Tag

food

Browsing

Researchers report that junk food not only harms body weight, but also our brain’s performance. Other foods, on the other hand, can promote concentration and memory skills.

Unhealthy food only increases the craving for it

The Macquarie University scientists studied 105 young, healthy volunteers who normally ate a balanced diet and divided them into two groups. One group ate junk food, i.e. foods high in sugar and saturated fat, for eight days. So there was toasted sandwiches and milkshakes or Belgian waffles for breakfast, later a main meal from a fast-food chain. The control group ate their usual meals.

Both groups could choose unhealthy snacks before and after breakfast on the first and last day of the experiment. It was to be tested how great their desire for it was and – after trying it – how good they had tasted it.

Other environmental influences also affect the hippocampus

Factors that occur primarily in the western world – insomnia, stress, environmental toxins, depression and type II diabetes – have a negative effect on the hippocampus. Combined with an unhealthy diet, this could mean both acute and long-term damage to this brain region.

Fish, nuts, and whole grains are better choices

In order to promote the ability to concentrate and memory through nutrition, long-chain, complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grain products, should be used. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, nuts and rapeseed and walnut oil are said to have a beneficial effect on the nerve cells and their interaction. Proteins from fish, seafood, lean dairy products, legumes, and whole grains are also considered beneficial.

Especially in winter, the immune system has to defend itself against many viruses and bacteria. You can support it by taking certain vitamins and nutrients. We explain which ones are important.

Boost your immune system: These supplements can help

Even if many people believe that they eat a balanced diet, deficiency symptoms occur again and again.
The stresses of everyday life can make it difficult to get all the nutrients you need.

In order to still provide the body with the most important nutrients, supplements can be used, i.e. food supplements that can be bought in the form of tablets, drops or powders, for example.

The 5 must-have supplements for the winter

Here we present 5 must-have supplements that everyone should have on their screens, especially in winter.
Please consider: However, supplements cannot replace a healthy and balanced diet.

Vitamin D

As the days get shorter and darker, many people become vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is mainly absorbed from the sun. Only a few foods contain vitamin D. These include, for example, oily fish or liver. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation is highly recommended.

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends a dose of 800 IU (= International Unit) per day, which corresponds to 20 micrograms of vitamin D. Studies show that adults should even better consume 1500 to 2000 IU daily.
Studies from 2020 show that dosages of 10,000 IU per day are even recommended for risk patients to prevent influenza and corona infections.

Omega 3

The most important omega-3 fatty acids for the body are ALA, EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA in particular have a health-promoting effect. In our diet, however, there is always an undersupply of omega-3.

A study shows that EPA and DHA help the body fight inflammation. The study authors recommend supplementing with 250 milligrams of EPA and DHA per day.

Cardiovascular diseases are still the number one cause of death in Germany. Omega-3 supplements can lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease. The DGE recommends eating fish once or twice a week – once fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring. For example, 100 grams of herring already provide 3000 milligrams of EPA and DHA.

magnesium

In addition to muscle cramps, a magnesium deficiency can lead to nausea, loss of appetite and exhaustion and even cardiovascular problems.

The reason for this is not only the lack of consumption of magnesium suppliers such as nuts and leafy vegetables, but also regular alcohol consumption.

Above all, it is important that the magnesium is taken in the correct form – for example as magnesium citrate or aspartate, since these compounds have a higher availability for the body than magnesium oxide, which can usually be found in discount stores or in drugstores.

zinc

Probably the best-known function of zinc is to improve the immune system. Zinc acts as a cofactor in enzyme and protein formation and is therefore an important part of the immune system.

According to a 2017 study, zinc deficiency plays a role in 16 percent of lower respiratory tract infections.

Zinc is mainly found in meat, fish, grains, oatmeal and grain germ, with animal zinc being more readily available than vegetable zinc. The DGE recommends a dosage of 15 milligrams per day.

vitamin C

Vitamin C is found in apples, citrus fruits such as lemons or grapefruits, cabbage vegetables, peppers and potatoes, among other things. A lack of vitamin C quickly leads to a weakened immune system, so you should definitely prevent a deficiency.

A study from 2020 shows that supplementing two to eight grams of vitamin C per day has advantages in the treatment of respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and can, for example, slow down critical courses.
The DGE recommends 100 milligrams of vitamin C per day. An apple and a kiwi already provide 150 milligrams. So the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” isn’t all that wrong.

Conclusion: A balanced diet and supplementary supplements are crucial

In order to stay healthy, it is particularly important to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Nevertheless, in the current time it can only be advantageous to supplement your diet with individual supplements and to support your immune system. So you are well prepared even in times of cold waves.

Eating healthy: Ayurveda is only good for long-term health, but supports people holistically and provides more life energy. With these simple tips, Ayurveda can be easily integrated into your everyday life.

Ayurvedic Diet: What is Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an Indian healing art and means “the knowledge of life”. The focus here is on human health – and not on the disease. Ayurveda starts where you can do something for yourself. It’s about your individual constitution and how you can find your physical and mental balance again, for example through nutrition, a certain way of life, but also through your mental attitude to life.

Ayurveda speaks of three different doshas (constitutions): Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The doshas are responsible for the different predispositions or characteristics of a person and they control the physical and mental functions. Each person has different constitutions, which in turn results in an individual, unique combination.

The more balanced you are in your physical and mental constitution, the more life energy you can release. The doshas can also be found in the seasonal cycle. The cold and dryness of winter (Vata). The heat of fire in summer (Pitta). And the dampness and coolness of spring and early summer (kapha). With certain foods, you can not only balance your individual constitution, but also adapt your diet to the seasons in order to gain as much life energy as possible and strengthen your immune system.

Ayurveda: The study of the human constitution – the three doshas of Ayurvedic nutrition

Typical characteristics of Vata (space and air):
Lots of thinking
High creativity
mental flexibility
absent-mindedness
Delicate body
Thin hair and skin
Typical characteristics of Pitta (fire):
High assertiveness and implementation skills
Lots of power and energy
Red hair
freckles
Loud voice
Small eyes, piercing stare
intelligence
Typical characteristics of Kapha (water and earth):
indolence, heaviness
down-to-earth
Quiet
serenity
Fat hair
Big eyes
Loud clear voice

Ayurvedic nutrition in everyday life – these foods strengthen and protect you every day

Healthy eating doesn’t just taste good: With a balanced and wholesome diet, with the right amount and combination of foods, you can make a huge difference in terms of health. The Ayurvedic diet is vegetarian with lots of vegetables and rice and cannot do without spices. Everything is possible, nothing is neccesary! Depending on your taste, tolerance, season and region, you can of course live out your preferences. Regular consumption of the following foods promotes your health and prevents diseases:
honey
almonds
Cashews
sesame
raisins
dates
figs
pomegranate
Grapes
mango
Ginger
cardamom
garlic (cooked)
turmeric
Cinammon
Each food has a specific effect on your body, as well as on the doshas. For example, if you have excess Vata, you can include dates or raisins in your diet to increase your Kapha percentage again. The above foods boost your immune system and are also healthy sugar alternatives.

Classic Ayurveda recommendations to stay healthy and fit

In Ayurveda, health does not only refer to purely physical health, but also includes mind and soul. According to Ayurveda, health is essentially based on nutrition. “Those who eat right don’t need medication,” is the core idea. If you don’t eat properly, medication won’t help. So when you start to nourish your body well, it affects your mental health as well. On the other hand, numerous studies have shown that mental health (a positive attitude towards yourself) also has a beneficial effect on physical health.

You can start with these tips for eating habits:
Eat the right amount: cupping your hands into a cup is roughly the size of your stomach.
Eating regularly and avoiding snacks: A meal takes three to five hours to digest.
Take your time and rest while eating: You absorb the energy you have while eating through your food. So stress is not exactly conducive.
Eat as fresh, high-quality food as possible: the more processed food is, the fewer nutrients it contains and the less healthy it is.
Balanced taste: Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and tart should be covered throughout the day to reduce cravings.
Correct food combination: Avoid carbohydrates in combination with dairy products.

High blood pressure is a widespread disease. The research team led by study leader Alexandra Wade has discovered that a certain milk product has been shown to lower blood pressure.

Study shows: yoghurt is good for blood pressure and cardiovascular system

But yoghurt and the lactic acid bacteria it contains are not only good for the intestines, but also for our heart. This is the result of a recent study by a research team from the University of South Australia and the University of Maine. The study showed how positively the consumption of the dairy product affects blood pressure and risk factors for the cardiovascular system.

Hypertension, better known in everyday life as high blood pressure, is a disease affecting more than a billion people worldwide. High blood pressure can, in turn, increase the risk of more serious cardiovascular diseases such as a stroke or heart attack.

In their study, the researchers came to the conclusion that the consumption of fermented milk products such as yoghurt, cheese or quark can lead to an improvement in the clinical picture. This is because dairy products contain micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are involved in regulating blood pressure in the human body.

Lower blood pressure with yoghurt: It’s that easy

However, yoghurt products are particularly effective because they contain bacteria in addition to the micronutrients. More specifically: “Bacteria that promote the release of proteins that lower blood pressure,” reports study leader Alexandra Wade in a press release. “The study showed that even small amounts of yogurt lowered blood pressure in people with high blood pressure,” Wade said.

The study conducted a cross-sectional analysis on a total of 915 people to examine the effects of yogurt consumption. The participants had to indicate how often they usually eat yoghurt. The research team also has different types of blood pressure

Likewise the body mass index, cholesterol, blood sugar and other metabolic values. The researchers classified high blood pressure as a clinical picture from a blood pressure of 140 to 90 or higher. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120 over 80.

Yoghurt consumption lowers high blood pressure by up to 7 percent

The daily consumption of yoghurt led to even clearer results in this study. The blood pressure values ​​of subjects with high blood pressure fell by up to seven percentage points. The product has been shown to help lower blood pressure. According to the research team, the data evaluation shows a “significant association” between the consumption of yoghurt and reduced high blood pressure – but only among the participants who also have high blood pressure.

The value did not drop in the study participants whose blood pressure was already in the normal range. Of the more than 900 participants, 564 people had

Wade’s research team now wants to carry out further studies. The potential benefits of yoghurt will be examined more closely, especially for high-risk patients. But beware: Eating yoghurt alone often does not help. If you suffer from high blood pressure, try to gradually change your diet and start walking or exercising regularly.

High blood pressure is a widespread disease. The research team led by study leader Alexandra Wade has discovered that a certain milk product has been shown to lower blood pressure.

Yoghurt is what is known as a probiotic food. These contain certain living microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria or certain yeasts. These foods are considered particularly healthy, so doctors are happy to recommend them.

Study shows: yoghurt is good for blood pressure and cardiovascular system

But yoghurt and the lactic acid bacteria it contains are not only good for the intestines, but also for our heart. This is the result of a recent study by a research team from the University of South Australia and the University of Maine. The study showed how positively the consumption of the dairy product affects blood pressure and risk factors for the cardiovascular system.

Hypertension, better known in everyday life as high blood pressure, is a disease affecting more than a billion people worldwide. High blood pressure can, in turn, increase the risk of more serious cardiovascular diseases such as a stroke or heart attack.

In their study, the researchers came to the conclusion that the consumption of fermented milk products such as yoghurt, cheese or quark can lead to an improvement in the clinical picture. This is because dairy products contain micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are involved in regulating blood pressure in the human body.

Lower blood pressure with yoghurt: It’s that easy

However, yoghurt products are particularly effective because they contain bacteria in addition to the micronutrients. More specifically: “Bacteria that promote the release of proteins that lower blood pressure,” reports study leader Alexandra Wade in a press release. “The study showed that even small amounts of yogurt lowered blood pressure in people with high blood pressure,” Wade said.

The study conducted a cross-sectional analysis on a total of 915 people to examine the effects of yogurt consumption. The participants had to indicate how often they usually eat yoghurt. The research team also recorded various types of blood pressure.

Likewise the body mass index, cholesterol, blood sugar and other metabolic values. The researchers classified high blood pressure as a clinical picture from a blood pressure of 140 to 90 or higher. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120 over 80.

Yoghurt consumption lowers high blood pressure by up to 7 percent

The daily consumption of yoghurt led to even clearer results in this study. The blood pressure values ​​of subjects with high blood pressure fell by up to seven percentage points. The product has been shown to help lower blood pressure. According to the research team, the data evaluation shows a “significant association” between the consumption of yoghurt and reduced high blood pressure – but only among the participants who also have high blood pressure.

The value did not drop in the study participants whose blood pressure was already in the normal range. Of the more than 900 participants, 564 people had

Wade’s research team now wants to carry out further studies. The potential benefits of yoghurt will be examined more closely, especially for high-risk patients. But beware: Eating yoghurt alone often does not help. If you suffer from high blood pressure, try to gradually change your diet and start walking or exercising regularly.

Our brain works around the clock: Whether it’s at school or work, driving a car, cooking and even while we sleep, our brain does a lot. With certain foods we can maintain these functions and slow down the aging process.

It controls every reaction that happens in the body by perceiving influences, forwarding and processing impulses: the brain. The brain takes over many subconscious processes such as breathing or reflexes for us. The cerebral cortex takes up 80 percent of the total volume and is responsible for processing mental images and visual information. But areas such as the thalamus or hippocampus also have their own tasks.

With its several hundred billion nerve cells, the brain is one of our most important organs: as soon as a nerve cell is defective or damaged, it can no longer regenerate. It is therefore important that we protect our brain and give it the nutrients it needs to maintain the nerve cells and support them in their functions.

Brainfood: These are the main nutrients for the brain

With a balanced diet, you can keep your brain permanently fit. But which foods are good for the brain and which are harmful?

1. Carbohydrates

Serve as the main source of energy
Overall, the brain uses a fifth of the energy that we absorb from food. However, water also plays an important role in smooth functioning. It is therefore important that we drink enough liquid.

2. Albumen

Proteins are made up of different amino acids that help form cells. In addition, amino acids control different metabolic processes such as the sleep-wake cycle or the ability to learn. A combination of different protein sources represents an optimal supply of nutrients for the brain: Soy flakes, Parmesan, Harz cheese, beef, lentils or peanuts are good sources of protein.

3. Fat

Just as the body uses fat to protect itself from the cold, fat also protects our nerve cells in the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids play a role here
Salmon, herring, mackerel and certain oils such as flaxseed oil or walnut oil contain these important omega-3 fatty acids.

Micronutrients for the brain

In addition to protein, carbohydrates and fats, micronutrients also contribute

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important factor in the maturation and function of nerve cells. The vitamin also supports the reduction of stress factors in the brain. Too high a proportion of this oxidative stress can increase the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases as well as neurological diseases.

2. B vitamins

We can absorb eight different B vitamins through food, with vitamins B6 and B12 being particularly important. Deficiency symptoms of the former can manifest themselves in a depressive mood, tiredness and cramps. B6 vitamins can be found in meat, fish, bananas, nuts and legumes. Vitamin B12, on the other hand, is only found in animal products such as cheese. Deficiency symptoms of this vitamin are expressed in behavioral fluctuations and a limited ability to think and concentrate.

3. Potassium

Potassium is one of the minerals and influences the regulation of blood pressure. Optimal intake can therefore reduce the risk of a stroke or cardiovascular disease. The brain needs potassium to ensure the transmission of stimuli in the nervous system.

4. Selenium

The trace element selenium is vital for the brain. It is important for motor performance, coordination and memory. A sufficient supply is therefore important to ensure the function of the brain and nerve cells. But the immune system and the thyroid gland also need selenium to be functional.

These foods damage the brain

Fast food, sweets or too much fat

1. Sugar: Addicted to the reward

Sugar serves the brain as a quick source of energy. Especially in ready meals, the component is increasing more and more. According to studies, the consumption of sugary drinks is also increasing in society. Too much sugar not only increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, but also acts like a drug on the brain. With a high-sugar diet, the receptors are activated and send a reward signal to the brain. In doing so, they override the self-control mechanisms and create constant cravings. So you can get really addicted to sugar. It is better to use alternative sweeteners such as thick juice or rice syrup.

2. Cola Zero: Aspartame can limit brain power

Not all sweeteners are necessarily better than sugar.

It was found that high consumption of aspartame had a particularly negative effect on spatial orientation and mood

In the following we present 15 exciting food wisdom and facts that you probably didn’t know yet. Some of them even play an interesting role in everyday life.

In the following, we explain 15 pieces of wisdom about food that you should definitely know. In addition to fries with vinegar, the health benefits of cold pasta are also a topic. Sound unusual?

1. Cold pasta is less fattening than hot pasta

If noodles cool down after cooking or are even frozen, resistant starch is formed. The calories from it are not properly absorbed by the body and thus the number of calories in the pasta is halved.

2. Vinegar makes fries healthier

French fries are made from potatoes, which in turn are packed with carbohydrates, which are quickly released into the bloodstream as sugar and raise blood sugar levels unhealthily. Vinegar can make fries a little healthier by lowering the glycemic index and releasing sugar more slowly. French fries with vinegar, however, is a matter of taste.

3. Red peppers contain almost 2.5 times more vitamin C than oranges

While citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C, half a red pepper contains all of the daily requirement, making it even richer.

4. Hay fever can be related to food allergies

If you have an allergy to grasses, you may also react to oranges, melons, tomatoes, celery or peaches. If birch pollen causes hay fever in you, stone fruit such as apricots or nectarines can also cause reactions.

5. Skim milk produces the best coffee froth

The protein contained in the milk causes the liquid to foam. Skimmed milk is almost fat-free, but has a high protein content, which makes the foam stiffer.

6. Honey never goes bad

Pasteurized honey cannot absorb moisture when properly sealed and can therefore be kept indefinitely.

7. A glass of orange juice has almost as much sugar as a glass of cola

Both orange juice and cola contain around 10% sugar. The orange juice also contains vitamin C and folic acid, but no more than 150 ml per day is recommended because the sugar content is too high.

8. Nuts contain fewer calories than stated on the package

Nuts and almonds contain up to 25% fewer calories than advertised. This is due to some of the fat, from the proteins and carbohydrates, which remains undigested.

9. Chocolate really doesn’t break out

Acne is caused by hormones and their effect on the sebaceous glands. Diet actually only plays a minor role. A connection between chocolate and pimples has not yet been scientifically proven.

10. White chocolate is not real chocolate

A product is only considered chocolate if it contains cocoa beans. Since white chocolate does not contain these, it is actually not real chocolate.

11. Darker drinks are more likely to give you a hangover

The paler an alcoholic beverage is, the lower the content of ingredients is usually. Rum and other dark drinks, on the other hand, contain chemicals and flavor enhancers that can make hangovers worse.

12. Even the next morning, the alcohol has not yet broken down

The body breaks down only about 0.1 per thousand per hour. So if you drink five to six glasses of wine between 9 p.m. and midnight, you could still be under the influence of alcohol at 7 a.m. the next morning.

13. Eating late doesn’t automatically make you fat

Eating times do not necessarily affect obesity. Food is only converted to fat when more calories are consumed than are burned.

14. Mushrooms are practically impossible to overcook

Mushrooms can simmer forever without becoming tough or watery. This is due to a polymer, the chitin, which holds the mushrooms together and makes them firm to the bite.

15. Chalk can be made from egg shells

Egg shells are basically calcium carbonate, which is what chalk is made of. So you can make your own chalk from ground eggshells.

Conclusion

In addition to these very unusual food wisdoms, there are also other nutritional trends that you can use to upgrade your entire lifestyle. After all, nutrition is one of the most effective building blocks for improving your own health.

Make varied dog food yourself without any additional effort with many healthy recipes for dogs. Whether rice, potatoes or oatmeal, meat, and bones, dairy products and eggs, fruit or vegetables, numerous foods are suitable for diversifying the dog’s diet. And all without any additional effort for you.

Well-tolerated staple food for dogs

One swears by ready-made dry food from the discounter, the other feeds his dog with fresh organic products. In between, there is a whole range of options for dog nutrition. But the dog is also happy if it doesn’t get the same thing in front of it every day. In every household, there are food preparation products that dogs also tolerate well and like and that can contribute to a varied diet. No matter what you feed, you can see the criteria for recognizing a good staple food for your dog in the animal itself. The dog:

  • has a shiny, non-greasy coat
  • clear eyes, wet nose
  • does not scratch excessively
  • has little and solid defecation, because he can digest the main part of the food
  • is neither ribbed nor fat

If these criteria apply, the main food is well suited for your dog. If the dog has food-related problems, the varied design of the menu is of no use; instead, a suitable main food must be found. Also note remedies for diarrhea and vomiting in dogs, as well as tips on bathing dogs properly.

Grain free dog food

Be careful with grain-based dog food. Most dry foods consist mainly of grains such as corn and wheat. So if you want to feed grain products such as boiled rice, pasta, or oatmeal, you should reduce part of the amount of dry food so that grain doesn’t just end up in the predator’s stomach.

Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs

Fruits and vegetables are good for dogs if they are pureed or boiled. It is therefore not a problem to add crushed potatoes, carrots, and small amounts of other vegetables to the dog. The fruit must be very ripe. It is best to always try out small portions, whatever the dog likes and tolerates well.

Meat for dogs

Meat can be fed raw or cooked, of course, a delicacy for the dog. You should avoid pork. Other meat must not be seasoned. Only give raw meat in small amounts at first and slowly increase it until the dog’s stomach acid production has adjusted to it again. Boiled chicken with rice and carrots is an excellent bland diet for dogs.

Bones for dogs

Contrary to popular belief, dogs can even eat chicken bones if, firstly, they are uncooked and, secondly, the dog is slowly getting used to them. The dog should get meaty bones that have a good amount of meat. Chicken necks or soft veal ribs are suitable for beginner dogs. Later, the dog will certainly be happy about a beef leg slice. Don’t overdo it with the bones as it can cause constipation. In addition, the dog should be given fresh, raw meat regularly for some time beforehand, so that the stomach is properly adjusted to the utilization of the food.

Other animal products

Quark and cottage cheese are also very digestible for dogs and very healthy due to the high calcium content. Eggs can also be fed. You should only give the egg yolk raw, but the dog can also have a whole egg including the crushed shell when cooked.

Rules for healthy dog ​​nutrition and feeding

Despite all the variety, a healthy feeding policy should be observed. On the one hand, the total amount of food must be adapted to the dog. The basic rule for the feeding plan is one-third each of meat, grain, and fruit/vegetables. However, this distribution does not have to be achieved on a daily basis but should be achieved on a weekly average. After a meal, especially with bloating feed such as fresh tripe, rest is the order of the day. Otherwise, the intestinal obstruction could occur. If possible, meat and grain should not be fed together, but should be given at different meals. The daily ratio is best spread over two to three meals.

Storing food properly is almost an art – and the refrigerator is not always the best solution. Not everything stays fresh longer in it. Many foods are harmed by the cold, some simply do not need it cool.

1. Storage of tomatoes, as well as cucumbers, peppers, eggplants and zucchini

Tomatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator. There they lose their aroma and can mold more quickly due to storage. It is best to keep them in the cellar or in the pantry – a temperature of around 15 degrees is ideal.

If a cool room is not available, tomatoes are still better off at room temperature than in the refrigerator. It is best to store them in an airy and shady place. This also applies to other types of vegetables that contain a lot of water, such as cucumbers, peppers, eggplant and zucchini.

2. Store olive oil properly

Olive oil can become flaky (cloudy) in the refrigerator. In warm weather, however, this returns after a while without the oil being damaged. That’s why you often hear the advice to put olive oil in the fridge so that it doesn’t go rancid so quickly. But cooling and heating food over and over again consumes valuable energy.

Store olive oil at room temperature protected from light (e.g. in a dark cupboard) and it will keep the olive oil fresh for many weeks – by then a bottle will usually be gone anyway.

3. Store bread

Bread is best stored at room temperature in air-permeable containers. Without air, moisture builds up and the bread starts to go moldy. Clay pots are ideal for storage. Bread boxes made of wood are less recommended, bread dries out faster in them.

Stored in the fridge, bread will mold later, but will soon taste stale. That’s why storing it in the refrigerator is only worthwhile in exceptional cases: on hot days with high humidity. We recommend plastic-free lunch boxes to take to the office.

4. Store lemons

Lemons and other citrus fruits don’t tolerate cold – after all, they come from warm regions. Lemons, oranges, grapefruits, etc. do well at moderate room temperatures, they prefer it even more if they are stored a little cooler. Citrus fruits should be stored openly, they should have contact with air. A bowl or a basket that is as wide as possible is suitable for this, for example.

Sliced ​​citrus fruits don’t need to be in the fridge either. They keep for a week at room temperature. Lemon halves are best placed cut-side up on a plate. The cut surface dries and thus protects against mold growth.

5. Storage of garlic and onions

If you don’t have a cool room available, it is best to store garlic and onions in a clay pot that gives them enough room to “breathe”.

6. Store bananas

Bananas quickly get brown spots in the fridge because the cold damages their cell tissue. They will keep for about three to four days at room temperature if protected from direct sunlight. They are even better off in a slightly cooler place.

This also applies to other exotic fruits such as mango, melon or pineapple.

7. High-proof

Perhaps the term “food” is not appropriate for strongly alcoholic beverages. But if you have spirits such as vodka, whiskey or other brandy wines with more than 35% at home, you don’t need to store them in the fridge either. Sealed bottles of alcohol last practically forever.

Even when the bottles are open, it takes time for the alcohol and aroma to evaporate. Storage in the basement or at room temperature without direct sunlight (e.g. in a cupboard) is sufficient.

8. Store the avocado optimally

Like a banana, you usually buy an avocado unripe. “Hard” avocados should be stored at room temperature, during which time they will ripen and become soft. Ripe specimens are best eaten as soon as possible.

However, cut avocados can go in the fridge: do not remove the pit, sprinkle lemon juice on the cut surface and place in an airtight container – this way the avocado will keep for a few more days.

9. Tabasco and Co.

In addition to chilies, hot sauces usually only contain vinegar and salt – these are excellent preservatives. That’s why Tabasco & Co. don’t have to be in the fridge even when they’re open. In a light-protected place (closet) they keep for many months.

10. Storage of honey

Honey changes consistency in the fridge. It becomes hard and difficult to paint. When stored tightly closed, dry and protected from light (e.g. in a cupboard), it usually lasts for years without losing quality.

Also, if you keep honey free of foreign bodies, you can eat it practically forever.

Aphrodisiacs from your own household. The term aphrodisiac means natural things, most foods, and herbs, that can get you going and refresh your love life. At first glance, most people will think that it must be something expensive and exotic.

Almost every housewife naturally uses aphrodisiacs in everyday life and does not even notice it. If you want more fire in your life, cook something special and pay attention to the following little helpers that promote eroticism. Refresh your love life effectively now.

The aphrodisiac and its importance

So-called aphrodisiacs are said to bring more momentum into sex life. Humans have been using natural aphrodisiacs for centuries. According to this, people used natural foods and plants that had a desire-enhancing and erection-enhancing effect. From nettle to celery, some aphrodisiacs were popular. And even today, a natural aphrodisiac can help increase desire. We have collected some for you below.

1) Cocoa has always been a temptation

Already the Inca and the Aztecs used the effect of cocoa as an aphrodisiac. Whether you’re making hot chocolate or decorating a cake, it gets your heart racing and warms your soul. You can choose between the sweet and bitter versions. Because both will not miss the effect. And if the South American natives swore by it, it must be true, right?

2) Pumpkin seeds for wild men

Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which promotes testosterone production. If your partner gives up too early or just lies there disinterested, make sure to have more pumpkin seeds in his life. Because with this natural aphrodisiac you can refresh your love life. For this, you will often find pumpkin seeds in bread, rolls, or occasionally in soups. Or be creative and serve them in a fresh salad with a hearty steak. Also, read how to roast and dry pumpkin seeds yourself.

3) The classics basil and parsley

Parsley and basil plants can be used in almost every good kitchen. Because they refine a large number of dishes. Whether in the soup, the sauce, or as an edible decoration, these all-rounders can be found everywhere! They also stimulate circulation. And that leads to a heated feeling, which is the perfect start to an erotic dessert.

4) More garlic in food for love life

Garlic is known more as a love killer for its smell. However, the ancient Romans and Egyptians used the effects of garlic. Because many of the ingredients combine the abilities of other aphrodisiacs. If you use it sparingly and enjoy it together, it won’t reduce the pleasure in bed afterward. And with our tips on how to get rid of the smelly garlic smell, it should work even better.

5) Lavender as a tempter for the nose and stomach

With these beautiful flowers, the scent is enough to get the senses going and to refresh your love life. You can combine the stimulating scent with a sweet dessert that will certainly continue in the bedroom. If you want to be on the safe side, add lavender to a chocolate mousse containing cocoa! Also, see our article on using lavender as a home remedy.

6) Refresh your love life with honey

In English, the honeymoon is called honeymoon for a reason. Because the consumption of honey increases the release of hormones. In addition, this promotes the networking of nerve cells, which makes everything work more intensively. Versatile in use and almost always to hand, it offers many opportunities to refresh your love life. Also, read our article on honey as a home remedy and get even more tips on using honey.

7) Chili as an aphrodisiac

The use of the hot chili kindles the fire of love. Because chili not only provides more heat in the kitchen, it also provides more energy in bed. But it’s not for everyone. As it can be too intense to start with. It is best to start by seasoning your food more sharply than usual. This already promotes blood circulation and has a stimulating effect.