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Papaya, The Tropical Fruit With a Resounding Effect?

The papaya has long since conquered its fixed place on the domestic fruit shelves. The fruit, which weighs about one pound and is also known as “tree melon”, can be found there all year round.

Its juice, leaves, pulp and even the seeds are said to have numerous health benefits. Papaya is said to help you lose weight, relieve gastrointestinal problems, strengthen the immune system, serve as a natural contraceptive, supposedly even cure cancer and much more. Scientific studies should also prove these effects, which the Indians have been using for centuries.

At first glance, it sounds so great that there must be at least one catch. We went on a search and looked at the super fruit papaya from all sides.

Papaya tree, papaya bush or something else?

The papaya, scientific name Carica papaya, belongs to the melon tree family. However, the papaya tree, which is 3 to 10 meters high, is not a real tree, but a very special plant species. Although tree-like in appearance, the trunk is not woody and is therefore not considered a tree or shrub in the botanical sense, but is classified as a herb. That alone makes the tree melon, which grows in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, something special.

The fruits of the papaya tree are therefore berries, which can be very different in size and weight depending on the variety. The Hawaiian papaya variety “Solo” that is mostly commercially available in this country weighs around 500 grams. Other varieties, for example in Mexico, reach a weight of 3 to 6 kilograms. The skin of a ripe fruit is yellow-green, the sweet, juicy flesh is light orange to pink. The black kernels inside are the seeds of the papaya tree, which are edible and taste slightly peppery.

Vitamins, Minerals and Calories of Papaya

Of course, papaya not only contains the enzymes, but also many other valuable nutrients. The pulp, for example, is a real vitamin C bomb, just 100 grams almost cover the daily requirement of an adult. The tree melon also contains vitamins A, E, B1 to B6 and folic acid.

The fruit provides minerals in particular potassium, calcium and magnesium, but also manganese, iron, copper and zinc. But it is economical with calories: Only 32 kcal per 100 g make the tropical fruit very suitable for dieting. And the other nutritional values ​​of the papaya are also impressive, as it mainly contains water and fiber, some fructose and no fat.

Eating a papaya properly

Papaya can be eaten raw as a healthy snack between meals. To do this, halve the ripe fruit, recognizable by the yellow skin and the soft flesh. Then remove the seeds and scoop the flesh straight out of the skin. Alternatively, you can also peel the fruit, separate the pulp and seeds and mix it into muesli or fruit salad.

The seeds are edible, but because of the pungent taste they are usually dried and then used. You should only ever eat the ripe melon raw, an unripe fruit tastes bitter and is hardly edible. The unripe melon contains a particularly large number of valuable enzymes.

Papaya Recipes: Smoothie, Salad and More

There are many papaya recipes, the name “tree melon” already gives it away: A ripe papaya fits anywhere a melon fits. A quick appetizer can be conjured up from the tropical fruit with raw ham or a carpaccio as a vegetarian variant. Peel an unripe papaya, cut it into pieces and cook it in a stew with meat or poultry. Fans of Thai cuisine will love the fruity-spicy papaya salad in all variations – quickly prepared, it brings variety to everyday kitchen life. Processed with bananas, oranges and other fruits into an exotic smoothie, the tree melon is the ideal source of vitamin C for gray winter days.

Small cores with a big effect

Seeds are said to be the most effective ingredient in tree melon. They are usually not eaten with the fresh fruit, but as cleaned and dried grains. Because of their similarity to peppercorns and their slightly peppery note, papaya seeds used to be used to dilute expensive pepper. Today, the seeds, which are not really cheap at around 30 euros per kilo, are chewed pure or ground over food, as in the countries of origin. The kernels act as a tenderizer, especially with meat, which is why concentrates from them are still used in industry today.

The papaya kernels are now used not only in the regions of origin, but also in Europe for various “medicinal” purposes. The grains serve as a natural anthelmintic (anti-wormer) for humans or pets. In addition, the consumption of a tablespoon of seeds daily makes men temporarily unable to conceive after about three months – it is said. This makes the seeds a practical, natural contraceptive.

The seeds also help with gastrointestinal complaints, for example after a sumptuous meal. Chewing a tablespoon of it supports digestion and relieves the stomach and intestines.

The secret of the papaya: enzymes as the active ingredient

The papaya enzymes, especially papain, are responsible for the positive health effects of the fruit. The pulp and seeds also contain chymopapain A and B, and the leaves also contain saponins, alkaloids and glucosinolates. Papain is very similar to pepsin, one of the most important enzymes in the stomach. Papain is able to break down proteins, which explains its support for digestion and its effect as a meat tenderizer.

There are numerous studies and investigations on the medical effects of papaya enzymes, ranging from contraceptives to wound healing to the treatment of cancer. For example, a study published in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences in 2010 found papain to improve wound healing, suggesting an effect in conditions such as psoriasis. And this papaya enzyme also seems to be a promising treatment option for the consequences of type II diabetes.

When it comes to cancer therapy, the tree melon can also score points. In test series, their enzymes showed a tumor-reducing or even tumor-dissolving effect. And even with dengue fever, a widespread tropical disease, the enzymes in the papaya improve or even cure it.

Does papaya really heal almost everything?

The positive effect of papaya for humans is far from proven; more than 600 scientific studies only provide strong evidence. Most of this has been done either in test tubes, with cell cultures, or in animal experiments. A transfer of the effects to the human organism is therefore possible, but not guaranteed. Although the therapy against dengue fever has also been tested on humans, individual case studies and small samples are not meaningful enough for a proven effect. The same applies to the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints. Although an improvement was found in the people treated, the samples were far too small for general statements. Nevertheless, the papaya remains a hopeful starting point for future therapies.

Side effects of papaya

Of course, what is effective also has side effects. Papaya in its natural form (seeds, pulp or leaf extract) is considered relatively safe. However, the tree melon contains the so-called papaya latex, which can trigger cross-reactions with latex allergies. People with this allergy should therefore avoid papaya and all its components.

The same applies to pregnant women and people with a tendency to bleed or those who take blood thinners. The ingredients of the fruit can cause uncontrolled bleeding, primitive people used high doses as an abortifacient. In high doses (possible, for example, when eating papaya capsules), papain can lead to hypoglycaemia. Likewise, some people are allergic to papain or other enzymes found in tree melon.

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Chlorella, The Miracle Algae With a High Detox Effect?

Chlorella, a tiny, green spherical protozoa, is said to be able to solve almost all medical problems on earth. And by the way, with enormous nutrient density and easy cultivation, we can eliminate the world nutritional problem.

We are talking about the freshwater microalgae chlorella, a species of algae that has been found in water bodies around the world for billions of years. The effects that are said to be chlorella are also truly impressive: the microalgae is said to rid the body of toxins, help with radiation sickness, cancer and numerous viral diseases, alleviate allergies and fibromyalgia, generally stimulate the immune system and much more.

As with its blue-green “colleague” spirulina, the description of chlorella definitely sounds too good to be true. So what’s the truth behind the claims made by seaweed fans? Do you actually experience a little green miracle with chlorella – or is that more appearance than reality?

What type of chlorella is it?

What exactly is chlorella? There is actually no such thing as “the” chlorella. Rather, it is the name of an algae genus that currently has 24 recognized subspecies. The best known and most widely used as a dietary supplement or medicinal product are Chlorella vulgaris and Chlorella sorokiniana. The microalgae multiply through cell division, with four new algae being created every 16 to 24 hours from a “mother algae”.

Characteristic is the resistant cell wall made of several layers of cellulose, which makes processing the microalgae for human consumption difficult. The cell wall cannot be digested, so our body cannot use the nutrients locked inside. This is the same for all these types of algae, as is the nutrient profile. Which one is eaten makes hardly any difference, which is why colloquially it is only spoken of “chlorella”.

Chlorella and Spirulina—all seaweed, right?

Chlorella and Spirulina like to be literally lumped together. They’re both algae. Both are considered true all-rounders and are both offered as dietary supplements in Europe. The two “algae” are actually completely different. The blue-green spirulina is a multicellular organism and, strictly speaking, not an alga, but a cyanobacterium. It thrives in salt or brackish water and is suitable for consumption without further processing after drying. It just doesn’t taste very good.

Chlorella, on the other hand, are true algae and protozoa with a thick cell membrane. They thrive in fresh water, are only about a tenth the size of Spirulina; If you want to break open their cell wall, a special treatment is necessary. What they have in common, however, is a high protein content and a high nutrient density.

The ingredients of Chlorella

Its ingredients make the microalgae appear as a superhero. At the top is probably the protein content of around 60 percent, plus all the essential amino acids. The proteins are also reflected in the calorific value, despite a very low fat (about 5 percent) and carbohydrate content (1.2 percent), 100 grams of chlorella have almost 300 kcal. The hit list of ingredients continues with iron (about 120 mg per 100 g), magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese.

And the small spherical algae have another special feature: according to recent study results, they are one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin B12. With around 100 micrograms per 100 g, the content is actually relatively high, and it is also “real” vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which can also be used by the body. Unlike other algae, chlorella can help to prevent a harmful lack of cobalamin in a vegan diet.

Chlorella as a detoxifier

Industry, conventional agriculture and other human environmental sins have ensured that our environment is polluted with numerous environmental toxins and heavy metals. Alternative healing methods see poisoning with these substances as the cause of many diseases and therefore recommend detoxification. The detox effect of chlorella is said to be particularly good. In fact, due to the structure of its cell membrane, the spherical alga binds heavy metals from the waters in which it lives.

However, the studies on the detox effect of chlorella were mainly carried out on mice, rats or in the test tube. The few studies on humans are not very meaningful due to small samples or methodological flaws. Perhaps the microalgae actually help with detoxification – but then only with an intact cell wall, which in turn prevents the algae from absorbing nutrients. The same applies to pets, where chlorella is often recommended for detoxifying chronically ill dogs, cats or horses. No scientific data is available on this, the evidence of effectiveness is based purely on descriptions by the owners.

What are the effects and side effects of chlorella?

The detoxification effect of green algae has not yet been scientifically proven. And what about other possible effects and side effects? Many wondrous things are attributed to the algae: A regulating effect on the immune system that fights infections and can alleviate allergies; a beneficial effect in fibromyalgia, anemia and hypertension; a metabolism-regulating effect that also helps with diabetes and even an anti-cancer effect.

Scientific studies on these modes of action have existed for several decades. They also seem to confirm this. There is only one catch: In all summaries it can be seen that the studies were almost exclusively carried out on mice, rats or in vitro (test tubes). Current meta-studies also show that the use in humans has only been researched to a very limited extent. In an evaluation according to scientific criteria, it must also apply to chlorella that it could have these effects, but it is by no means certain.

About the side effects of chlorella it can be said that the alga is generally well tolerated. However, attention should be paid to the dosage. If the dose is too high, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or dizziness can occur, and sometimes headaches. These symptoms are attributed to “detoxification” but are mostly based on an intolerance and should therefore not be ignored.

Chlorella: tablets, capsules and powder – how the algae is absorbed

A 5 micrometer small spherical alga cannot be eaten just like that. Not even when it comes to millions of algae. In addition, the human body cannot digest the cell membrane of the microalgae and the nutrients inside the cell would therefore not be accessible. Chlorella is therefore dried after harvesting from the freshwater basins, the cell walls are broken open using a special process and processed into powder. This powder is then pressed into chlorella tablets or filled into capsules. The recommended daily dose is 3 to 10 g per day divided into two to three times. In the short term, the dose can also be increased to 30 g a day for two days, more is not recommended.

If so, then buy organic chlorella

There are now many ways to buy chlorella. It is available as a dietary supplement in health food stores, in organic shops or drugstores and, of course, in various online shops. When buying, however, you should always make sure that you buy organic chlorella with a quality guarantee from the manufacturer. Because the heavy metal-binding properties of the algae are not only positive. Cultivated in polluted waters, especially in China, chlorella can quickly lead to heavy metal poisoning – the opposite of the hoped-for detoxification.

Sustainability of chlorella algae

In terms of sustainability, there is a big question mark with chlorella algae. On the one hand, the algae are easy to cultivate, multiply quickly and have a strong nutrient profile. On the other hand, in order for these nutrients to become available, they first have to be “broken up” in a laborious process. As a means of combating hunger in the world, they therefore appear to be unsuitable.

In addition, the microalgae grow in fresh water, which, if it is clean, would be better used as drinking water. If the water is dirty and polluted, the algae pull the toxins out of the water – but are then no longer suitable for consumption. In addition, there is the transport from countries like China, which doesn’t exactly improve the eco-balance either.

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Fenugreek: Effect and Application of Fenugreek Seeds

Many women resort to fenugreek in case of insufficient milk production after pregnancy. We explain how the seeds can work, how to use them and why they are viewed critically.

Fenugreek is used not only as a spice, but also as a medicinal remedy. The plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia, is said to have numerous positive effects thanks to its valuable ingredients.

Effect and side effects of fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds contain proteins and vitamin A and vitamin B – they can help with hair loss. The aromas and essential oils in the seeds are also said to help against loss of appetite (when it is not due to a serious illness but to temporary sensitivities).
The high iron, magnesium and calcium content also ensures an improved blood count, strengthens muscles and nerves and helps to bind fatty acids
Fenugreek has a blood sugar-lowering effect, so some people even take it to help with diabetes mellitus. Other publications question exactly this and advise against supportive diabetes therapy with fenugreek.
You should also be aware of possible interactions with natural remedies such as fenugreek: Diabetics should only take the seeds together with their usual medication after consulting a doctor. Since fenugreek slows blood clotting, you should also use it with caution if you have a blood clotting disorder. Excessive intake of the seeds can cause nausea or bloating. In addition, fenugreek seeds, like other sprouts, are particularly susceptible to germs – you should therefore prepare them particularly carefully.

Fenugreek seeds and their effect on milk production

Another important use of fenugreek seeds is to promote lactation in mothers who are struggling with:
The milk-boosting effect is caused by the plant hormones contained in the fenugreek seeds: the so-called phytoestrogens support and stimulate the body’s own production of estrogen and prolactin when breastfeeding.
For mothers with hormonal breastfeeding problems, fenugreek can help to balance an existing imbalance.
However, the effect of fenugreek is also controversial here: Although many midwives and lactation consultants recommend fenugreek preparations, there is no scientific evidence that they really work.
Beware of possible intolerance: women who have taken fenugreek have had allergic reactions in the past. Side effects such as increased sweating or diarrhea are also possible.
Fenugreek can therefore have positive effects on health due to its valuable ingredients – but whether it is really a miracle cure for stronger milk production is not certain. If you want to try fenugreek, you should first talk to a doctor, especially to prevent possible interactions and side effects.

What is the best way to use fenugreek seeds?

You can use fenugreek in various ways as a breastfeeding supplement: either as a breastfeeding tea, in which the seeds work together with other herbs such as fennel or aniseed, or in the form of capsules. These capsules are considered to be significantly more effective due to the significantly higher concentration of fenugreek – at least six cups of conventional breastfeeding tea are usually required daily to show noticeable success. When taking fenugreek capsules, you should consider a few points:
You should not take the capsules during pregnancy, as they affect your natural hormonal balance and excessive use can lead to premature contractions of the uterus, i.e. they can induce labor.
Of course, capsules in organic quality and without any other additives are ideal – it’s best to ask the pharmacy directly or look online for a suitable product.
Unless your lactation problems are solely caused by hormonal imbalance, fenugreek seeds alone may not help. So try to boost your milk production by latching on frequently and always drinking enough fluids. It is also important to allow yourself enough rest and relaxation and to avoid stress – even if that is easier said than done for new mothers.
In principle, breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition for babies shortly after birth due to the nutrients it contains and the effect it has on strengthening the immune system.

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Use Castor Oil Effect as a Home Remedy

Castor oil has a positive effect on skin and hair. You can also use it for various health problems. We will show you the most important fields of application and clarify why a purchase is worthwhile.

Origin of castor oil

India, Thailand, Brazil, Vietnam, and China are considered to be the main growing areas for castor oil plants. The fast-growing, not frost-resistant plants grow to a height of up to 5 meters in a subtropical climate within 4 months. They bloom from August to October and set the characteristic, prickly seeds after flowering. Then they each let a bean-sized seed ripen. Subsequently, the mature seeds are the supplier of pure castor oil. This raw material is slightly yellowish, viscous, flammable, and can be stored for approx. 8 months without further processing.

The highest quality castor oil is obtained through the cold pressing process. For one liter of oil, you need up to 1700 seeds of the plant Ricinus Communis, also known as the miracle tree. The active ingredient was valued for its healing properties centuries ago and is still used successfully in medicine and cosmetics today.

Use of the oil and effect

The application of the oil is possible in different areas. Your skin and hair in particular benefit from the care with castor oil. But the oil can also be helpful for other complaints. As a result, you will find out what and how you can use the liquid miracle for yourself.

1) As a home remedy for constipation

The most well-known mode of action of castor oil goes back to the laxative effect. Consequently, you can use the oil as a remedy for constipation or if you want to defecate in a timely manner. The ricinoleic acid it contains softens hardened stool and ensures movement in the intestines. One to two teaspoons before meals on an empty stomach should help.

2) Castor oil in obstetrics

Midwives have known for centuries that castor oil stimulates uterine contraction. Therefore, the substance is still the main component of the so-called labor cocktails, which are intended to initiate the contractions necessary to induce labor. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid taking it.

3) For the care of dry skin

The cold-pressed oil cares for your skin. You can benefit from the oil especially as a care product for dry skin because it provides plenty of moisture. With regular use, you can ensure smooth skin. A few drops are usually sufficient for facial care or other dry parts of the body.

4) As a wrinkle reducing agent

At the same time, the oil is rich in antioxidants and stimulates the production of collagen. Both are important to keep the skin smooth and soft. Thus, regular use acts as an effective remedy against wrinkles. And often the reduction of age spots is observed

5) Castor oil for acne and blemishes

If you’re struggling with blemishes or even acne, try cold-pressed oil. Because the ricinoleic acid it contains is said to fight bacteria that cause acne. So, to fight acne, apply a few drops of the oil to your face. Then massage it gently into the skin and leave it on overnight. The next day wash your face with clear water and feel the anti-inflammatory effect.

6) Fight warts with the miracle oil

Successes in the treatment of warts and scars also belong to the sphere of action of castor oil. This is how you can fight a wart by putting the oil undiluted on the wart. You should repeat this process at least twice a day until it has disappeared.

7) As a miracle cure for dry hair

As already mentioned, the oil provides plenty of moisture. And this can also benefit dry hair. Therefore use the oil as a care product for dry hair. Either add a few drops to your shampoo or conditioner. Or put a small amount of the oil on your hands and rub it into your hair. Then leave it on for 1-2 hours before rinsing it off with water. You can also leave it on overnight to develop the castor oil effect.

8) Castor oil helps with dandruff

The miracle oil works just as well as a home remedy for dandruff. To do this, put a small amount on your fingertips. Then gently massage your scalp. Here, too, an exposure time of approx. 2 hours is recommended. Then you can wash it off with a mild shampoo. You should also consider other home remedies for dandruff to get rid of them permanently.

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Ginseng Tea: Application, Effect and Preparation

Ginseng is considered a symbol of strength and health in Asia. Ginseng tea is said to relax and help with stress, among other things. You can find out more about the application, effect and preparation here.

Ginseng tea – what makes it so special?

The root of ginseng has been used in Chinese and Korean medicine for 3,000 to 5,000 years. It is said to have a rejuvenating and life-prolonging effect. Today, ginseng tea is also very popular in the western world. The medicinal herb is said to help with stress and bring the body back into its natural balance.

Ginseng is also considered to be one of the most nutrient dense foods in the world. It is rich in amino acids and numerous minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. It also contains many B vitamins as well as vitamin C and vitamin E.

Application and effects of ginseng

Due to its healing properties, ginseng is used for numerous physical and mental problems:

Ginseng can help with both high and low blood pressure. Because its balancing effect is said to be able to increase or decrease blood pressure as required.
Ginseng tea is also recommended for menstrual cramps: it can relieve severe menstrual pain and help regulate an irregular cycle.
But the medicinal herb is also interesting for men: ginseng tea acts as a kind of sexual enhancer and is therefore a good weapon against erection problems.
If you are overweight, ginseng helps to reduce appetite and also boosts your metabolism.
If you drink ginseng tea regularly in stressful phases, it can ensure relaxation and general well-being, as ginseng has a positive effect on the immune and hormone systems.
In addition, ginseng is considered a good remedy for more energy, endurance and strength and can improve concentration.

Instructions: Prepare ginseng tea

You can buy ginseng in different forms such as liquid extract, powder, tablet, dried or fresh. The fresh ginseng root is best suited for making the tea. You only need three to four grams (one teaspoon) for a cup of tea.

First cut the ginseng root into very fine slices.
Then pour hot (not boiling) water over the slices.
Then cover the cup and let the tea steep for five to ten minutes.
Then you pour the tea through a sieve into a second cup to get just the tea without the ginseng extracts.
Note: In order to benefit from the effects of ginseng tea, you should drink it for at least three to four weeks.

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Hibiscus Tea: Effect, Application and Preparation

Not only do they look beautiful, they are also the basis for a healthy soft drink: hibiscus blossoms. You can use them to make delicious hibiscus tea. You can find out how it works, how it is used and how it is prepared here.

Effect of hibiscus tea

The hibiscus, which belongs to the mallow family, originally comes from tropical areas. It is now also at home here and is particularly popular with gardeners because of its colorful flowers.

If the calyxes (not the whole blossoms) are dried and infused into tea, a thirst-quenching, slightly sour, tart drink is produced. In folk medicine, some health effects are attributed to hibiscus tea.

This is due to the valuable ingredients in the hibiscus flowers. Various fruit acids make up a large part of this: hibiscus acid, malic, tartaric and citric acid. These are involved in various metabolic processes in cell metabolism.

Other fabrics are:
Mucilage: they protect the mucous membranes and therefore have a soothing effect on inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Pectins: These dietary fibers are said to be able to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Anthocyanins and flavones: are responsible for the color.
Flavonols: have an antioxidant effect.
Phenolic acid: has an antibacterial effect.
Vitamin C: supports the immune system.

Application of hibiscus tea

Hibiscus tea for high blood pressure
Several studies have shown that hibiscus tea can have a positive effect on blood pressure. In particular, patients who also have an increased risk of high blood pressure due to other diseases can benefit from hibiscus tea. A study found that three cups of hibiscus tea can have a positive effect on diabetic patients with slightly elevated blood pressure.

Hibiscus tea for high cholesterol
People with high blood fat levels can also rely on hibiscus tea. It is said to help lower cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. A study shows that two cups of hibiscus tea can increase “good” HDL cholesterol and decrease “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Hibiscus tea is antioxidant and antibacterial
Hibiscus tea can support the body in detoxification processes. Thanks to its many antioxidants, hibiscus tea can help fight off free radicals that can weaken the body.

In combination with its secondary plant substances and vitamin C, hibiscus tea has an antibacterial effect and is therefore particularly useful for colds or bladder infections.

Hibiscus tea while losing weight
Hibiscus tea is said to stimulate the metabolism and drain the body. This makes it suitable for regulating the weight. In principle, however, it is always the case that drinking a lot helps you lose weight. If you want to use hibiscus tea, you can change up your drinking habits, because hibiscus tea is a delicious alternative to higher-calorie drinks such as spritzers or lemonades.

recommendations
To benefit from the positive effects of hibiscus tea, about three to four cups per day are recommended.

Consumption of hibiscus tea is not recommended for pregnant women, as it is suspected of having hormonal effects.

How to prepare hibiscus tea

You can get dried hibiscus leaves for a tea infusion in the organic market or the local pharmacy. You should definitely pay attention to organic quality when buying, so that there are no pesticide residues in your tea.

Collect and dry hibiscus flowers. Alternatively, you can simply pick and dry hibiscus flowers yourself. The right time to pick is when they begin to fade. However, not the whole flowers are used for the tea, only the fleshy calyxes. So remove the flowers around the calyces and place the calyxes in the sun or in the oven at a very low temperature to dry. When they are completely dry, you can transfer them to a tightly sealable container.

tea making
Boil a liter of water.
Put about 7 grams of dried hibiscus flowers in a tea strainer or infuser. That equates to about six heaped teaspoons.
Pour the hot water over the flowers and let the tea steep for 6 to 8 minutes.
You can now refine the tea: Lemon juice and honey are popular additions.
The tea tastes great both hot and cold.
Tip: For the perfect cool thirst quencher, you can freeze the tea in ice cube trays and then later add it to the already cooled tea. In this way, the drink is not watered down by normal ice cubes.

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Walnut Oil: Effect and Application of The Healthy Oil

Walnut oil can be used not only in the kitchen, but also in cosmetics. Here we will tell you how it works and how to use it correctly.

Walnut oil: high-quality and versatile

Walnut oil is considered to be a particularly high-quality, noble oil and is characterized by its light yellow color and comparatively thin consistency. Because of its tart, nutty taste, it is particularly popular in French cuisine, but it can also be used as a natural cosmetic product.

Effect of walnut oil

Because of their high fat content of up to 62%, walnuts are ideal for producing oil. Walnuts contain “good fats” – more precisely, above all omega-3 fatty acids, which belong to the unsaturated fatty acids.

These fatty acids are essential, meaning they cannot be produced by the human body itself. As a rule, they are ingested through the consumption of fish – vegetarians or vegans in particular take plant-based alternatives. Walnut oil is ideal here, because walnuts have the highest proportion of linolenic acid, a special omega-3 fatty acid, of all nuts.

The omega-3 fatty acids promote blood circulation, so they can, for example, prevent thrombosis, support blood flow and help lower cholesterol levels.
Walnuts are also particularly rich in vitamin E, which protects the body’s cells and stimulates fat metabolism. Walnut oil can also help to reduce blood lipid levels.
Walnut oil also contains biotin or vitamin B7, which the body needs to form keratin: It supports the healthy growth of skin, hair and nails.
In smaller amounts, walnut oil also contains zinc, which is also important for skin and hair, and potassium, which is particularly important for the functionality of the heart muscle.
The ratio of the various fatty acids in walnut oil is much more favorable in terms of their positive effects on the body than in olive or sunflower oil. Due to the balanced combination of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and trace elements, walnut oil is a real miracle cure for preventing the formation of vascular deposits and thus cardiovascular diseases.

How to use walnut oil

You can use walnut oil as a classic cooking oil or as a cosmetic product.
However, since it does not heat up particularly well, you should not use the oil for frying or deep-frying. It is more suitable for cold dishes: the strong, nutty taste goes particularly well with lamb’s lettuce or to refine creamy soups.
You can also use the oil on the skin: it absorbs quickly and can make dry, cracked skin supple again. Besides, applying walnut oil to the skin is also said to prevent wrinkles.
Walnut oil is also used in hair care: If you also use some walnut oil in your usual hair wash, it makes your hair look soft and shiny.
Important: Walnut oil is available both cold-pressed and hot-pressed. The cold-pressed oil was not heated during production, which is why the healthy ingredients and the intense aroma are preserved – so if you are looking for these benefits, you should choose the cold-pressed variant.

Buy walnut oil as regionally and ecologically as possible

Although walnuts can also be grown in this country, the nuts that can be bought here are almost exclusively imported goods. Most walnuts are imported from the US, where they’re grown in drought-stricken California, of all places – which is anything but environmentally friendly.

When buying walnut oil in particular, it is therefore advisable to take a closer look and choose a product that has been produced ecologically on the one hand and in Europe on the other: France, for example, is a popular growing region for walnuts.

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Hemp Oil: Ingredients, Effect and Application

Hemp oil is not only very popular in the kitchen. You can read about the areas of application, ingredients and effects here.

What is hemp oil?

Hemp oil is pressed from hemp seeds, which are actually just a by-product of making fiber hemp. About ten kilos of hemp seeds are needed for three liters of the greenish hemp oil. The darker the oil, the more intense its nutty taste.

Since hemp is also grown in this country, hemp oil – like linseed oil – usually has a small ecological footprint and is a regional alternative to coconut oil or avocado oil.

For high-quality and healthy hemp oil, you should use organic, cold-pressed oil to avoid pesticide residues in the oil. If the hemp oil is not cold-pressed, it loses valuable ingredients through heating.

Important: Do not use hemp oil for frying, otherwise the valuable fatty acids would be damaged. Use the oil for cold dishes like salads, or add it to cooked dishes at the very end.

Ingredients of hemp oil

Hemp oil contains important omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – making it an excellent plant-based alternative to fish.
In addition, the cooking oil provides oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid and gamma linolenic acid, which are also good and important for the body. The fatty acids are particularly important for good brain function and cell regeneration.
In addition, hemp oil contains vitamins E, B1 and B2 as well as the minerals phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, manganese, zinc and small amounts of copper. /You can find out in detail how the respective ingredients affect the body and why they are important for us by clicking on the corresponding link.)
By the way: You don’t have to be afraid that you’ll be intoxicated after consuming the hemp oil. The psychoactive substance THC is either not present at all or in such small doses that no effect is achieved. The oil is also safe for children.

Hemp oil and its uses

Hemp oil not only tastes good in salads – you can use it in many ways:
Thanks to the fatty acids, hemp oil is good for the house and helps with blemishes, neurodermatitis or psoriasis. It has an anti-inflammatory effect and moisturizes. Hemp oil can also be found in hair and other care products. You can apply hemp oil directly to the skin or mix it with another carrier oil or your day cream.
Hemp oil helps against muscle tension and rheumatism. For this purpose, the hemp oil is taken – either as an ingredient in cooking or pure.
Hemp oil counteracts high blood pressure and cholesterol levels when taken regularly.
In addition, hemp oil is also said to help with symptoms of menopause, especially with sleep disorders and mood swings.

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Food

Black Pepper – Effect and Application of The Medicinal Spice

Apart from salt, no other spice is used as frequently in German cuisine as black pepper. What many people don’t know, however, is that black pepper has long been considered a remedy and has numerous health benefits.

How is black pepper different from other types of pepper?

Whether white, green, red or black pepper – all come from the same plant species, the pepper bush (Piper nigrum). Depending on the time of harvest and further processing, the peppercorns then get their specific color.

For the black pepper, the unripe, green peppercorns are harvested and stored in heaps for a few days. The grains are then dried in the sun.

The types of pepper differ not only in appearance, but also in the degree of sharpness, the taste and the composition of their components. White and black pepper are the hottest and have the highest levels of piperine — see why this ingredient is so important below.

use in the kitchen

From sweet to savory – pepper goes well with almost every dish. So it is not surprising that it is the second most used spice in German cuisine after salt. At least one type of pepper is therefore included in numerous spice mixtures.

The black pepper has a particularly hot aroma and a light citrus note. White pepper, on the other hand, is less aromatic and fruity, while green pepper is mild and has a light herbal note. The fully ripe red pepper is rarely eaten in this country due to its perishability.

Tip: Pepper that has already been ground has already lost large parts of its ingredients and aroma. Therefore, always use whole grains that you grind freshly just before use.

Black pepper – the most important active ingredients

Pepper contains over 200 different components. From a medical point of view, the most interesting is the alkaloid piperine. Numerous health-promoting effects are attributed to this ingredient. The traditional areas of application range from colds and flu to digestive problems and diabetes to rheumatic diseases and muscle pain.

Recent human studies have demonstrated its digestive, antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic and antiasthmatic effects, among other things. Also, it is scientifically proven that piperine promotes the absorption of nutrients as well

antifungal
antioxidant
expectorant
anti-inflammatory
antimicrobial
works (see review from 2017). The Federal Center for Nutrition emphasizes above all the digestive effect – since piperine stimulates the saliva and gastric juice secretion. The list of potential applications is impressively long.

Other important ingredients are various essential oils, flavonoids and various piperine derivatives.
An English-language Open Access Scientific Report from India provides a comprehensive overview of the numerous active ingredients and areas of application of black pepper.

Piperine as a bioenhancer

Piperine also deserves special attention because it increases the bioavailability of various other components. Such substances are called bioenhancers. Piperine was the first bioenhancer identified in 1979 – and is still considered the most effective substance of this kind.

The most prominent partner substance whose bioavailability is increased by piperine: curcumin, the most important active ingredient in turmeric. When combined with piperine, the effectiveness of curcumin is increased by up to 20 times. That is why it is often recommended to add some black pepper to turmeric for medicinal purposes – as is done with the healing golden milk. Black pepper is also said to increase the bioavailability of selenium, vitamin A and vitamin C.

Use black pepper effectively and safely

If you want to benefit from the health effects of black pepper, you can of course add the spice to your food as usual. You should not cook the pepper at the same time, but only add it to the finished dish at the end.

However, if you want to use the black pepper specifically for colds and illnesses, you can use a higher dose. The already mentioned golden milk with a high pepper content is ideal for this. You can also add freshly ground pepper to your tea – for example in combination with fresh turmeric. Pepper is also popular with colds when combined with hot milk and honey.

possible side effects

In general, black pepper is considered very safe. However, you should never consume the ground spice individually, as the particles could get into the lungs and irritate them severely. If you suffer from acute stomach or intestinal problems, you should discuss the application with your doctor beforehand. You should also avoid large amounts of black pepper during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

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Food

Mate Tea: Preparation and Effect of The Stimulant From South America

Mate tea is a natural pick-me-up with a long tradition. Here you can find out how South American tea works, how it is prepared and manufactured.

Mate tea: South American traditional drink

Mate tea (also called “mate” for short) is a hot drink made from the brew of finely chopped and dried leaves of the mate bush (Ilex paraguariensis). It originally comes from South America, where it is still drunk a lot today. There the tea is often drunk together in traditional tea ceremonies. These are subject to numerous rules, mostly passed down orally, which are intended to promote respectful and polite cooperation.

In the meantime, mate tea is becoming more and more popular with us: You can find both pure tea and various mixed drinks made from mate in stores. The caffeinated leaves of the mate bush have an invigorating effect and stimulate digestion.

Mate tea: how it is made

Mate as a tea is available in two different forms of preparation:
Green Mate (Taragin)
Roasted Mate (Chá Mate)
Both varieties consist of leaves, stalks and shoot tips of the mate bush cut in winter. For Chá Mate, these are rolled in wire drums over an open fire. This destroys enzymes in the plant parts and interrupts the natural fermentation process. It has a characteristic smoky aroma.

For green mate, the shredded cuttings are fermented by heating them at 60 degrees for around a month. The tea is then heated to 400 °C for a few minutes, causing the mate pieces to lose more than half of their remaining water.

Both varieties are then further dried for a few days until only a small amount of residual moisture remains. They are then crushed into equally sized pieces or ground into powder and packaged.

The taste of both types of mate is smoky-earthy, slightly sweet and contains a bitter note. In many regions, the tart taste is refined with sweet ingredients, such as pieces of orange, peppermint or cinnamon.

Prepare mate tea traditionally

A gourd is traditionally used to infuse mate tea. The typical bulbous drinking vessel is usually made of wood or dried gourd. Mate tea is drunk from a bombilla. A small sieve is attached to the bottom of the metal drinking tube so that the small leaves cannot be sucked in when drinking.

How to prepare mate tea traditionally:
Start by filling the mate calabash about halfway with dried mate leaves.
Then close the opening with the palm of your hand, turn the container upside down and shake it back and forth gently. This separates the fine tea leaves from the coarser ones.
Carefully turn the gourd over again.
Moisten the mate leaves with a few drops of warm water. Then, press them along the rim along one side of the jar.
Insert the bombilla into the jar on the opposite side.
Let the moistened mate, pressed to the edge, sit a little longer before pouring water over the entire calabash. The leaves swell better during this time and are less likely to get caught in the sieve later.
Now fill the mate gourd up to the brim with water at a temperature of around 70 °C. Slowly pour the water into the jar along the bombilla: this will prevent the pre-sorted leaves from being stirred up again.
After two to three minutes of infusion, the mate infusion is ready to eat.
Traditionally, mate is infused several times. The first infusion is usually very bitter and is therefore often thrown away immediately. When traveling, many South Americans carry hot water in thermos flasks with them so that they can fill their mate calabash on the go. At the latest when there are no more bubbles and individual mate leaves are floating on the surface, you have to prepare the tea again.

Mate tea: preparation in the teapot

Of course you can also enjoy your mate without the traditional South American drinking gear. It can also be prepared in the classic way in a teapot.

To do this, put about five teaspoons of mate tea in a tea strainer and pour one liter of boiling water over it. (You need a heaping teaspoon of tea for just one cup.) Let the mate steep in the hot water for 3-5 minutes and pour it up again up to three times.

Tip: If you like, you can refine your homemade mate with herbs. Various types of mint, lemon balm or pieces of dried fruit are suitable for this.

Effects of mate tea on health

In a study conducted at the University of Illinois, numerous healthy substances were found in mate tea. The tea is said to have cholesterol-lowering and circulatory-stimulating properties, among other things. It is also said to strengthen the cardiovascular system. Mate tea is also a small vitamin bomb – it contains, among other things:

Vitamin A
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
vitamin C
Iron, Potassium, Calcium and Zinc

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