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Delicious Carcinogens: Beware, Popular Foods Can Grow Cancerous Cells

In many cases, cancer is linked to an unhealthy diet. Luckily, you can influence them yourself. By avoiding the following 5 foods, you prevent cancer.

Tasty but carcinogenic: These foods “feed” cancer cells

Research on the subject of nutrition and health is constantly coming up with new findings. Due to the large number of studies, it is sometimes difficult to keep track. In addition, there are sometimes contradictory results.

Stiftung Warentest categorizes five popular types of food that are suspected of promoting cancer. However, not all of them are clear to what extent they actually promote cancer. For example, the effect of milk is controversial (see below). Nevertheless worrying: All five end up on the plate or in the glass of many people every day.
Processed meat (sausage)
(Red meat
milk
alcohol
sugar

1. Processed meat: highest cancer risk level

The results on processed meat are particularly alarming: The “WHO” even classifies sausage, ham, cured, smoked and salted meat products as having the highest cancer risk level 1 – and thus on a level with tobacco smoking. Although the risk of dying from the effects of smoking is 175 times higher, processed meat is said to be responsible for 34,000 deaths worldwide every year.

2. Milk: causes and prevents cancer

The results on milk are particularly interesting: While small amounts, i.e. 0.2 to 0.8 liters, can protect against colon cancer, consumption in large quantities is said to increase the risk of cancer. According to the German Society for Nutrition, calcium from dairy products can increase the risk of prostate cancer in men.

3. Alcohol and sugar: directly and indirectly carcinogenic

According to the WHO, the influence of alcohol is clearer: “Alcohol increases the risk of cancer in any quantity.” The IARC assigns alcohol to Category 1. This means that just complete abstinence eliminates the negative effects of alcohol. However, the more you drink, the higher the risk. It also doesn’t matter which type of alcohol: each is considered a risk factor for various types of cancer in the oral cavity, esophagus, throat, liver, colon and breast.

Conclusion: A healthy diet has a major impact on the development of cancer

It is advisable to follow the recommendations of Stiftung Warentest and WHO and only consume small amounts of the foods mentioned or even remove them completely from the menu. A balanced and healthy diet with lots of fruit, vegetables and legumes makes more sense.

However, the risk of developing cancer can never be completely eliminated. Even if you completely avoid the foods mentioned, do a lot of sport and eat healthily, you can still get a malignant tumor.

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Increase Libido by Eating: These 10 Foods Will Make You Want to Eat Again

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.

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Healthy Eating in Autumn and Winter: You Should Avoid These 11 Foods

Especially in autumn and winter it is not advisable to buy fruit and vegetables indiscriminately. What looks harmless and tasty at first glance can even be harmful to health on closer inspection. We explain which 11 foods you should better avoid.

Diet in autumn and winter: These 11 foods are bad for you, those around you and the environment

Even in autumn and winter, our refrigerators and fruit baskets are well stocked. But: often with the “wrong” foods. Anyone who is mindful when shopping is not only doing something good for their own health, but also for the environment and those around them.

1. Strawberries

Unsurprisingly, strawberries are no longer in season in autumn and winter and therefore mainly come from abroad, such as Spain. However, these plantations have often been criticized for exploitative working conditions, massive use of pesticides and questionable irrigation methods. Be careful with strawberries from Germany. In this country, these only mature with considerable electricity consumption and are therefore not an environmentally friendly alternative.

2. Imported apples

Imported apples are generally not recommended and basically unnecessary. In any case, fresh apples from the region are available until mid-December, which do not have to be refrigerated using a lot of energy.

3. Green salad

Lettuce, iceberg lettuce or Batavia are less recommended in autumn and winter. They come from heated greenhouses and end up in the store “immature”. They not only contain less taste, but also fewer nutrients such as vitamins and phytochemicals and should therefore ideally not be consumed at all.
Fortunately, other salads are in season: lamb’s lettuce, chicory, endive or purslane can end up on our plates without worry.

4. Imported nuts

Unfortunately, many types of nuts also come from abroad and should therefore be avoided. However, we also grow nuts: walnuts and hazelnuts are particularly recommended and healthy.

5. Conventional citrus fruits

Residues of pesticides and preservatives are repeatedly found in conventional citrus fruits such as oranges, tangerines and lemons. Manufacturers often cheat and write “untreated” on their goods, even though they use pesticides. Prefer to buy fair trade organic fruit.

6. Conventional ACE juice

Many people like to drink an ACE juice in the morning and hope that they will do something good for themselves. But the fruit content in normal ACE juice is only between 20 and 60 percent. Water, sugar or sweeteners are often added. However, the added vitamins usually come from the laboratory and are therefore not necessarily recommended. If you like to drink fruit juices, it is best to use organic not-from-concentrate juices.

7. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are very popular. Unfortunately, in the cold season, almost all of them come from Spain, France or the Netherlands, where they are grown in greenhouses. The better alternative: organic tomatoes from the jar. These are harvested when ripe and therefore taste a lot better than imported goods.

8. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are also not recommended in autumn and winter. They are in season with us from June to the end of October. The imported goods have fewer healthy nutrients and long transport routes. You can often find cucumbers in the supermarket only wrapped in plastic so that they are better protected during transport.

9. Zucchini

Although the zucchini belongs to the pumpkin family, it is only in season from June to the end of October. Therefore: Better to use Hokkaido or Butternut. These are also available from us until December.

10. Conventional tea

Exploitation, discrimination and poverty are the order of the day in conventional tea plantations. Therefore, you should be particularly careful when shopping for tea. It is best to only buy black and green tea from fair trade and with the EU organic seal.

11. Imported Grapes

We also have to say goodbye to delicious grapes. From November, grapes mostly come from South Africa, India, Chile, Peru or Brazil. Conventional grapes are also often heavily contaminated with pesticides. Grapes should therefore primarily be bought regionally, during the season and in organic quality.

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Enjoy Without Getting Fat: You Can Eat as Much of These Foods as You Want

A dream for many: unlimited food. However, unhealthy snacks promote obesity. However, the right food can be consumed at any time and in large quantities without a guilty conscience. We’ll show you what they are.

#1 Blueberries as a snack alternative

Whether as a snack in between or in the evening in front of the TV: blueberries are a healthy alternative to chips and chocolate. With just 42 kilocalories per 100 grams and numerous nutrients and plant substances, many of them can be eaten without hesitation. The berries also taste particularly delicious in salads or smoothies.

#2 Zucchini as a spaghetti alternative

You can definitely eat your fill of zucchini too. Zucchini noodles have now established themselves as a good alternative to spaghetti. 100 grams of the green plant contain just 17 kilocalories, so you can eat a good portion without a guilty conscience.

#3 Popcorn – the best snack in front of the TV

Popcorn is also a great snack. However, it is important that the popcorn is prepared by yourself and that excessive addition of sugar and oil is avoided. The delicious corn can be prepared in no time at all in a pot with a lid or an extra popcorn machine.

#4 Cauliflower as a versatile alternative

Granted, cauliflower isn’t for everyone. However, there are only about 25 calories per 100 grams of vegetables, which makes them a great alternative to high-calorie foods. Another advantage: the vegetables can be prepared in many different ways. So you can not only make a snack out of it, but also make a pizza crust or replace couscous.

#5 Edamame – the delicious Japanese specialty

Edamame are young soybeans and most people know them from the sushi restaurant. 100 grams of the beans contain only 122 calories and fill you up faster and longer due to the rich proteins. They taste particularly good in pasta or salads, but they are also a good alternative to chips as a snack between meals.

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Low-Salt Diet: How Much Salt is in Popular Foods

Whether frozen pizza, ready-to-eat products or wheat pastries: table salt is hidden everywhere. However, high salt consumption has a negative effect on health. So how can you eat less salt? We explain which foods are suitable for this – and which ones you should stay away from.

What nutrients are in salt?

The nutrients in table salt are considered vital minerals for our body. Table salt contains the minerals sodium and chloride, but small amounts of calcium, magnesium or phosphorus can also be found in it. In addition, many salts that are commercially available are enriched with additives. The most common additions are:
Iodine is a vital trace element that the organism needs, for example, to produce thyroid hormones.
Fluoride protects teeth from tooth decay and is therefore often added to toothpaste.
Folic acid is needed by the body for cell growth and blood formation. It protects against heart attack and stroke.
Salt is the main source of sodium and chloride in the diet, which are essential for certain bodily functions. These include maintaining the fluid balance in the cells or regulating blood pressure. Sodium chloride also transmits nerve impulses, which is important for the heart, bones and muscles. Sea salt* is very popular at the moment because it has a stronger flavor than regular table salt. Himalayan salt* is also popular and of very high quality. Other types of salt* are table salt, rock salt, smoked salt, sapphire salt or pearl salt.

Health consequences of increased salt consumption

Due to its taste-giving and preserving properties, table salt is mainly added to processed foods such as convenience products, bread, meat, sausage and cheese. However, since the salt content is often so inconspicuous, many consumers are not even aware of the high salt consumption. The WHO recommends around five grams of salt a day. On average, every German eats twice as much. But too little salt can also be harmful. It should still be at least two to three grams of salt per day.

Too much table salt increases blood pressure and thus increases the risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), which in turn increases the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. So if you have heart problems, you should urgently check your salt consumption. Too much table salt also increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.

According to a study, too much salt also has a negative effect on our immune system. A high-salt diet therefore weakens the ability of certain immune cells to fight bacterial pathogens. As a result, infections are more severe and heal much more slowly.

How much salt is in which foods?

According to the consumer center, 75 to 90 percent of the daily salt intake comes from processed foods and eating out. Ready meals such as frozen pizza, ready pasta dishes or pickled herring already contain the daily salt requirement. Most of the salt in Germany is absorbed through bread and rolls. They contain between 0.78 and 1.68 grams of salt per 100 grams. Bread with around 1 gram of salt per 100 grams is recommended.

But meat and sausage products, dairy products and cheese are also the main sources of high-salt nutrition. A pair of Vienna sausages, 100 grams of smoked ham or salami also already contain the daily dose of salt. A proportionate amount of salt can also be found in dairy products such as Gorgonzola, Gouda or Feta.

Most of the time, consumers find it impossible to tell how much salt is in certain foods. If available, the nutritional value table on the packaging is often very confusing, because often it is not the salt content but only the sodium content that is stated. Multiply this content by 2.54 – then you get the table salt content.

Tips for reducing salt consumption in the diet

It is best to start with the products that are eaten in larger quantities and try to buy lower-salt alternatives. In general, the consumption of processed foods should be reduced and the consumption of unprocessed foods, such as vegetables and fruit, increased. It is also worth looking for alternative types of bread with less salt. When shopping for many food groups, you should pay attention to the salt content. There are often big differences, so that a low-salt diet does not pose any major restrictions.

Alternative foods (salt in grams per 100 grams):
Wholemeal toast (1.0) instead of wheat toast (1.4)
Pretzel croissant (0.8) instead of pretzel (3.1)
Mortadella (1.7) instead of salmon ham (6.1)
Lyoner (2.0) instead of salami (5.4)
Cream cheese double cream level (1.0) instead of processed cheese (3.1)
Emmental (0.9) instead of Gouda (2.8)
Cheese pastries, puff pastry (0.5) instead of peanut chips (1.9)
Peanuts (0.03) instead of salted and roasted peanuts (1.0)
Wrap with lettuce and chicken (0.8) instead of cheeseburger (1.7)
Tortellini (0.6) instead of Maultaschen (1.5)
Spaghetti with tomato sauce (0.3) instead of cheese spaetzle (1.4)
Fresh foods such as fruit and vegetables usually contain no salt at all, so a vegan automatically lives with less salt than a consumer of animal products. You should also avoid fast food and convenience products. You can also save on unnecessary salt by making your own bread, pasta and pastries. And sausage and cheese from local farmers have been shown to contain fewer preservatives.

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Coffee Alternatives: These Foods are Real Pick-Me-Ups

Coffee is the “favourite drug”: Around 40 million people start the day with a caffeine kick. However, coffee can have health consequences from a certain amount or dependency.

Healthy Coffee Alternative: Why Stop Drinking Coffee?

Many people love hot, freshly brewed coffee several times a day. That’s why they don’t like to hear that it can cause so many health problems. The rule of thumb is not to drink more than four cups of filter coffee a day, which is a relatively large amount and you should be aware of the health consequences.

Caffeine can become addictive very quickly and should be viewed critically because of numerous health risks. Get an idea of ​​the disadvantages of regular coffee consumption and consider reducing your coffee consumption or replacing it with something else. According to the Center for Health, these are the effects of coffee on the body:
Coffee stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid), which should only be produced to help digest food. Your body may have trouble producing enough stomach acid after coffee to digest a large meal.
Digestion suffers as a result: Regular consumption of coffee unbalances the stomach and digestion. Flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome and even colon cancer can be possible consequences.
Cramps and metabolic problems, constipation and diarrhea can occur because coffee irritates the walls of the small intestine (irritable bowel).
Coffee causes heartburn: Coffee relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter. It should actually remain closed after eating to prevent the food from migrating back into the esophagus. Decaffeinated coffee also causes heartburn in some people.
Coffee as a laxative: Since coffee stimulates the intestines, you often have to go to the toilet afterwards. However, coffee promotes premature emptying of the stomach where food has not yet been adequately processed. In this semi-digested state, the nutrients from food can be absorbed much more poorly by the body.
Acrylamide in coffee: According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, acrylamide is a presumably carcinogenic substance. It forms in coffee beans when they are roasted at high temperatures.
Coffee-related high blood pressure: Coffee causes a potent release of cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine, which increase heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels.

coffee during pregnancy

In general, women should not consume more than 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine per day during pregnancy. This corresponds to about two cups of filter coffee per day. However, this value does not only refer to coffee, but also to all other caffeinated drinks such as tea. However, pregnant women should avoid energy drinks altogether. The amount of caffeine here is often much higher than recommended and other effects of the ingredients such as taurine or sugar acid can be just as harmful to the health of the mother as it is to the child.

Through the connection of the fetal blood circulation via the umbilical cord, the caffeine from the mother’s blood also reaches the child’s organism and develops the same stimulating effect there. However, the unborn child lacks the enzyme to metabolize caffeine. So the caffeine level in the baby’s blood stays elevated for much longer, making it restless. His heartbeat also accelerates and the fetal nervous system is stimulated. The child’s organism reacts even more strongly to caffeine.

Regular caffeine consumption during pregnancy can lead to slight growth retardation and a lower birth weight and is harmful to the unborn child. Also, drinking coffee during pregnancy can lead to extra urination. Due to the rapid loss of fluids, pregnant women should always drink a large glass of water with their coffee.

Pick-me-up alternatives to coffee

Green and black tea also stimulate the organism without being harmful to health. As with coffee, it always depends on the amount of consumption. Matcha, mate or green smoothies can also serve as a pick-me-up, are also healthy and provide valuable nutrients. If you would like to do without caffeine, but cannot part with the aroma and the usual coffee style, you should take a closer look at the following alternatives.

Decaffeinated coffee: a coffee can be described as decaffeinated if the caffeine content is no more than 0.1 percent.
Grain coffee: Without caffeine, grain coffee does not taste as bitter as we are used to from conventional coffee, but it still offers a tasty alternative.
Lupine Coffee: Lupine is a legume. Due to the full-bodied aroma, many appreciate it because of its similarity to coffee.
Chai Latte: A sweeter alternative with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and black pepper, resulting in a real taste explosion. Pay close attention to the ingredients when buying: Many chais from the supermarket are mixed with black tea.
Mint-lemon tea also provides a fresh kick that boosts your immune system and metabolism at the same time. Ginger tea is also considered safe during pregnancy. Ginger provides many immune-strengthening ingredients and stimulates the circulation with its slight sharpness. In addition, ginger tea is considered the remedy for morning sickness.

What is alkaline coffee and how is it prepared?

There are different opinions as to whether coffee is acid-forming or base-forming: while regular consumption of the hot drink is said to cause the body to become acidic, the other side is convinced of the base-forming properties. In general, coffee is considered alkaline-forming. The PRAL value (potential renal acid load) for coffee is -1.4 (negative values ​​mean base-forming, positive values ​​mean acid-forming).

To make coffee alkaline, all you have to do is make your coffee water alkaline. Baking soda helps to neutralize acids. One tablet of Kaisernatron per liter of water on the brewed coffee. This is especially useful if you drink a lot of coffee to reduce heartburn. That being said, cow’s milk is also metabolized as acidic. Anyone who attaches great importance to an alkaline diet should switch to alkaline alternatives such as oat or almond milk.

It depends on the measure! You should consider how much coffee feels healthy for you, or if you’re already feeling any health effects. Coffee alternatives such as matcha or chai lattes are all the rage right now. And more and more cafés are now offering at least one vegan alternative to cow’s milk.

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Forget Coffee and Energy Drinks: These Foods Naturally Increase Performance

It sounds almost too good to be true: there are some foods that increase performance without the unhealthy sugar or caffeine. Here we give you 9 tips to increase your performance naturally.

Tip 1: The eternal reminder: drink enough water!

Drink a lot – a sentence that you hear particularly often in summer. What does that have to do with the increase in performance? Quite simply: if you drink enough water, your blood automatically becomes more fluid. This in turn means that oxygen and nutrients reach the brain faster. The result? Increased ability to concentrate!

Tip 2: Superfood nuts – what’s up with the good reputation?

Whether in trail mix, muesli bars or just plain: Nuts have long had the reputation of being good for concentration. Not only do they deliver a lot of energy to our brain, they also contain vitamins, magnesium, potassium and the omega-3 fatty acids that are so important for concentration. They also support metabolism and the immune system.
A little tip: Walnuts are particularly suitable for a great boost in concentration.

Tip 3: The classic fruit under the magnifying glass

Besides sweets, fruit is probably one of the most popular snacks for in between. Compared to the former, however, it performs significantly better. Bananas and red berries are particularly recommended. In addition to important minerals such as potassium, iron and magnesium, bananas also contain many vitamins and three different types of sugar – a real energy bomb. Berries such as cherries, blueberries or strawberries, on the other hand, are particularly good for after exercise because they help against sore muscles due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances. They are also good for nerve cells in the brain.

Tip 4: Pumpkin Seeds and Legumes: How Effective Are They?

In fact, legumes are real all-rounders. They contain special carbohydrates that keep the blood sugar level constant, which in turn strengthens the ability to concentrate. Antioxidants, iron and zinc also promote brain performance.

Pumpkin seeds contain magnesium and are good for the muscles, so they are also good as a small snack after exercise.

Tip 5: Green tea, a real miracle cure?

Although you might not expect it, green tea is a good substitute for those who only drink coffee for the caffeine. Because it also contains caffeine – but in the healthy version. In contrast to the caffeine from coffee, the caffeine from green tea works more slowly, but is much gentler and lasts longer.

Tip 6: Vegetables make you happy

When it comes to vegetables, avocado and chili are particularly recommended. The former is good for the brain due to the many minerals and unsaturated fatty acids, while the latter primarily promotes the happiness hormone endorphin. Ginger also has great properties, for example it has an antibacterial and calming effect.

Root vegetables are also well suited for low concentration and performance, and beetroot shines here in particular, as it ensures better oxygen supply to the muscles and sufficient detoxification.

Tip 7: And animal products?

Many may even have guessed it: Here eggs are suitable for increasing performance. Because in addition to choline for brain function and cholesterol for the formation and strengthening of brain cells, an egg also contains proteins and healthy fats to protect our brain.

In addition, fish is also suitable as a dish for particularly good memory – because this is strengthened by the many omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish. Fish is said to even reduce the likelihood of dementia.

Tip 8: Don’t worry – you can snack too!

While traditional sweets and sugar aren’t great for improving focus and performance, there are exceptions. For example dark chocolate. The higher the cocoa content, the healthier it is because it contains flavonoids that improve concentration and blood flow. It also reduces stress and has a calming effect.

Tip 9: Support for sports

Those who are more interested in sports can rely on carbohydrates (e.g. grain products) for better endurance and protein for muscle building. Industrially manufactured products such as protein bars can be used, but look for low sugar and high-quality protein sources if you like it healthy.

Conclusion: In the end one can say: The right diet has a lot more effect than you think. Minerals, carbohydrates and omega-3 fatty acids, along with various vitamins and phytochemicals are good for concentration and the brain. Carbohydrates and proteins for a physically demanding body. Without coffee, sweets and sugar you can increase your own performance in a healthy and delicious way.

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Nutrient Deficiency Despite Healthy Eating? With These Foods You Improve The Bioavailability of Your Body

How well does your body utilize vitamins and minerals from food and dietary supplements? To find out, it is important to know your own bioavailability.

What is bioavailability and how does it affect nutrient deficiencies?

One speaks of bioavailability when it comes to how well certain substances, including micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals, can be absorbed by the body. In other foods, vitamins and minerals are integrated into the respective cell structure. They are part of the so-called food matrix. Bioavailability refers to how easily substances are released in the body and in what quantities they can be absorbed, absorbed and used further.

In the form of dietary supplements, you can take vitamins, minerals and other substances in concentrated form to supplement your diet. The substances are usually not integrated into a matrix, but are present in an isolated form. The body thus has easier access to the supporting substances and can continue to use them directly because it no longer has to decode the matrix.

When dosed correctly, dietary supplements are no more unhealthy than the naturally occurring vitamins and minerals found in food. The chemical structures are identical. Therefore, the human organism cannot differentiate between the two. However, according to Verbraucherzentrale.de, the products are neither tested for effectiveness nor for safety by the manufacturers or official authorities and can be harmful to health in the event of an overdose, previous illness or in combination with medication.

Possible reasons why the bioavailability can be disturbed

There are certain factors and nutrients that can significantly affect bioavailability, making it difficult or impossible for the nutrients contained in a food to be utilized. These can interfere with the digestion of micro and macro nutrients
they compete for the same transport system,
change the chemical form of the nutrients contained in food,
which bind nutrients and make them unusable for the receptors in the small intestine.
In addition, the following factors influence bioavailability:
ingestion of alcohol
Physical activity, stress, illness
Previous operations of the gastrointestinal tract
The health of the intestinal flora
The additional intake of medication or dietary supplements
The duration of chewing food
The combination of foods
age and gender
Possible consequences of a nutrient deficiency with disturbed bioavailability: Iron deficiency can lead to general weakness, a weakened immune system and impaired brain function. Calcium deficiency manifests itself in the long term as osteoporosis. In adults, vitamin D deficiency leads to muscle weakness, a weakened immune system, weak bones and an increased risk of fractures and cancer. Children may experience stunted growth and weak bones. Common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are enlargement of red blood cells, impairment of brain functions and increased homocysteine ​​levels, which can lead to various diseases.

Which substances inhibit bioavailability?

Bioavailability can deteriorate not only through the wrong food supplements, but also through food. Alcohol, coffee and vitamin B1 impair the absorption and utilization of vitamins. Another factor that can negatively affect bioavailability is the battle of two nutrients for the same absorption pathway, according to a study by the University of Chile. For example, copper and iron inhibit the absorption and processing of zinc.

Oxalic acid inhibits the absorption of iron, zinc, magnesium and calcium. It is found, for example, in spinach, chard, rhubarb, almonds and sweet potatoes. Tip: If you enjoy eating these foods, heat them up before eating to reduce the oxalic acid content.
Phytates are found in grains, legumes, seeds and nuts, which should actually be on the daily menu. Tip: By soaking, fermenting or sprouting you improve the bioavailability of these foods.
Protease inhibitors are found in legumes. They can significantly reduce the bioavailability of protein-rich foods by inhibiting the metabolism of protein-splitting enzymes.
Lectins are also considered disruptive. The substance can cause inflammation in the intestines. It is found, for example, in legumes, cashew nuts, peanuts, cereals and tomatoes.
Polyphenols are found, for example, in tannins (tannins), coffee, green or black tea. They can reduce bioavailability if consumed with a meal.
To avoid such reactions, you can pay attention to the ingredients on the packaging when buying food. If these substances are present, you may want to look for an alternative.

This improves the bioavailability

When choosing, preparing and assembling food, keep a few basic things in mind in order to be fully productive again and to fully exploit the nutrient potential of your healthy and varied diet.

Good combinations for optimal nutrient absorption would be:
Oatmeal with fruits, nuts and seeds
Cereals with orange juice or vegetables rich in vitamin C
Lentils or beans with parsley and paprika
Spinach with lemon or fruit
Some vitamins and minerals can influence each other and increase bioavailability: For example, calcium with vitamin D or iron with vitamin C. Legumes should always be cooked before consumption, as they are toxic when raw and can cause intestinal inflammation. Tip: You can also increase your bioavailability with sunshine vitamin D.

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Always Tired in Autumn? How Alkaline Nutrition Helps – and Which Foods You Can Eat

Are you currently constantly tired and slack? Alkaline nutrition could be a key to more energy.

Acid-base balance imbalanced: That’s why you’re often tired in autumn

Fatigue in autumn is due to a lack of light in the dark season. Because less light changes the hormone balance: the body releases more melatonin – the so-called sleep hormone – and less serotonin. This in turn is also known as the happiness hormone.

However, the autumn blues are part of the natural course of the year, as Prof. Dr. Katja Mierke, psychologist at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences in Idstein, Hesse, explains: “We are no longer used to living according to the seasons. It is not without reason that other creatures hibernate and withdraw into their caves,” says Mierke. Autumn and winter also serve to slow down.

These times of pause are important for the psyche, she adds, and it is not for nothing that November is a month of mourning in many cultures. “By saying goodbye to the past, you make room for the new.”

Against tiredness in autumn: light, company and Christmas spices

Although Prof. Mierke recommends accepting and enjoying the autumn phase if possible, the psychologist knows: “If you don’t want to fall too deep into the November slump, you should exercise as much as possible outside and soak up the light.” Light therapy lamps also help.

The cold also plays a decisive role, Mierke knows: “Current socio-psychological studies show that people feel lonelier when they are physically exposed to cold. That’s why it’s particularly good for us now if we move closer together. There are occasions for this in the run-up to Christmas plenty.”

According to the expert, you can also do something good for your psyche through food: the essential substances contained in cloves and cinnamon, for example, have been proven to have an antidepressant effect. “Apparently we instinctively know what’s good for us in the dark season and have created appropriate culinary traditions with Christmas baking,” says the expert.

Tired in autumn: get lively with an alkaline diet

A good way to stay fit through food intake in autumn is the so-called “alkaline diet”. This is not a diet in the strict sense. You simply fall back on foods that balance the acid-base balance and prevent hyperacidity. Because when the body is acidic, you feel limp and exhausted. The diet should include many alkaline foods such as fruit and vegetables. Potato dishes are also suitable for alkaline nutrition. We recommend a salad, refined with carrots, parsley and walnuts. Apples and pears are suitable as snacks for deacidification. You don’t have to do without meat and fish. However, you should largely avoid salt and use herbs and spices instead.

The most important alkaline foods include:
ripe fruit
vegetables
Raisins, dried figs
vegetable oils
almonds and chestnuts
Sprouts and sprouts (e.g. mung bean, millet, linseed, lentil sprouts)
herbal teas
Green tea

Conclusion: three-step plan against autumn fatigue

Basic nutrition
Dietary supplement for the right acid-base balance
Sufficient exercise in the fresh air
The alkaline diet is part of a three-step plan that is easy to implement and helps against autumn tiredness, as Erfstadt pharmacist Dr. Jutta Doebel in an interview with the pharmaceutical company Protina explains: “Basically, it is important that you eat enough alkaline-forming foods. This means that you should eat significantly more alkaline-forming than acid-forming foods – in a ratio of 80:20.” So if 80 percent of the meal consists of vegetables, fruit, salads and herbs, you’re on the right track, explains Doebel. As a second step, the pharmacist recommends dietary supplements: “We are exhausted, we are tired, we are imbalanced. And that in turn means that we are no longer as resilient and can concentrate even less. And especially now, when the dark season is coming , it may also be that our immune system becomes more susceptible to infections.” According to Doebel, it is very important that we support our immune cells, and we can do that best with the help of food supplements that have a beneficial effect on our acid-base balance. It is best to discuss which dietary supplements are most suitable for you with a doctor, as every body works differently and needs different nutrients more or less.

The third stage, according to Doebel, is to activate the metabolism. “The best and easiest way to do this is to get enough exercise. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Two or three short gymnastics sessions or nice walks in the fresh air are enough.”

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health

Spinach & Co.: These Healthy Foods Damage Your Teeth

When it comes to sweets, most people realize that they are bad for your teeth. But who would have thought that the following foods would do the same?

1. Bad for your teeth: spinach, chard, beetroot and co.

Spinach, chard, beetroot, sorrel or rhubarb are true all-rounders in the kitchen. They provide us with valuable vitamins, such as vitamin K. Spinach and chard are also rich in potassium. However, the healthy all-rounders often cause teeth to feel rough after eating. This is due to the oxalic acid, which is found in relatively high concentrations in these foods.

Oxalic acid removes the calcium from the tooth and thus promotes erosion. In addition, oxalic acid inhibits the absorption of iron, magnesium and calcium from food. In addition, oxalic acid can be toxic in high concentrations.

Oxalic acid can promote the formation of kidney stones and should therefore be avoided by patients with kidney disease.

2. Bad for your teeth: honey

Honey is definitely a healthier option for the body than refined sugar. It has a positive effect on heart health and even lowers blood pressure. However, sweetening with inferior honey diluted with sugar is just as harmful to the teeth as sweetening with industrial sugar.

Due to the stickiness of the honey, it also sticks to the tooth for a particularly long time and can therefore cause tooth decay. According to the latest studies, the dental insurer Dentolo knows that high-quality natural honey works against the formation of caries-causing bacteria.

It contains so-called inhibe (inhibitors), which are actually quite good for dental health. In addition, high-quality, natural honey helps with gingivitis, as it has an antibacterial effect.

3. Bad for your teeth: smoothies

Smoothies are popular because they are so healthy. They provide many vitamins, minerals and fiber. However, smoothies have two factors in their luggage that are harmful to dental health: on the one hand, the sugar and, on the other hand, the fruit acid.

The ratings for so-called “ready-made smoothies” from the supermarket are the worst. You can read about it at Stiftung Warentest. Here it would be a better decision to make the smoothie yourself.

That way you can at least control the industrial sugar content. However, the fructose and acid remain and are harmful to the teeth. If you still don’t want to do without smoothies, green smoothies are the better choice. They are preferable to fruit-based smoothies for long-term dental health.

4. Bad for your teeth: juice spritzers

Regular drinking of supposedly healthy juice spritzers can severely attack the teeth due to the (fruit) sugar content and the acid it contains. Dental erosion can even go so far as to affect the dentin, i.e. the tooth bone, under the tooth enamel.

If you still don’t want to do without juice spritzers, you should rinse your mouth out with lukewarm water after drinking the spritzer to protect your teeth. Furthermore, the teeth should be brushed promptly after drinking the spritzer. If you wait too long, the fruit acid in the juice of the spritzer will roughen the enamel on your teeth.

If you then go over the tooth with the relatively hard toothbrush, you promote the abrasion of the tooth enamel. In addition, one can say at this point in a figurative sense that constant dripping wears away the stone. If you suck on a spritzer from a straw all day long, the risk of tooth decay increases significantly instead of emptying a glass of spritzer in one gulp.

5. Bad for your teeth: ready-made fruit yoghurts

In principle, ready-made fruit yoghurts shouldn’t be seen as a supposedly healthy snack, but as a hidden sweet that has a lot of sugar in it. In some ready-to-eat fruit yoghurts, the sugar content is so high that it accounts for half of the recommended daily amount.

In contrast, high-quality (natural) yoghurts are characterized by a lot of high-quality protein, calcium and saturated fatty acids. Due to the very high sugar content, ready-made fruit yoghurts can pose a risk of tooth decay and damage tooth enamel.

In addition, depending on the type and manufacturer, a certain percentage of acid is added, which also attacks the enamel. The consumer advice center has evaluated various ready-made fruit yoghurts for their health value and sugar content.

6. Bad for your teeth: Balsamic vinegar, black tea, beetroot, and soy sauce

Some healthy foods can severely stain our teeth. These include balsamic vinegar, which stimulates the metabolism, black tea, which lowers cholesterol, and the all-round beetroot, which has calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin C, folic acid and iron in its luggage.

Soy sauce is low in calories and high in protein. However, these acidic foods roughen the tooth enamel and unsightly discolorations can be permanently deposited in the tooth enamel and form patches.

The controversial coffee also has this property. The same applies here: Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water after eating helps to keep your teeth white.

7. Bad for your teeth: white wine and red wine

The article is actually about healthy food – but as so often in life, the quantity makes the poison: A good wine is not necessarily unhealthy. However, red wine and white wine can severely stain teeth.

But anyone who thinks that red wine stains the teeth much more due to its color and the pigments it contains is mistaken.

White wine is the more intensive cause of tooth discoloration, because it dissolves more calcium from deeper layers of the tooth. Ultimately, and in the long term, this leads to significantly stronger discoloration of the teeth than drinking red wine.

8. Bad for your teeth: spices

Spices support the body positively in every respect. They can inhibit cancer, lower blood pressure, have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and much more. But spices such as curry, saffron or turmeric can also severely discolor teeth.

The unsightly discolouration is due to the high number of color pigments that leave a color film on the teeth. If the tooth enamel is already roughened before the spices are eaten, the color pigments can be stored permanently.

Ginger and mint can also stain teeth. As already mentioned, rinsing your mouth out with lukewarm water after consuming the spices also prevents ugly changes in the color of your teeth.

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