, which we will discuss today. During this period, dis

Drive away sadness and counteract anxiety and stress… by eating, this is the dream of everybody. But is there a food capable of bringing these benefits? It certainly seems so and we are talking about fermented foods, as emerges from a very recent study that was presented a few days ago at the annual

Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, but also raisins, dates, prunes and dried figs, the anti-cancer table is enriched with these precious allies for our health. But let's try to understand better by analyzing the results of a recent review published in the journal Nutrients thanks to a collaboration betwee

Rejuvenating, reducing the risk of getting sick even against genetic mutations that we can present and having a brain as if we were 20 years younger, all of this is possible with nutrition. What has been said is demonstrated by three very recent and very interesting scientific studies, which we are

Bring the water to a boil, add the salt and the pasta, an action that everyone makes several times a week. But we need to pay attention and take some precautions, otherwise the risk is the development of toxic and carcinogenic substances, which would then end up on the plate and from there into our

Pain in the joints, muscles, nerves or ligaments, headaches, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal inflammation all have pain in common that, when it does not go away and lasts more than three months, is considered chronic. Chronic pain is a common condition that c

Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep and not very regenerating sleep that makes us wake up already tired in the morning, turmeric helps to counteract these sleep disorders. A recent scientific research, in fact, has demonstrated the benefits of turmeric on sleep quality and has also been able to expl

Ginger is a remedy that is gaining considerable fame and more and more people are choosing it to prepare fragrant infusions capable of stimulating the immune system. But is it really so? Can ginger really strengthen our defenses and protect us from attacks by viruses and bacteria? The study we are t

What are superfoods? Are there really such miraculous foods that deserve this name? The term superfood is very generic and indicates foods, such as fruit, vegetables or seeds, which have a high content of vitamins, mineral salts, omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants that are beneficial to health and

Ginger tea is fragrant, warming and pleasantly spicy, but freshly grated ginger on salads, fish or vegetable side dishes is also a delicious, fresh and appetizing note! The strength of ginger, however, is that this slightly bizarre root is also a concentrate of active ingredients, beneficial for hea

Spices are precious allies in the kitchen! And we're not just talking about their contribution in terms of color and aromas, but also, and above all, about health. In fact, adding spices to culinary preparations can help keep blood sugar and triglycerides under control, even when the meal is abundan

Against gastritis, colitis and anxiety we have a new ally, moringa oleifera! In fact, both the seeds and the leaves of this miraculous plant, which is not called the tree of life for nothing, have been shown to counteract gastric ulcers, to protect the mucous membranes of the stomach and colon and t

Parties and large meals leave pleasant memories of joyful laughs but also ... a few extra pounds and an increase in cholesterol and triglycerides. How to counteract the effects of delicious dishes, really tasty but, alas, often too rich in fat and sugar? To do this, however, it is certainly not nece

Cholesterol, when in excess, is bad, this is a known fact, but within the right limits it is essential for life, being involved in various biological processes necessary for life. In fact, cholesterol is present in cell membranes, ensuring their stability, participates in the synthesis of some hormo

Too much stress, anxiety and nervousness? Perhaps the cause is to be found in the diet and, in particular, in the amount of salt that is taken every day. This is the result of a very recent scientific research published in the journal Cardiovascular Research by a team from the United Kingdom of the

You should never overdo it with salt, even if you have normal blood pressure or even for short periods of time. In fact, our body can react with an exaggerated increase in blood pressure, which can put health at risk. A very recent scientific research, published by researchers at Vanderbilt Universi

The shorter and cooler days immediately make you want spicy, warm and fascinating aromas, reminiscent of home and love, like cinnamon! And then cinnamon is also the ingredient of various preparations typical of this period, such as apple strudel or pumpkin pies. But cinnamon doesn't just give dishes

We move, we walk, we bring our hands where we want without thinking about what allows us to perform these gestures, the muscles. Protecting muscles and maintaining their mass therefore appears to be of vital importance for the health and quality of our life. Turmeric has been shown to be a powerful

Today we'll try to understand why it is so important to take care of the health of the colon. Inflammations, pathogens, stress and poor nutrition can put a strain on the health of this organ with consequences that do not only affect digestion. In fact, our mood, memory, immune system, heart and even

As precious as gold, fragrant and aromatic, we are talking about saffron, a well-known spice used all over the world. But one more reason to add saffron to our dishes is offered by two scientific articles that show that this spice is also a powerful anticancer, capable of counteracting cellular dege

Losing weight while eating is everyone's dream. Is maintaining your body weight or counteracting overweight without dietary sacrifices a dream or reality? In recent times we hear more and more often about foods with negative calories, the consumption of which would lead to weight loss. But is it rea

To reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride values, we now know we can also rely on fenugreek! The cholesterol-lowering properties of this spice are reported by numerous scientific studies, as evidenced by two very recent reviews that also propose an explanation of the mechanisms of action of fenugre

Against colitis comes a new, powerful remedy given by a blend of herbs that we can easily find in shops. This is what emerges from a research published a few weeks ago in the journal Frontiers in Immunology by a Japanese team (Shi et al, Frontiers in Immunology, Jun 2022). Colitis, what it is -

Everyone likes a dessert, it cannot be denied. And with the increase in cases of obesity and diabetes, the use of sweeteners, such as aspartame, stevia or saccharin, capable of bringing the sweetness of sugar to the food but with a reduced amount of calories and without weighing on blood sugar, real

Against the more severe effects of Covid 19, keep your blood pressure under control. In fact, as emerges from a very recent scientific research published by an American team of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in the journal Hypertension, hypertension increases the risk of hospitalizat

A couple of tablespoons added to breakfast cereals or a cup eaten on its own, yogurt is a delicious food that, when it comes to having breakfast or a snack, really makes everyone agree. And from today we know that we have one more reason to eat yogurt! In fact, yogurt helps lower blood pressure in t

It is called the golden spice or the Indian saffron, we are talking about turmeric, used and appreciated for centuries. But, perhaps, only in recent years have we really been able to get an idea of how important this spice is. In fact, numerous scientific researches have been dedicated to turmeric a

We hear a lot about detox programs to rid the body of toxins. But what exactly are these toxins, how do we find them inside of us and, above all, do these programs work? We try to clarify based, as always, on scientific studies. Toxins, what they are and how they enter our body - Pollution leaves

Chili pepper for a long life, it really needs to be said! In fact, as emerges from a research published recently in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, by an Italian team of the Mediterranean Neurological Institute of Pozzilli Neuromed, regularly consuming dishes containing chili pepp

Against cellulite, water retention and stagnation there is a method that smells of herbs and spices, which tastes of ancient traditions, but whose effectiveness has been proven by science. Let's talk about the Thai herbal compress. The Thai herbal compress consists of a bag containing a mixture of h

Hypertension is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Not only that, prolonged long-term hypertension has an impact on cognitive function and on the risk of developing dementia over the years. Unfortunately, high blood pressure is a problem that will grow and affect more and more

It is called red gold and, judging by its incredible properties for health, it is truly precious. We are talking about saffron, a spice with an anti-inflammatory action, it is able to save the eyesight, also useful in case of insomnia. And from today, we know that saffron also helps improve mood, co

In one of his travel reports, Christopher Columbus talks about a spice widely used in Espaniola, today's Haiti, where he had landed a few days before. This spice, writes Christopher Columbus, was characterized by a much higher quality than pepper and was added in all culinary preparations, none excl

The caravan proceeded slowly, enlivened by the ancient songs of the camel drivers. The merchandise was loaded on the backs of the animals and included fabrics, spices, whose aromas impregnated the nostrils of those who approached them, perfumes, but also fruits, including large orange spheres with a

The health of our brains also depends on what we eat. In fact, more and more scientific evidence shows that a diet rich in polyphenols is able to improve cognitive function and prevent its decline. A very recent review has collected the results of previous studies to allow us to understand the benef

The computer screen shows the digital image of an old newspaper, kept in the library of the University of Innsbruck. The pages are ancient, yellowed by time, and the Gothic writing on the header shows the date, December 29, 1888. Pieces of news of the time are reported, but one page in particular at

We often follow a diet rich in fats and sugars, we move little, we lead stressful lives. All this contributes to unbalancing the energy balance, in other words the energy we put into the body is greater than the energy we use. As a consequence, we accumulate fat and here the doors open to conditions

For the Maya it was chacauhaa, the drink made with cocoa and heated water. In Maya language, haa means water and chacau hot. We are talking about the first hot chocolate, the food of the gods, which, according to the Spanish leader Hernan Cortes, was able to support a man on the march for a whole da

During the holidays it is easy to exceed with large meals, desserts and snacks between meals. The results, however, are coming really fast, with digestive problems, heartburn, heaviness and overworked liver. Thankfully, we have valuable natural allies at our disposal that can help rebalance blood su

Ginger has a proven anti-inflammatory and pain relieving action, useful, for example, in case of arthritis and muscle pain. From today we know that ginger can also become a precious ally in case of migraines, both with and without aura. This emerges from a very recent review published in The America

In these days that separate us from Christmas, the festive air is impregnated with fascinating aromas, among which cinnamon stands out. But cinnamon is not only an essential ingredient for cookies, sweets or fruit salads, it is also an essential ingredient for our health! In fact, as emerged from sc

From today we have a new ally to protect muscle mass and counteract the risk of sarcopenia, rosemary. In fact, rosemary leaves, thanks to their active ingredient, carnosol, have been shown to stimulate muscle growth. This emerged thanks to a very recent scientific research published in the journal N

Few ingredients, but simple and beneficial and above all that you can find in the kitchen or at the supermarket. These are the face masks of the month of December that take care of both mature skin with dark spots and impure, oily and acne-prone skin. These masks recall the festive air you breathe i

Fragrant and tantalizing, spices enrich our dishes. But they are also a valuable source of health-promoting properties. Until now, the action of spices has always been studied individually and for short periods, but what happens when several spices are consumed together for a long period of time, as

Acid reflux, accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms such as aerophagia, acid regurgitation, nausea, cramps, stomach pain or even asthma in predisposed people, is a condition that can happen frequently. However, some precautions, lifestyle changes and foods can help prevent or mitigate acidity and

Rejuvenate… by eating! Yes, because eating is not only a pleasure but also a powerful medicine, if you choose the most colorful and antioxidant-rich foods. In fact, eating colorful foods and especially fruit, vegetables and spices rich in flavonoids has allowed to rejuvenate the brain by reducing th

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 pl

Today we talk about beauty cosmetics that take us back in time, on the spice trade. Large ships that sailed the seas, passing through the Moluccas, circumnavigating India until reaching Europe with their precious cargo of spices, especially black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and, finally, cloves. And it

Stress, anxiety, drugs and a sedentary lifestyle, also related to the situation we have lived and are experiencing, can contribute to the accumulation of toxins in the body, which reacts by activating the inflammatory response. This inflammation, however, tends to be chronic, tires and burdens the b

Visceral fat is the fat located in the abdomen, the classic pot belly. This fat is not inert but can increase cardiovascular risk and inflammation. So how to reduce the waistline? A help seems to come from tai chi, a practice that combines martial arts, movement and meditation, as emerges from a rec

Nature already offers us everything we need to take care of our skin. Flowers, plants, herbs and spices can be precious beauty allies, helping to combat acne, delay the formation of wrinkles, but also soothe irritation and sunburn. There are also valuable and powerful natural remedies against the fo

Healthy and balanced diet, a moderate physical activity, everything helps to combat obesity. From today, however, we have at our disposal one more ally against overweight and conditions related to overweight such as increased inflammation and high cholesterol, ginger! This emerges from a recent scie

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, th

Is it possible to reverse or slow down the graying process of the hair? We saw in a previous article that, sometimes, in case of a great stress, the hair can turn white and that, when the stressful period is over, the same white hair can return to its natural color. In general, however, apart from t

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 metabol

Against insomnia? Saffron! Thanks to previous studies it had already been possible to hypothesize the calming action of this spice, capable of promoting a good rest. However, the research was always based on personal feelings on the part of the study participants and never on objective data. This is

According to an ancient Aztec legend, it was Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, who brought the first cocoa plant to earth and taught men how to make a special spiced drink, the first chocolate drink! Over the centuries the fame of cocoa has grown even if for a long time cocoa has been seen ju

Inflammation is the defense mechanism that our body activates in case of infection and goes away when its action is no longer necessary, that is, when the threat has been defeated. And so far everything works perfectly. Sometimes, however, particular conditions trigger low-level and chronic inflamma

It is estimated that one third of the world's current population is overweight or obese. The problem is that obesity alters various body functions and, in the long run, increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease but also cancer. This is why researchers are focusing thei

With its strong and enveloping aroma, oregano has earned a prominent place on our tables, added to pizza and salads, to flavor mozzarella or meat dishes. Its essential oil is also commonly used to enrich cosmetic products and lotions to clean surfaces since it is believed that oregano oil has antiba

Gastroesophageal reflux is a very common condition. For example, it is estimated that it can affect as many as 30% of the American population and that half of the world's adult population will have symptoms related to reflux at some point in their lifetime. Reflux can lead to pain, fatigue, a burnin

Today we are talking about mint tea, a tea that, with its fresh and fascinating scent, speaks of distant and exotic lands. But peppermint tea is also a healthy drink, let’s speak about its properties on the basis of scientific research. Peppermint tea, properties - Mint leaves, scientific na

An anti obesity spice? Ginger, as emerges from a very recent scientific research published in the British Journal of Nutrition by a Brazilian team (Luciano et al, BJN, Dec 2020).Obesity is connected to various conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems and arteriosclerosis. N

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

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,

Bixa orellana, or achiote, is a shrubby plant of the Bixaceae family and is native to South America although nowadays its seeds can be found and purchased almost everywhere. From its seeds, in fact, a red orange dye is obtained, called annatto, widely used in cosmetics, such as lipsticks, or in food

There are aromas that make you feel immediately at home, wherever you are, and that calm you and bring serenity. I think that the scent of cinnamon is one of them. Just close your eyes and smell the spice in order to bring to mind images of warmth and family. A pinch of cinnamon makes the aroma of a

Nutrition can help support the immune system against all kinds of external threats, from cancers to infections, including the novel coronavirus. We have already seen, in previous articles, the beneficial role of vitamin D, zinc and some antioxidants such as quercetin. Today, thanks to a very recent

Sarcopenia is an age-related disease that leads to an increasing reduction in muscle mass and strength. As we age, we tend to lose muscle and our ability to move also deteriorates. In a previous article we saw that adequate levels of vitamin C can help to counter this condition, today we see the res

Oregano, scientific name Origanum vulgare, is an aromatic plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, highly appreciated for cooking as a scented spice. A pinch of oregano perfumes and enriches different types of culinary preparations, such as sauces, bruschetta, pizzas or salads. But oregano not only

Star anise, scientific name Illicium verum, is an evergreen plant characterized by woody fruits formed by 8-12 lobes arranged in a star with a seed inside each lobe. It is precisely this form that gives the name to the star anise plant. The star anise fruits are used in herbal medicine for their car

Eggs are ingredients widely used in cooking, both alone or together with flour and sugar to prepare delicious cakes. In fact, in addition to being versatile, the eggs are also characterized by interesting healthy properties. However, sometimes, as we will see, there is the need to replace them in th

Prediabetes is a condition whereby blood sugar levels are higher than normal. This state can lead, in the long run, to type 2 diabetes, the typical diabetes of adulthood. Spices, and in particular cinnamon, appear to be an effective remedy for fighting prediabetes. This emerges from a very recent st

The beauty remedy we will talk about today tastes of spices and flowers, we’ll propose you a mask for face and body of the Indian tradition. This mask, called ubtan, is a true regenerating cuddle well known and appreciated by Indian women from ancient times to the present. And given its benefits, th

The brain should be nourished and kept in training to ensure a plastic and adaptable mind, able to regenerate itself throughout our life. Diet, moderate exercise, herbs, spices and herbal teas help to protect the brain, improve memory and connections between neurons. But also the lifestyle, namely a

For a long time, the belief was that the brain could not regenerate and that the neurons, once lost, were unrecoverable during the natural and normal aging process. But scientists have had to revise this idea so much so that the word neuroplasticity was coined to indicate how the brain is not actual

What causes aging of the skin? Essentially three processes, which are oxidation, caused, for example, by the sun's rays, but also by cigarette smoke and pollution, then the chronic inflammation of the tissues, also in this case a role is played by the damage of the UV rays, and finally the glycation

Taking care of ourselves is a little attention, a cuddle that we can dedicate to our person. What to do when the hairdresser is closed and our hair requires treatments because there is a regrowth, the hair appears dull or we see some white or grey hairs? Natural remedies can be helpful also in this

This is the time to take care of the garden! Taking care of plants, seeing them grow, bloom and then reap the fruits is healing, puts you in a good mood, removes bad thoughts and empowers the mind leaving it free to draw on its talents and resources. Because it is these resources that help us overco

A strong and healthy immune system protects us from external attacks by viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. That's why it's important to take care of it. How? With lifestyle, therefore not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, reducing chronic stress, practicing moderate physical activity, yoga and

History gives us a woman with a strong and determined character, who, at the age of only 21 and at the seventh month of pregnancy, crossed Rome on horseback to occupy, on behalf of her husband Girolamo Riario who instead had preferred to wait for the events fearful of the situation, Castel Sant’Ange

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 medic

With a scented and fascinating aroma cinnamon is a spice that can make yummier snacks, breakfasts and cakes. You just have to add a pinch of cinnamon to the yogurt, to the filling of the dessert, to the coffee or to the chocolate in order to give a special and also, according to scientific studies,

Ginger, scientific name Zingiber officinale, is a plant of the Zingiberaceae family native to the Far East but nowadays widely known all over the world. The part of ginger that we use is the fleshy and fragrant rhizome, fresh, sliced or grated, in the dried form as a powder or even in the form of ca

How many creams rich in ingredients we apply on our skin every day, often without reading the INCI, the label that, by law, must contain the substances that make up a cosmetic product. However, it is possible to resort to ancient traditions and realize that, often, in just a few steps and with a few

Curry leaves … no, we are not speaking about the famous spice to season rice and sauces but about real leaves of a plant called curry, scientific name Murraya koenigii. The plant belongs to the Rutaceae family, the same as bergamot, oranges, lemons and rue, and is native to India where it is a very

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 importan

Okinawa is a Japanese archipelago composed by 161 lush islands surrounded by a crystal-clear sea. But Okinawa is also the country of centenarians with people that show one of the longest lifespan all over the world. The interesting thing is that in Okinawa the people live so long but also healthy,

Saffron is a spice obtained from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower that belongs to the Iridaceae family. We know saffron as a culinary ingredient but this spice, as taught by Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, can also be a precious beauty ingredient. The proof is in fact the kumkumad

From the stigmas of the flowers of Crocus sativus the saffron spice is obtained, scented and so precious that it has been nicknamed yellow gold. Saffron has also important healthy properties and it is considered a powerful antioxidant able to counteract obesity and diabetes. But saffron seems also t

Turmeric, scientific name Curcuma longa, is a plant native to Asia. Its orange root is characterized by amazing healthy properties and can be found as a powder or whole root. Thanks to an active substance, the curcumin, the spice shows antimicrobial properties, thus resulting useful to counteract vi

Safflower, scientific name Carthamus tinctorius, is a plant belonging to the Asteracae family and native to the East. It may be used as a substitute of saffron since these two spices are similar. From the seeds of safflower an oil with interesting healthy and cosmetic properties is obtained. In this

Indian chai tea is not just a modern trend but it is a healthy aromatic drink with a very ancient tradition, dating back more than 5000 years ago. This tea is made with black tea, milk and a mixture of spices, including ginger, cardamom, pepper and cinnamon, which make it a digestive, anti-inflammat

It all started with the observation that Indian people who eat habitually turmeric show a lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and better cognitive performances in elderly. Science has begun to study this spice and the results of the researches have highlighted a powerful anti-inflammatory and an

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

Today we speak about an amazing plant based oil of the ancient Ayurveda tradition, Kumkumadi Tailam, that you can easily found in herbalist’s shops and online and use to improve the skin appearance, to counteract acne and wrinkles and to attenuate eye bags and dark circles. The word kumkumadi means

Hibiscus tea, the infusion obtained from the flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa, is the tea that reminds of the sand dunes, of magic and fascinating landscapes, fragrances and spices from faraway lands, the tea of the desert used by the Bedouins during their long travels, it is a ruby red tea and also a

Curry is a mix of spices originating from India. This orange-yellow powder is obtained by crushing different spices and the composition of the mix varies on the basis of the type of curry, less or more spicy, and of the Country. In fact, this high aromatic mix is now widespread in all the South Est

In the latest posts we have focused the attention on the fat burning foods because, according to scientific researches, the adipose tissue, especially if localized on the waistline, may result a problem for health since it has been shown to worsen the chronic inflammations (You et al, Curr Diabetes

Today we will see a new chapter dedicated to that foods that, with different mechanisms, may help us fight obesity and abdominal fat. These conditions indeed can be really dangerous because they feed chronic inflammations in the body thus creating the ideal environment for several illnesses. In this

Choosing the foods to put on the table is not irrelevant to our health and some foods may be really useful to counteract overweight and the fat localized on the waistline. This type of fat indeed is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat because, according to scientific studies, it acts like an endocr

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

Counteracting obesity, especially if the fat is localized on the waistline, is a question of health rather than aesthetics. In fact, several scientific studies have observed that the fat, and in particular abdominal fat, is not inert but an organ able to produce hormones and pro-inflammatory substan

In the previous post dedicated to the fat burning diet we have introduced that an excess of fat, especially localized around the waistline, may be a dangerous enemy for our health. The adipose tissue indeed, and in particular when it accumulates on the belly, isn’t inert but a true organ that produc

According to science, chronic inflammations are among the main causes of aging and connected illnesses such as arthritis, rheumatism, cancer, auto immune diseases and Alzheimer, as we have explained in the previous posts. Diet can be really helpful to soothe or remove inflammations. In particular, t

Inflammations are an amazing tools used by our body to counteract a threat to our health such as virus, bacteria, damaged cells or toxins. However, there is a form of inflammation that isn’t so beneficial, the chronic inflammation works silent, subtle, it doesn’t show external signs but creates the

Ghee, or clarified butter, is a type of butter where the proteins and the water have been removed. Ghee is an ingredient of traditional Indian cuisine and is used in place of butter and oil for cooking and frying because it is characterized by a high smoke point, comparable with that of olive oil, i

Mace is a spice native to the Moluccas obtained from the internal part of the fruit of a tree, Myristica fragrans. From the same tree is obtained also nutmeg that comes, on the contrary, from the seed and has a more intense and less sweet taste than mace. Mace has vitamins, such as A, C and group B,

Lassi is a very tasty and healthy drink made from yogurt, which is diluted in water and flavored. Very popular in India and an important ingredient in Ayurvedic tradition, lassi is easy to prepare and is really beneficial to our body. It is indeed able to improve digestion, increase appetite, regula

Paprika is a spice obtained from the pepper, Capsicum annuum, which is dried and then minced after the most inner white part and the seeds have been removed. It is precisely this step that differentiates paprika from chili powder, which is instead minced with all the seeds and the white part, called

Lovage, Levisticum officinale, is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. This perennial plant has leaves that are very similar to that of celery. The lovage has diuretic, anti-rheumatic, tonic, digestive and carminative properties and, above all, according to recent studies, it is able to mimic t

Cardamom is a spice whose scientific name is Elettaria, we know two varieties: green cardamom and black cardamom. Known since the time of Ancient Greeks and Romans, cardamom looks like a capsule containing the seeds, that are very fragrant. To use this spice the capsule should be broken and the seed

Cumin is an ingredient of curry, but it can be used also as a spice in order to give more flavor to dishes. Cumin contains antioxidants, it protects the stomach and the liver with an anti-cancer effect and it has important digestive and carminative properties against abdominal bloating and to stimul

Black pepper is a spice obtained from an Indian plant. If you add black pepper to your dishes, it will help digestion by stimulating the production of gastric juices and will also help the absorption of nutritive substances. Then, black pepper promotes sweating and toxins elimination, moreover bla

Oregano is not just a very tasty spice, but it has also antioxidant, antiseptic and antifungal properties. For this reason oregano is very helpful in case of skin infections or athlete’s foot. In addition to this properties, oregano gives also calm in case of stress, anxiety and tachycardia. The s

Marjoram is a spice that can make your dishes tastier. Add a pinch of marjoram for example to vegetables or omelets. Fresh marjoram - Marjoram is not only a tasty spice but has also healthy properties, in fact marjoram is able to aid digestion and can reduce fat metabolism. Add marjoram t

Turmeric is a spice characterized by incredible properties according to a lot of scientific studies. Turmeric helps in case of poor digestion since it stimulates the production of gastric juices. In addition to this turmeric has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, fortifies the immune syste

As spice – You can use a pinch of nutmeg in your dishes. Nutmeg indeed is able to stimulate blood flow and the heart. Use 2 - In case of diarrhea try to add to a glass of hot milk a pinch of nutmeg.

Tumeric, also called Indian saffron, is a yellow spice. Turmeric has a lot of properties, it is indeed one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory substances all over the world, then it is able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by making easy their apoptosis. It seems also to play an impo