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Peanuts can cause severe allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, they must be labeled as an ingredient on food packaging. A large-scale study has now examined the accuracy of labeling peanuts – with a satisfactory result.

The study

In a joint research project, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and the French authority for food safety, environmental protection, and occupational safety (ANSES) examined the accuracy of the labeling of peanuts on food packaging.

A total of 899 food samples were examined for traces of peanuts. This makes it the largest study to date on this topic with products from the supermarket. The samples all came from French retailers and – according to the labeling – did not contain any ingredients containing peanuts.

Examples of products studied included pizza, baked goods, breakfast cereals, baked goods, snack foods, cakes, cookies, and chocolate. 266 products had a peanut label on the package, the remaining 633 had no such label.

The result

Of the 633 products that were labeled without any reference to peanuts, two products still contained peanuts. Nine of the 899 food samples were affected – mostly snack items. However, the traces found were very small and just detectable, as the results state.

“Anyone who carefully reads the list of ingredients and notes can largely avoid unintentional consumption,” explains BfR President Professor Dr. dr Andrew Hensel. However, there is no such thing as 100% certainty, since every allergy sufferer reacts very individually and dose-dependently, Hensel continues.

14 allergens

The most common triggers of allergies and intolerances – 14 in number – must always be stated on the food packaging. These are the following substances and products made from them:

  • Cereals containing gluten, namely: wheat (such as spelled and Khorasan wheat), rye, barley, oats, or hybrid strains thereof
  • crustaceans
  • eggs
  • fishes
  • peanuts
  • soybeans
  • milk (including lactose)
  • Nuts, specifically: almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashew nuts, pecan nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, or Queensland nuts
  • celery
  • Mustard
  • Sesame seeds Sulfur dioxide and sulfites (from 10 milligrams per kilogram or liter)
  • lupins
  • mollusks

Those who wake up the next morning after a night of partying with lots of cocktails are often plagued by headaches and nausea – a hangover has crept in. These anti-hangover foods will help get you going again!

Kimchi

The Korean superfood has long been known to trendsetters and describes any vegetable that is prepared or fermented by lactic acid fermentation. The best known is the kimchi variant with Chinese cabbage, but other varieties such as radish or cucumber can also be fermented.

The anti-hangover food kimchi should be eaten before or after a big party because the probiotics and B vitamins it contains help against nausea, and headaches and gets the intestines going again.

Broth

A hot broth not only warms the entire body but is also good for the stomach. The anti-hangover food provides the body with salt, which helps make up for the nutrient loss of the previous night. Even if you don’t feel like eating: spooning a broth is always possible!

Parsely

Parsley can be sprinkled over the broth or made into delicious cream cheese. This anti-hangover food provides important nutrients such as vitamins and traces elements that the body urgently needs. Another benefit: chewing the parsley leaves neutralizes bad breath.

Water

After a long night of drinking, drinking water is very important. Juice spritzers are also suitable as a liquid supplier for the day after and are an anti-hangover food. This counteracts dehydration and the body slowly gets going again. Tip: Drink a glass of water every now and then during the party night. This will help prevent a hangover.

Ginger

The good is at the root: Ginger is definitely an anti-hangover food because it helps with nausea. It also stimulates the production of gastric juices and has a calming effect on the nervous system. Hot ginger tea is best brewed in the morning after the party. This provides the body with additional fluids.

Cheap fats such as palm oil are being used more and more frequently in foods. This is the result of a current long-term study with more than 115,000 foods.

The study

Since 2012, the percentage of cheap fat in food has been documented annually by the Codecheck advice portal. The latest survey now shows that cheap fat is being processed in more and more foods. This is an increase of 6.5 percent since the analysis began. According to the results of the study, there was even a 26 percent increase in nut and chocolate creams.

According to Codecheck, around 6.5 percent of the products examined were declared as containing palm oil in 2012 – in 2015 it was already 13 percent. This cheap fat is used for cooking and frying. But palm oil can also be found in chocolate, sausage products, or Asian-ready meals.

Palm oil

The extraction of palm oil has been highly controversial for years because it causes significant environmental damage. The use of palm oil as a portion of food plays a rather subordinate role.

International environmental protection organizations criticize above all the use of palm oil as a basis for fuel and in the production of candles and cosmetics because the establishment of huge plantations regularly destroys large areas of the tropical rainforest and thus also the habitat of various animal species threatened with extinction.

When stress or worries hit our stomachs, sometimes even our favorite dish can’t motivate us to eat. But you can easily combat a short phase of loss of appetite: with these foods and preparation methods!

Loss of appetite? These 3 foods will help

While the persistent loss of appetite with accompanying weight loss must be extensively clarified with the doctor in order to rule out physical and psychological illnesses, a short, temporary phase of loss of appetite is nothing unusual and threatening. When you are stressed or worried, you often lose your appetite for a few days.

But there are foods and preparation methods that can help to slowly stimulate the appetite again. This includes fruity and light meals – even liquid or soft foods are easier to eat if you just can’t get a bite down. The meals should also be easily digestible and consist of as many fresh plant-based ingredients as possible. Here are three examples:

Smoothie

Even cut into bite-sized pieces, fruit and vegetables don’t want to end up in your stomach? Then smoothies could help against the loss of appetite: Prepared with your favorite fruits and vegetables and finely blended, they are easy to drink and also practical for those who can’t get a bite down early in the morning.

The drinks provide the body with important vital substances and can also be spiced up with oatmeal, nuts, and seeds. This also ensures a robust taste and provides an extra portion of protein and complex carbohydrates, which keeps you full for longer.

Yogurt

Natural yogurt provides the body with protein in top form – as well as vitamins A and D as well as calcium and magnesium! Its lactic acid bacteria contribute to a healthy intestinal flora. The creamy consistency of the yogurt makes for a great mouthfeel; eaten chilled, it is a real refreshment and makes the start of the morning easier.

You can start with a 150-gram cup and spoon it slowly. If you like it sweeter, you can snip fresh fruit rich in vitamins into it. It gets crunchy with nuts or seeds! Serve your fruit yogurt with love, because it is a well-known fact that you eat with your eyes.

Fruit juice

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, pomelos, or grapefruit are considered natural stimulants and can stimulate the appetite. They also provide vitamins and promote the absorption of the mineral iron. The fruit can be eaten pure or pressed into a juice. Be careful with ready-made juices from the supermarket: they can contain a lot of added sugar.

With a newly published civil protection concept, the federal government has triggered a discussion about the sense and nonsense of buying hamsters. Everyone has to decide for themselves how useful they think the government’s checklist is. EAT SMARTER has put together a smart shopping list for you, with which you are always well prepared, at least for culinary emergencies.

Who doesn’t know this – it’s 9:30 p.m. on Saturday evening and the supermarket around the corner is closed. Or we are sick, have no strength to get out of bed, but have nothing left to eat in the house. So we order the pizza service. That’s not smart. But a well-stocked pantry can prevent cravings and frustration orders.

With a sensible selection of supplies, we are well prepared for culinary emergencies and can conjure up our favorite dish at any time.

Grain

A certain selection of different dried grain products should not be missing in any pantry. The products do have a best-before date, but according to Stiftung Warentest, this can be exceeded generously. As long as the food tastes impeccable, it is edible. Store grain products in airtight screw-top jars or plastic containers to prevent pests from attacking them.

These grain products belong in the pantry:

  • flour
  • pasta
  • rice
  • polenta
  • couscous
  • millet
  • quinoa
  • crispbread
  • oatmeal

Legumes

Legumes are super healthy because they provide plenty of fiber, protein, and minerals such as iron and potassium. They also provide variety in the kitchen. Dried lentils, chickpeas, and co. can be kept for over a year. Ensure optimal storage conditions by storing the food in an airtight container in a dark, cool, and dry place. If you are in a hurry, you can also buy canned cooked legumes and use them in stews, curries, or sauces.

These legumes belong in the pantry:

  • Chickpeas
  • lenses
  • different types of beans (e.g. kidney beans, white beans, or azuki beans)

Canned goods and jars

Of course, fresh food is always the better choice. Still, it makes sense to stock up on a selection of jars and jars that you can use to cook dishes when you need them. Tomato cans are essential. They often even contain more phytochemicals than fresh tomatoes. But dishes can also be easily spiced up with pesto, olives, and the like.

These preserves and jars should not be missing in the pantry:

  • chopped/peeled tomatoes
  • Pesto
  • olives
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • artichokes
  • capers
  • Corn
  • Peas
  • pickled cucumbers
  • Beetroot
  • tuna
  • vegetarian spreads
  • nut butter

Nuts and dried fruits

Whole, unshelled nuts and dried fruits can be kept for several months if stored correctly. As with grains and legumes, nuts and dried fruit should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place.

These nuts and dried fruits are perfect for storage:

  • unshelled walnuts
  • unshelled hazelnuts
  • unshelled peanuts
  • Apple crisps
  • dried apricots, prunes, or dates to taste
  • raisins

Spices

Without spices, the food would taste pretty monotonous. We, therefore, recommend that you always have a supply of different spices at home. Dried herbs and spice mixtures have a long shelf life and give even the simplest dishes that certain something.

These spices should not be missing in a well-stocked pantry:

  • Salt
  • pepper
  • dried vegetable broth
  • dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil
  • garlic powder
  • curry powder
  • coriander powder
  • nutmeg
  • paprika powder
  • Cinnamon

6. Vinegar and Oil

Cold-pressed oils can be kept unopened for up to twelve months. Refined oils can even be stored and sealed for a year or two. Sniff the oil to see if it’s still good. It is relatively easy to tell whether oil is rancid by smell. You can also try a small drop of the oil to make sure your nose was right. If it tastes bitter, throw it away and stop eating. Vinegar is sealed, stored in a dark and cool place, and can be stored almost indefinitely.

  • rapeseed oil
  • olive oil
  • sunflower oil
  • dark balsamic
  • light balsamic
  • Apple Cider Vinegar

If something needs to be heated up, the microwave often comes in handy. But not all materials and foods are suitable for this.

These materials are not suitable for the microwave

A microwave can be found in most households. Food can be heated easily, quickly and conveniently with this. But some materials and foods do not belong in the microwave.

The following must be observed with the material:
Make sure you only use microwaveable (plastic) dishes; otherwise the material may become deformed or plastic parts may end up in the food.
Paper or cardboard is also unsuitable due to the coating.
If you have a dish in a Styrofoam container, you should take it out of the packaging. Otherwise toxic substances can be passed on.
You should also not heat eggs in the microwave, as they can burst in it.
For soups, make sure they are covered to avoid splashing.
Aluminum foil can melt and should be removed first.
Fine china, for example with a gold or silver rim, should not be placed in the microwave.
Food that can burst is also a problem. Hot peppers and chili, in particular, can develop fumes that can spread outside the microwave.
You should also not put crockery made of metal or melamine resin or unglazed stoneware in the microwave.

Be careful with these foods

Furthermore, these foods are not microwaveable:
In the case of raw meat and raw fish, salmonella, for example, may survive. The following applies here: it is better to fry or grill thoroughly.
(Cooking) oil and (frying) fat harbors the risk of igniting. The fires cannot be extinguished with water.
Perishable foods such as egg dishes, potatoes and pasta should be fried in the pan if possible.
You can make pizza in the microwave, but it gets crispier in the oven.
Coffee can become bitter.
When water in tall, smooth vessels is removed from the microwave, it can form a bubble of water vapor that escapes explosively; the boiling liquid that can be carried away can lead to scalding.
High-proof alcohol can also ignite – or, in the case of vodka, for example, explode.
In general, the microwave is not suitable for even heating. Therefore, if in doubt, you should fry your food to avoid germs and health problems.

A lot of overpriced food in the supermarket is not only unhealthy, but also unnecessary. We show you delicious and homemade alternatives.

Finished products: Expensive and often unhealthy

The classic finished products that often end up in the shopping cart are:
Drinks: Lemonade, iced tea and co. are wonderfully refreshing, especially in between. However, flavored sugar water costs a lot and it often doesn’t stay with one bottle.
Frozen goods: There are plenty of pizza, cakes or garlic baguettes in the freezer. To make the products fresh, aromatic and juicy after baking, you need a lot of fat and often too much salt.
Sauces and Dressings: Salad dressings, ketchup, and burger sauces tend to be expensive and contain too many additives. The highly processed foods are also very high in calories.
Snacks: A quick smoothie to go? Thats expensive! The pureed fruits sometimes cost almost three euros per 250 milliliters. This is much more expensive than fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, in many cases there is also a lot of unnecessary sugar. Even muesli bars are now anything but cheap. On the other hand, the proportion of healthy nuts, kernels and seeds is rather low.
These are just a few examples that show that it is better to look closely at the list of ingredients. Of course there are also good products in organic quality, which can also secure a place in the shopping trolley. However, you can easily make many drinks and snacks yourself!

This is how it works: make delicious alternatives yourself

Many products that you can buy in the supermarket can be imitated without much effort and for much less money. In addition, you avoid preservatives, unhealthy fats or a lot of sugar. Here are three quick recipes to enjoy:
Make a delicious and healthy smoothie in just a few minutes: Simply puree 200 grams of frozen berries, 1 banana and 200 milliliters of orange juice and 100 milliliters of water. Your “berry-strong” smoothie is ready, without any additional sugar.
No time for an elaborate pizza? Really not? 350 grams of flour, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 200 milliliters of water, 3 teaspoons of baking powder and half a teaspoon of salt. Knead everything well, roll out and top with tomato sauce, cheese and toppings of your choice. Place in the oven at 250 degrees and bake for about 10 minutes.
Salad dressing without sugar and effort: 150 grams of yoghurt, 100 milliliters of apple juice, 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs of your choice, salt and pepper. Mix everything well and you have a healthy dressing for your salad!
Our conclusion: Finished products really don’t always have to be. You can prepare many things quickly and inexpensively in your own kitchen. It’s not only healthier, it’s also a lot more fun. Get creative and make your own garlic baguette, your new favorite pizza or a refreshing iced tea!

An overview of natural home remedies and foods for colon cleansing. In order to cleanse the intestines really well, there are some tips and home remedies that can really help.

It is possible to do this process yourself at home. After all, the gut is an important principle for well-being and health. If there are problems, such as cramps, flatulence, constipation, or diarrhea, the digestive tract is disturbed and action must be taken.

Problems caused by a strained intestine

A stressed gut results in a properly functioning immune system. After all, the immune system is located directly in the intestine. It may be that performance decreases quickly if the bowel disease is not treated. A targeted colon cleansing that can be done at home is a good preventive measure. A corresponding cleaning can be carried out without an expensive cure.

Unnatural food or drinks or animal products, as well as ready-made foods with many additives, leave negative residues in the intestine. The intestinal flora also suffers. Colon cleansing can cleanse. In this way, all residues are removed. Nevertheless, certain rules should be followed when cleaning the intestines.

There are different forms of colon cleansing

Not every colon cleansing is the same, which means not only increased excretion from the stool. Although it is possible to rid the intestines of residues in this way, proper cleansing of the intestines does not take place with chemical laxatives from the pharmacy.

When emptying the intestines, it is essential to take in plenty of fluids, as well as electrolytes or micronutrients, as these are lost during cleaning. Appropriate food or a special liquid should therefore be taken. They do most of the cleaning work.

The intestinal flora should be strengthened, or the aim is to build up the mucous membranes in the intestine. This allows the body to rid itself of the residue and defend itself against new contamination in the gut.

Proper gut structure after cleansing

After cleaning the intestines, the organ is not fully functional and problems can arise without the right approach. The cleansing itself causes a better basic condition in the intestine. In order for the digestion to regulating itself again via the intestinal flora, the corresponding bacterial strains must be settled. Bad bacteria can settle there just as well.

The flora must therefore recover, which can take some time. The good bacteria grow back and the mucous membranes strengthen, which in turn allows the intestines to clean themselves. You can also use a few tricks to build up and strengthen your intestinal flora.

Proven home remedies for colon cleansing

There are now different products that can be used for colon cleansing. If the colon cleansing takes a relatively long time, this should be done by a doctor. With a gentle method that does not cause diarrhea, for example, there is no need to consult a doctor. For example, aloe vera is an excellent food or home remedy for colon cleansing. With aloe vera, it is possible to gently cleanse the intestines. Alternatively, the juice of a lemon can be mixed into the aloe vera gel.

Cleansing the intestines with fiber

Incidentally, roughage is not necessarily one of the home remedies that can be used to cleanse the intestines, it is more, as the name suggests, ballast for the intestines, these substances have many healthy properties. About 30 g of dietary fiber should be consumed daily. This regulates digestion and prevents constipation.

Foods for colon cleansing

Most foods eaten today are acidic. This means that an alkaline opponent can cleanse the intestines or offer them support. In order for the intestines to be able to clean themselves, more attention should be paid to alkaline foods on the menu. This allows residues and any waste products in the intestine to be removed. You can also use high-quality oils. Because this oil the intestinal mucosa and stimulate digestion, making it easier to have a bowel movement. And typical alkaline foods include:

  • nettle
  • salad
  • spinach
  • wheatgrass
  • cabbage
  • dried and fresh fruit
  • as well as juices

Cleaning with special bitter plants is also possible. However, these are very rarely found on the typical menu, including artichokes, dandelion, and nettles

It sounds too good to be true: losing weight without dieting can work. We show you which foods stimulate fat burning.

Lots of vitamins and minerals: grapefruit as a true super fruit

It is a real vitamin bomb: the grapefruit. The healthy fruit tastes bitter, but contains a particularly large amount of vitamin C, which promotes the development of connective tissue. The grapefruit owes its color to the dye lycopene, which also makes tomatoes red, for example.

The B vitamins contained in grapefruit, which are particularly important for the development of amino acids, i.e. protein building blocks, also boost the metabolism. The dietary fiber pectin leads to a feeling of satiety and also has a positive effect on blood sugar and cholesterol levels. However, most of the pectin is found in the skin and core of the fruit.

Furthermore, grapefruits also contain many minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphate. Minerals are important for the body, but some of them have to be ingested through food.

Hot spices reduce cravings

Hot spices are also very healthy. The healing effect of the ginger root, for example, has been known in Asian medicine for centuries, according to NDR, and not only helps as a tea for colds. A study from New York proves that the root in water also helps with weight loss.
In food, hot spices such as ginger or chili lead to less cravings for salty, fatty and sweet foods.

The hot substance capsaicin in the chili pepper has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, as do the substances gingerol and shogaol contained in ginger. According to the Lucerne Health Center, the spiciness contained in chili increases

The vitamins and minerals contained in ginger in addition to the pungent substances, including vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, calcium and iron, are located directly under the peel.

Coffee: Germans’ favorite drink as a calorie burner

Coffee is the favorite drink of the Germans. Whether at work, at home or in a restaurant, on average everyone drinks 162 liters a year. The substances contained should even help with weight loss.

The caffeine in the beans stimulates the so-called thermogenes and, similar to the hot substances in ginger and chili, also boosts fat burning. According to the information platform, coffee should even relieve sore muscles after exercise. But be careful: Too much coffee can also have negative effects and harm the body.

Almonds as a power fruit

It has been known for a long time that nuts are said to help you lose weight. But in addition to walnuts, sweet almonds in particular are particularly good fat burners. Almonds are often counted among the nuts, but they are a plant species of the rose family. The core of the stone fruit is the almond, which botanists therefore count as a fruit.

The fruits contain many vitamins E and B, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc as well as valuable vegetable proteins and roughage. These ingredients and unsaturated fatty acids fill you up without the body absorbing many carbohydrates.

Buttermilk: Slimming through bacteria

The low-fat milk product, which is a by-product of butter production, gets its typically bitter taste from the addition of lactic acid bacteria. Buttermilk has less than 1% fat and is rich in minerals and vitamins.

With around 232 milligrams, just 500 milliliters cover more than 20 percent of the daily calcium requirement recommended by the German Society for Nutrition. This stimulates the breakdown of body fat and thus helps with weight loss. According to the Association for Independent Health Advice, calcium suppresses the production of the hormones calcitriol and parathormone in sufficient quantities, which means that the body stores less fat and fat loss increases.

Simple tips for dehydrating and drying food. Dried fruits and other dried foods have a long shelf life and are healthy. In addition, dried fruit and dried fruit are good fiber and very digestible. But which foods can be dehydrated?

Thousands of years ago, this type of preservation made food last longer. In this way, important vitamins could be absorbed even in times of hardship. And so mold and bacteria could spoil the food. And even today, dried foods offer benefits.

How does dehydration work?

Drying is the oldest and gentlest way of preserving and preserving food. The water is removed from the respective food, so it is dried. With the removal of any moisture, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens are excluded. Drying itself requires a lot of heat and air to promote the evaporation of moisture. This method works great for plant foods. They dry out very quickly and are ready for preservation after a short time.

1) Dehydrate fruit and enjoy dried fruit

Apples, pineapple, grapes, and mangoes in particular are the absolute favorites among dried foods. Because they dry well. They get their own taste and are real sources of energy. And you can use this dried fruit for your muesli or as a healthy snack on the go. Banana chips aren’t easy to make, but they’re pretty good with a food dehydrator.

2) Vegetables for drying

Basically, you can dry any vegetable. To preserve the typical taste, you should store the dried vegetables separately later. Likewise, when drying vegetables, you must take special care to ensure that all moisture is removed. Otherwise, mold will set in very quickly. If you don’t like dried vegetables, you can just as easily prepare your vegetables with the steamer and preserve important vitamins.

3) Dry fresh herbs

You can also dry herbs particularly well. Because they are light and thin. As a result, they contain little moisture. So if you want fresh and healthy basil, oregano, or thyme in winter, you should dry it. Also, note our instructions and tips for drying herbs.

4) Make Dehydrated Nuts

Walnut, Hazelnut, Brazil Nut, and Coconut. They are all suitable for drying. Especially the coconut, cut into slices and dried, is an absolute favorite in many dishes and combinations. With the other nut types and varieties, you have to make sure that the moisture has been completely removed. Mold spores can very easily settle in nuts.

5) Grains and legumes

These are also easy to dry. Especially slightly thicker grains, such as barley or wheat. You can dry these well because they dry relatively quickly. Accordingly, they can be used quickly.

6) Dry mushrooms yourself

They are one of the easiest to dehydrate. When to cut into slices, they are dried after a short time. But be careful here! Because you should only use edible mushrooms. Even a poisonous mushroom when dried contains the same amount of toxins. You can freeze and reheat mushrooms just as well.

7) Dry fish and meat

Dried fish is still popular in many countries today and is considered a delicacy. In southern Italy, the “baccala”, a dried haddock, is an absolute delicacy. However, you should be very careful here and dry it with a dehydrator. The same goes for meat too. However, hygiene and absolute know-how are required to really dry meat properly. Also, note our tips on freezing meat and preserving fish.

Dehydrators for drying

In addition to the original drying in the sun and in the air, modern equipment can also be used. So you can try dehydrating with an oven first. Or use the safe option: drying with a dehydrator. For this, you need a really good machine.