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They contain essential vitamins and minerals – and yet sweet fruit and savory vegetables do not regularly end up on Germans’ plates. Just under a third manage to consume the recommended amount of 400 grams of fruit and vegetables.

Germans eat too little fruit and vegetables

Germans eat just 289 grams of fruit and vegetables a day – clearly too little according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It recommends 400 grams of fruit and vegetables a day. A quantity that is consumed by only a third of the population.

27 percent of the women surveyed eat the recommended amount – for men, on the other hand, the figure is only 20 percent. This is now the result of the government’s response to a request from the Greens politician Bärbel Höhn, as quoted by the magazine “Spiegel”.

Fruits and vegetables are so healthy

Apples, pears, and the like not only taste great, but they also provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals. Above all, vitamin C is well represented in many varieties. It strengthens the immune system and is involved in many metabolic processes. In addition, they are low in fat and calories and high in fiber, which makes the fruits a healthy filler.

Cucumber, cabbage, and co. also fill you up thanks to their high fiber content. Legumes also provide high-quality vegetable protein, which is particularly important for vegetarians and vegans. The good ingredients of the vegetables ensure a healthy intestinal flora and fill up the mineral account. Whether nibbled on their own or mixed in smoothies: consuming delicious fruit and vegetables is not that difficult!

Perhaps you haven’t eaten persimmons all too often? The orange fruit is still relatively unknown but is becoming more and more popular. Whether in smoothies, oatmeal, or as a fruity side dish in warm pan dishes, persimmons can be used in many ways. With its sweet taste, it gives every dish a light, fruity note. But how do you prepare the persimmons properly and can you eat the skin of a persimmon?

What actually is a persimmon?

The orange fruit has its origins in Asia and is also known as persimmon or persimmon. The persimmon that you can find in fruit displays these days is a refined form of persimmon and is called Sharon. The skin of the Sharon is thinner and the fruit does not contain any seeds. The persimmon cultivar is grown in all countries with a warmer climate, such as Italy or Spain. The size and shape of the persimmon are very similar to that of an apple. The riper a persimmon is, the sweeter its delicious taste. You can find more information about the ingredients and nutritional values ​​of a persimmon here in our product information on persimmons.

How do you eat persimmon?

The skin of the refined persimmon cultivar can be eaten without any problems. However, you should first wash them thoroughly under cold water and gently rub them dry. Like an apple, cut the persimmon lengthwise in half and remove the green stalk. Depending on the intended use, the fruit can now be quartered or diced. The persimmons can also be sliced ​​and served as a fruity topping for cream cheese on breakfast bread. The fruity-sweet note of the orange fruit is also ideal for baking.

A study has now determined why you should never eat raw dough and how dangerous it can be.

Raw dough causes nausea and stomach ache? – The flour may be the culprit

The risk of salmonella infection is well known, but this is not the case with E. coli from raw dough. According to an American study, flour can trigger a life-threatening intestinal infection. E. coli can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps. These bacteria get into grain, for example, via fertilizer or animal excrement.
The so-called E. coli bacteria (Escherichia coli)
According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), if floury dough and other dishes are baked at these high temperatures for at least two minutes, consumption is already safe.

With these tips, you can snack on dough without hesitation

Our tips:
If you bake with children, you cannot prevent one or two snacks. Therefore, it is best to bake a dough
If you use nut flour
Make sure your ingredients are organic
However, if you are pregnant or generally have a sensitive stomach, you should stick to the baked cookies.
If you want to snack on the dough without hesitation, then the “Cookie Dough” food trend is also suitable. This dough is without eggs and often also without flour. In addition, it does not contain any leavening agents. This cookie dough is deliberately intended for raw consumption and tastes just as good.

In terms of sustainability and fishing methods, the popular edible fish is increasingly being criticized. The MSC has now released a report on global tuna fisheries. We present the results to you.

Whether as a delicious salad topping, sophisticated sushi filling, or crispy fried: tuna is not only versatile in preparation but also unique in taste. So it is not surprising that tuna now ranks fourth among the most popular food fish in Germany, with a market share of 15 percent.

Fish consumption has also increased globally, with global tuna catches having increased twelvefold since 1959. In terms of sustainability, new questions are now coming to the fore with the increased consumption of the protein-rich edible fish: What is the status of global tuna stocks? How sustainable is the tuna supply? Should we give up tuna for the sake of the environment?

That’s the situation with tuna stocks

Tuna is now increasingly associated not only with delicious recipes but also with the issue of overfishing, as a recent opinion poll by INSA Consulere shows. However, it is important to differentiate between the individual tuna species when it comes to overfishing.

There are a total of seven major tuna species, each of which is divided into several stocks – the conditions vary depending on the species and stock. While all stocks of skipjack tuna are considered healthy and not overfished, the situation for yellowfin tuna is different. This species of tuna is considered overexploited in the Indian Ocean stocks.

Whether it’s fresh, frozen, or canned, as tuna consumption increases, so does the pressure on tuna stocks and their habitat. Overall, out of 23 tuna stocks worldwide, 15 are currently in good condition and 3 are considered overfished. But this situation is fragile because there are still no clear rules on fishing. Therefore, pay attention to the type of tuna and the respective origin when you buy it.

Tuna supply and sustainability

When it comes to sustainability, the German retail sector in particular has a lot of catching up to do. A market analysis commissioned by the MSC found that 90 percent of the tuna sold in Germany comes from non-controlled and traceable fisheries. Thus, no statements can be made about the catches of these fisheries, possible bycatch, or appropriate stock size.

Stefanie Kirstie, head of the MSC Germany/Austria/Switzerland, therefore calls for independent labeling of the origin, fishing methods, and sustainability of the tuna sold in retail. Because “sustainability needs transparency, traceability, and independent controls!” says Kirstie.

71 percent of the tuna consumed in Germany comes from a can. Especially with particularly cheap canned tuna, the sustainability deficit is enormous. As a result, the MSC calls in its tuna report to exclude special offers and rock-bottom prices for tuna products.

Strengthen the immune system, eat lean and then they are also good for the heart and the intestines: berries are real power fruits and absolutely essential for a healthy diet.

Blueberries and currants: That’s why they’re so healthy

The little fruits are real superfoods that you should not do without.
We introduce you to the five great benefits of berries.

1. Berries are good for the immune system

If you want to strengthen your immune system, you should definitely rely on berries*! Because the sweet fruits are rich in valuable antioxidants that protect against many viruses, bacteria and free radicals. In this way, they ensure that the immune system is strengthened. Blueberries are of particular note: according to a study by the American Society for Nutrition, 100 grams of blueberries provide five times more antioxidants than the same amount of raspberries – up to 490 micrograms.

Dark blueberries can also do a lot for beauty, because they contain large amounts of vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamin C* is known, among other things, for driving collagen production, which is responsible for the skin being significantly plumped up becomes. It is most contained in blackcurrants – these contain a whopping 170 micrograms of vitamin C per 100 grams of berries. Vitamin E* is responsible, among other things, for scavenging free radicals. These free radicals are harmful and are caused by smoking, UV radiation or stress, among other things. Other substances in berries that strengthen the immune system are flavonoids, which also inhibit viruses and bacteria. They also support weight loss during a diet*.

2. Berries protect the intestines

Berries* not only strengthen the immune system due to the antioxidants they contain, they are also extremely beneficial for a healthy intestinal flora. A healthy intestinal flora* is always crucial for an intact immune system. If the intestinal flora is attacked, one falls ill more often with influenza infections, for example. Even those who suffer from diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome can cure themselves with the help of blueberries, as a study by the University of Lund revealed. The tannins and color pigments contained in the blueberries react with proteins in the mucous membranes and insoluble compounds are formed. This forms a kind of protective layer that has an anti-inflammatory and germ-killing effect.

As further studies show, the consumption of wild blueberry juice has a positive effect on bifidobacteria, which have a protective effect on the intestinal flora. These bifidobacteria keep harmful intestinal bacteria, as well as pathogens, away.

3. Berries lower blood sugar levels

Many diabetics ask themselves which fruit they are actually allowed to eat and what they should better avoid in order not to drive up the blood sugar level. In contrast to high-sugar fruits such as bananas, pineapples or grapes, berries* are very suitable. This is because berries have a comparatively very low glycemic index, meaning they have little effect on blood sugar levels.

Once again, the blueberry should be mentioned in the first place: the dark berry is even said to have an antidiabetic effect, i.e. it lowers blood sugar. It is responsible for lowering the general blood sugar level and for getting more sugar into the cells.

4. Berries are good for the heart

In addition to all these positive properties, berries* also increase heart health. In a diabetes study by the American Society for Nutrition, researchers found that blueberries reduced LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and adiponectin. At the same time, they increased HDL cholesterol, which is considered beneficial to health. In conclusion, daily consumption of blueberries is believed to be beneficial for heart health. You can thus prevent heart disease and lower cholesterol levels that are too high.

Another study shows that vascular functions can be improved by eating berries – in this case, primarily by eating raspberries and blueberries. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body, which can help prevent heart attacks.

5. Berries are great for dieting

Berries* are also ideal as part of a diet*. For example, you can prepare the berries as a smoothie* or smoothie bowl or mix them in muesli*. The delicious little fruits create a feeling of satiety relatively quickly and they also accelerate the metabolism, which makes the pounds tumble.

Since obesity is often a trigger for various diseases – for example heart disease or diabetes – it is advisable to eat healthily. Berries are perfect for this. The anthocyanins contained in the berries are also very important as they inhibit free radicals. After all, anyone who trains a lot – meaning their body is temporarily under heavy strain – should take care to avoid oxidative stress in the body, which in turn can lead to illness.

Should you peel potatoes or not? Many are unsure whether there are actually many vitamins under the skin. You can read everything you need to know about the potato and its skin here.

Potatoes: That’s why you should peel them in the future

In principle, according to the consumer center, potatoes can also be eaten with their skins on. However, this does not increase the health value. On the contrary: When eating the peel, there is a risk of absorbing increased amounts of solanine. The natural toxin mainly forms directly under the skin and in the sprouts. In order to keep the solanine content as low as possible, the potato plant must be stored correctly.

If stored incorrectly, the solanine content can increase to levels that are harmful to health and ultimately irritate the mucous membranes and damage the nerves. Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches are often the result.

Since solanine is heat-resistant and is also retained during cooking, roasting and deep-frying, it is advisable to always eat potatoes without their skins. In order to avoid major losses of vitamins and minerals, it makes sense to first boil the potatoes and then peel them.

Why are cherries so healthy? And why are the small fruits so important for pregnant women? Here you can find out everything about the cherry.

Eating cherries during pregnancy: why is the fruit important for the development of the unborn child?

The cherry is particularly recommended for women during pregnancy, as it also contains a lot of folic acid. Folic acid is necessary for cell division and responsible for blood formation.

If there is not enough folic acid in the body during pregnancy, this can have serious consequences for the unborn child. Because a folic acid deficiency can lead to deformities in children, since the first cells of the unborn child cannot divide properly.

Therefore, pregnant women in particular should use the small red vitamin bombs more often, ideally even daily. But even those who are not expecting a child should definitely include the cherry on their menu.

Healthy cherry recipes for every day

Anyone who thinks that cherries can only be eaten pure or as jam is wrong. The healthy power fruit offers completely different recipes and opportunities to let off steam in the kitchen*. The red fruits are particularly good in salads, with yoghurt and muesli for breakfast or as a healthy snack in the form of refreshing cherry and sour cream ice cream.

If you prefer something savory, you won’t miss out on the cherry either: balsamic cherry gnocchi with sage and olive oil, but also a spicy cherry chutney with onions and fresh ginger are hearty and healthy energy boosts.

So the cherry is an absolute superfood for everyone, but especially for pregnant women.

Potatoes develop sprouts after a few days of storage. These increase the amount of solanine in the tuber. Many are therefore wondering whether sprouted potatoes should be eaten at all – because solanine is poisonous.

Potatoes have natural toxin in skin and sprouts

Basically, potatoes are one of the staple foods. Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals. Their fat content is also low. The “German Society for Nutrition e.V.” therefore recommends “eating plenty of potatoes”.

However, potatoes are also rich in solanine – a toxic glycoalkaloid. It is a natural toxin that builds up just under the skin and especially in the sprouts. Solanine is also found under the skin of the potato, which is why you should peel potatoes in the future. The Bavarian consumer advice center therefore warns that the solanine content in “wrongly stored” potatoes in particular can rise to levels that are harmful to health.

If potatoes are stored at more than twelve degrees Celsius, the potato tubers often sprout prematurely. Like the green spots that appear when exposed to light, the shoots also contain poisonous solanine and other bitter substances.

Too much toxic solanine in sprouting potatoes

The more buds the potato has already formed, the more poison there is in the tuber. If potatoes are shriveled and soft due to incorrect storage, we should no longer eat them. The consequences are otherwise noticeable in irritated mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. These unpleasant symptoms can occur even after consuming as little as one milligram of solanine per body weight.

“Cutting away” the buds and liberally peeling the potatoes is often not enough, experts warn. Large areas of green or heavily sprouted potatoes should no longer be eaten. Eating unpeeled potatoes also increases the risk of consuming too much solanine.

Important: The cooking water from potatoes should not be used for anything else either. Because some of the solanine goes into the water.

Solanine is heat-resistant – it is better to cut off sprouts generously

Also treacherous: solanine is heat-resistant and remains largely intact even when cooking, roasting or deep-frying. Consumer advocates therefore advise buying potatoes in opaque packaging, such as paper bags, if possible. They should then be stored in a cool, dark place, for example in a cellar or pantry. If this is not possible, it is better to buy only small quantities and use them up quickly.

The rule of thumb is: If the germs are no more than one centimeter long, the solanine concentration is still low. If you cut off the sprouts generously, nothing stands in the way of consumption. If the sprouts are already very long – the tuber is densely covered with sprouts – it is better for the potato to go in the garbage. Potatoes with very green spots also contain a lot of solanine and should better be sorted out. It is often not enough to cut generously.

By the way: Solanine is also contained in other nightshade plants such as tomatoes. The bitter-tasting glycoalkaloid protects plants from predators.

Salt is a natural flavor enhancer and therefore indispensable in the kitchen. Unfortunately, most people eat too much of it. Too much salt can cause unpleasant symptoms that can lead to illness.

These symptoms appear when you eat too much or too little salt

Salt pulls water out of the cells to compensate for the increased salt concentration in the body, which manifests itself as thirst. The excess salt is excreted through the kidneys. In the long run, too much salt consumption can damage the kidneys. If you also drink too little, it can lead to vasoconstriction, which leads to high blood pressure. Vomiting and diarrhea are also typical symptoms, and in severe cases, the lack of water can even lead to cardiac and respiratory disorders. Physical signs of excessive salt consumption include:
Constant thirst (balance the water-salt balance by drinking)
Puffy face (salt binds water in the body, which accumulates in the cells)
weight gain (water retention)
Food tastes bland (taste buds become deadened, reduce salt intake to rejuvenate taste buds on the tongue)
Constant headaches (salt causes vasodilatation in the brain)
Kidney stones (increased salt concentration in the urine, crystals form)
High blood pressure (vasoconstriction makes the heart pump faster)
Weak immune system (low-salt diet boosts immune cells)
sleep disturbances (rise in blood pressure due to high sodium content)
Bloating (excess salt upsets fluid balance)
Too little salt in the body is of course just as unhealthy as too much salt. You can recognize sodium deficiency from symptoms that are very similar to those of excess salt: feeling unwell, headaches and muscle pain, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, cramps, loss of consciousness or intracranial pressure indicate a physical salt deficiency. This can be caused by frequent heavy sweating through sport or a visit to the sauna.

There is too much salt in these foods

Over 80 percent of daily salt consumption is in hidden form. Typical salt traps are ready meals such as fast food or pizza, which are not only unhealthy but also addictive. If we salt ourselves, we have a better overview of the quantity. But there are also unusual salt bombs in the daily diet. A lot of salt is hidden in these foods:
Finished products: pizza, canned meals, frozen meals, packet sauces
Sausage and meat: salami, cooked ham, meat sausage, beer ham, salmon ham
Packaged rolls and bread
Cheese: Gorgonzole, Feta, Gouda
Snacks: crackers, pretzel sticks, chips
So if you like to eat ready meals or hidden salt bombs frequently, you should take a look at the sodium content (salt content) the next time you go shopping and, for the sake of your health, opt for a lower-salt alternative.

Reduce salt consumption: low-salt alternatives

Of course, the optimal solution would be to cook for yourself several times a week in order to keep track of salt consumption. However, since many people do not want to do without certain finished products due to lack of time or lack of motivation, some lower-salt alternatives are very helpful in order not to exceed the daily dose of salt of around one teaspoon. There are these full-fledged alternatives to salt:

Finished products: Tarte flambée, tortellini, spaghetti with tomato sauce
Sausage and meat: cooked ham, turkey salami, mortadella, liver sausage or turkey breast
Cheese: cream cheese, Emmental, Camembert, mozzarella
Snacks: cheese pastries, puff pastry
Garlic has an antibacterial effect and strengthens blood circulation and the heart
Algae are the perfect source of iodine and taste salty
Celery naturally tastes salty
Soy sauce as a condiment
Yeast flakes have a cheesy note
Herbs or spice mixtures for a wide variety of dishes, completely without salt
A salt-free diet not only helps to prevent water retention in the body and thus relieves the heart, but also protects the taste buds. As a result, even a little seasoned food tastes delicious again. High blood pressure can also be reduced, and the risk of suffering a heart attack is also reduced by eating a low-salt diet.

Can Food Increase Pleasure in Bed? Yes, our diet actually has an impact on libido.

Increase libido: Better sex is also a matter of diet

“To seduce a person, all you have to do is serve the right food,” goes the old myth. Now many might think: A good meal might help to build a romantic mood, but not to have good sex.

But is that really true? No, because there are actually some foods that actually have a positive effect on our hormones and libido. For example, they produce more testosterone or stimulate blood circulation.

Some products can also be combined to get the maximum pleasure-enhancing effect.

#1 Ginger

In China, the ginger root has long been considered a herbal aphrodisiac. The pungent ingredient is used to invigorate or increase libido. It has an irritating and stimulating effect on sexual desire, sexual pleasure and the genitals. When drunk as a tea, the ginger root is mild, but when rubbed in, peeled or as an oil, it can enormously increase physical arousal and lead to a more intense orgasm.

#2 Cinnamon

Cinnamon is very popular in sweet dishes and Christmas treats. But to spice up your love life, the powder is also very good. In the past, the spice was used as a stimulant because cinnamon promotes the production of pheromones. These are endogenous hormones, which are also known as so-called sex messengers and thus increase sexual desire.

#3 Champagne

Champagne and other alcoholic beverages stimulate desire and reduce inhibitions. Small amounts have a sexually stimulating effect and increase hormone levels in women, which leads to a greater feeling of pleasure. In champagne, the carbon dioxide also stimulates the nerves in the tongue and mouth. But you shouldn’t overdo the alcohol consumption under any circumstances, because otherwise the shot will backfire. Incidentally, the champagne can be perfectly combined with a few pomegranate seeds, as these also sensitize the genitals.

#4 Chocolate

The Aztecs called chocolate “food of the gods” and even today the aphrodisiac effect of the cocoa bean is not disputed. The snacking leads to a release of endorphins. These form sex hormones and lead to a higher libido. To really get in the mood, the Aztec love potion would be a solution. Hot chocolate with real vanilla, because vanilla stimulates sexual desire.

#5 Spinach

This should be of particular interest to men, because spinach protects against constriction of the blood vessels due to its large proportion of iron and magnesium. As a result, the man lasts longer during the act and the blood circulation works properly.

#6 Chili

Spicy dishes with chili are best for stimulating blood circulation. The sharpness releases endorphins, which really get the blood pumping. The happy hormones also get the circulation going, which is a nice side effect. Chilies are often referred to as a natural aphrodisiac, but don’t overdo it or you’ll be sweating. Also, make sure you wash your hands before making love, otherwise it could get uncomfortable – for you and for your partner.

#7 Avocados

The trend fruit should not be missing in sex life either. The Aztecs referred to the avocado as “the fruit of the testicle tree” and even then considered it to increase lust. Due to the vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids it contains, the avocado stimulates blood circulation, but also stimulates the sense of irritation. The amino acid in the avocado is converted into the happiness hormone and thus creates exciting thoughts even before sex.

#8 Fish

Fish lovers will probably last longer in bed, because the omega-3 fatty acids ensure good blood circulation and prevent exhaustion. Salmon in particular makes you want to eat it for a long time and keeps lovemaking going for a lot longer. Thanks to the vitamin D it contains, the fish eater provides himself and his partner with inexhaustible, longer-lasting pleasure.

#9 Watermelon

It is already known that a melon is not only a delicious dessert, but is also considered healthy. But due to its high levels of amino acids, agricultural researchers at Texas A&M University found that it affects blood vessels throughout the body. The well-known summer snack will not only remain popular at the bathing lake, but will also be available as a dessert to take home on the evening of a date, because the cool melon leads to a higher libido.

#10 Celery

Sounds funny, but it’s true. This is because celery contains butyl phthalide. This substance has a calming and relaxing effect and is known to play an important role in sex. Celery is often described as one of the most natural and well-known sexual enhancers. In addition, the tuber should contain hormone-like substances that are similar to male sexual attractants. From a sexual point of view, celery should not be underestimated as a lust-enhancing food.