B vitamins

The B vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that play an essential role in the functioning of the body's cells. In fact, they participate in the synthesis of DNA and guarantee the good health of the nervous and immune systems (Kennedy et al, Nutrients, 2016). Since the B vitamins are not stored in the body for a long time, they should be replenished regularly through a varied diet (Schellack et al, SAPJ, 2015). Following the Mediterranean diet has shown to increase the levels of m...

Cocoa

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...

Iron

Iron is an essential element for the human body since it plays a pivotal role in several life processes. Iron indeed participates in the formation of the red blood cells, in addition to this, it is a component of many enzymes such as that responsible for energy production. This trace element should be introduced though diet but not all the ingested iron is then absorbed by the body. In fact, the percentage of iron absorbed by the small intestine ranges from 5 to 35% on the basis of the condition...

Eggs

Eggs are well known and eaten all over the world, they are constituted by a protective shell, the yellow egg yolk and the egg white. The most common eggs are the chicken eggs but you can find also other types of eggs such as duck or quail eggs. It has been long debated whether or not eggs should be considered a nutritious food that cannot miss in a healthy diet. Some people in fact claim that eggs can cause high cholesterol and therefore cardiovascular diseases. Scientists are studying eggs in o...

Beetroot

Beetroot, also known as garden beet or red beet, scientific name Beta vulgaris, is a plant that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family and is characterized by an edible root with interesting healthy and nutritional properties. Beetroot indeed, especially if you eat it raw, is very rich in folate, has mineral salts such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, vitamins of groups B and C and water, very useful to counteract water retention. Thanks to these characteristics the beetroot ...

Water – How much should you drink?

When we speak about water, the basis of all the processes in our body, we can’t rely on our feelings. The initial stage of dehydration indeed can be misunderstood by our brain and we can feel hunger and not thirst. Then, the sense of thirst depends on age, in elderly is less pronounced, in addition to this and at any age we feel this sense only when we have lost 1-2% of the volume of liquid. But, in this situation, also the first effects of dehydration may occur, such as bad mood, tiredness, pro...

Water – Why it is essential

There isn’t a simpler and more efficient natural remedy than water. Water can be easily found everywhere, it flows from the taps at home, it can be bought in bottles but we often don’t give enough importance to it. Water is essential for the health of the body, this so precious liquid plays a role in carrying the nutritive substances to the cells and the toxins and wastes outside the body, water regulates the body temperature through sweating, is a shock absorber for organs such as the eye or t...

Muira puama

Muira puama is one of the names given to the Ptychopetalum Ovata, a medicinal plant that belongs to the Olacacee family and is native to Brazil. Muira puama, that translated means wood of power, refers to the tonic, rejuvenating and aphrodisiac properties of the remedy. Muira puama is therefore used in case of general fatigue, tiredness, exhaustion, depression but also loss of libido. This last effect in particular has also been confirmed by several scientific studies, such as the research publi...

Wheat germ

Wheat germ is a part of the caryopsis of the wheat, or Triticum aestivum. Although rich in nutrients, this part is removed together with the bran during grinding to obtain white flour. Wheat germ contains vitamins, such as vitamins from group B and E, which is a powerful antioxidant useful against free radicals and aging processes, mineral salts such as calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, but also folic acid, fibers and fatty acids omega 3, important to control cholesterol levels in the b...

Satureja

Satureja, also called savory, belongs to the Labiatae family. The name comes from satyr because of the aphrodisiac properties of the plant well known also by ancient Greeks, who dedicated satureja to Dionysos, the Greek god of grape harvest, wine and ritual madness. Savory has tonic, energizing, antifermentative, digestive, expectorant, against diarrhea, diuretic and aphrodisiac properties, the last reported also by the well known French herbalist Messèguè. Use this remedy in case of asthenia, ...

Pine nuts

Pine nuts are the edibles seeds of certain varieties of pines, such as the domestic pine. Widely used in preparations such as pesto alla Genovese sauce or castagnaccio, a typical chestnut flour cake eaten in some regions in Italy, the pine nuts contain vitamins such as vitamin A, B, C and E, and mineral salts, such as phosphorous, calcium, zinc, magnesium and potassium. The antioxidants of the pine nuts help against aging processes and to protect the cardiovascular system, while the lutein, also...

Ginseng

Ginseng is a plant from the Araliaceae family and is known for its stimulant, tonic and energizing properties for the body. Ideal against stress or in cases of debilitated and tired body, it helps the body to adapt himself, it fortifies the immune system and improves memory, reflexes and concentration. Ginseng has also an hypoglycemic action, which helps to keep your blood sugar under control, and aphrodisiac properties. You can find the ginseng as mother tincture, in this case you can take 30 d...

Mango

The mango is a fruit that grows in the tropical areas, it is very tasty and has important healthy benefits. The mango, indeed, contains vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamins of group B and the vitamin C, it is able to strengthen the immune system and it is important for the sight, the bronchi and the breathing. Mango contains also mineral salts, especially potassium and magnesium, in this way this fruit is very helpful to fight the tiredness. The mango helps to lose weight, by avoiding the for...

Cardus marianus

Cardus marianus, also called milk thistle or Marian thistle, is a tonic for the body, ideal during periods of stress, it is also able to stimulate the appetite and is a remedy against weakness and tiredness, fever and illnesses of the liver such as cirrhosis, hepatitis or other problems caused by excess of alcohol and medicines, because cardus marianus can purify and protect this gland. In addition to this, it is very useful in case of heavy period, nose bleeds but also wounds and it has an eff...

Apple

Apple, if eaten with the peel, is able to lower the cholesterol levels and to regulate the blood sugar. This fruit is also rich in antioxidants. If eaten raw it is astringent but if eaten cooked has laxative action against constipation. It contains the vitamin B1, that counteracts the loss of appetite and tiredness, and the vitamin B2, that aids digestion and strengthens hair and nails. The apple also contains fluoride, that strengthens teeth and protects them from tooth decay....