Tag

Foods

Browsing

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.

Very tasty, but extremely unhealthy: Sugar is in various forms in almost every food. However, particularly large amounts of the fattening agent are hidden in processed products. Here are the consequences of eating too much sugar and the best tips for eating less.

How much sugar is ok?

Assuming an average calorie consumption of 2000 kcal, that is 50 grams of sugar that you can consume per day. That corresponds to about half a liter of lemonade, 17 sugar cubes, or 100 grams of chocolate. So the recommended amount is reached quickly – but how do you manage to eat less sugar effectively and easily?

There are many different testimonials from people who give up sugar, but not every way works. First of all, the most important thing is to reduce the daily amount of sugar – this is particularly difficult for many at the beginning, because our body and our taste buds are used to the sweet experience.

Ways to eat less sugar

The aim of the reduction is to sensitize our taste for sweets again. Because if you eat sugar again after giving up, it tastes all the sweeter. Now you have to either continue to do without sugar or cut out sugary foods. For example, Ökotest suggests diluting juices with water or mixing fruit yoghurt with plain yoghurt.

You should also pay attention to the list of ingredients when shopping: Sugar is often added as a flavor enhancer to many processed products. Especially here you can eat a lot of sugar quickly. The bestselling author of the “Nutrition Compass”, Bas Kast, therefore always recommends: “Cook yourself with fresh, natural food” – because this is the only way to really have control over the ingredients and the sugar intake.

Eat sugar: Less is always better

The realization that sugar is unhealthy and that we should eat as little of it as possible is nothing new. However, the fact that the health consequences can go as far as cancer is very shocking. So in order to really pay attention to a healthy diet with little sugar, the best thing to do is simply stop eating.

That means no sugar in the coffee, no sweets in the evening and always cook with fresh ingredients. This is difficult for many to implement, but reducing the amount of sugar is a step in the right direction. “Enjoy, the dose makes the poison,” agrees the expert Bas Kast.

Iodine is an essential trace element. A lack of iodine can even lead to an underactive thyroid.

Iodine is an essential trace element

Iodine is important for mental and physical development, especially in children, according to the AOK Federal Association. Iodine deficiency is a gradual process that is often not noticeable at first. But in the long term, a deficiency can trigger changes or diseases of the thyroid gland. The consequences range from depression to difficulty concentrating. “Iodine is a vital trace element. The body needs it for the formation of thyroid hormones, among other things,” says Dr. Julian Bleek, doctor in the AOK Federal Association.

According to the German Society for Nutrition, the recommended daily iodine intake for children is between 100 and 200 micrograms, depending on their age. For adults it should be around 200 micrograms daily. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have a particularly high iodine requirement (230 or 260 micrograms per day).

Hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency: These are the symptoms

If the thyroid does not get enough iodine, it can no longer produce enough hormones. It then first tries to compensate for this deficit by enlarging itself. As a result, a goiter forms, also called goiter. From a certain size, a goiter is also visible from the outside and can cause symptoms, for example problems with swallowing or a wheezing noise. The suspicion of goiter can be clarified by means of a palpation examination and ultrasound.

If the thyroid gland is no longer able to produce enough thyroid hormones despite this enlargement, the result is hypothyroidism. Those affected then feel listless and tired and complain of a physical and mental drop in performance. There may be other symptoms.

skin changes (dry, cool, pale yellow, or doughy skin)
dry, brittle hair
rough, hoarse voice
weight gain
constipation tendency
decreasing fertility and potency
slow heartbeat

The iodine requirement can easily be covered with everyday foods

In order to cover the daily need for iodine, one can quickly become active oneself, as the element is easily absorbed through food: The “Bavarian Consumer Center” recommends that iodized salt be preferred over the non-iodized salt and that it should be used in the kitchen. Loosely packaged bread and baked goods and sausages are usually also produced with iodized salt.

However, iodine is not only contained in salt, but also in sea fish and seafood. The trace element is also contained in smaller doses in spinach, broccoli, rye bread, algae and dairy products

When trying to lose weight, here are 7 foods you should know: They’re healthy, but they still contain hidden calorie bombs that can sabotage your summer diet if you’re not aware of it.

Losing weight not working? These 7 foods could be to blame

In general, when you take a closer look at the nutritional information, industrially processed and preserved products often have a high fat or sugar content. Sugar or other flavoring agents are added to most industrially processed foods, which leads to a high number of calories. The principle applies: homemade is always best!

In the following we have put together an overview of the foods for you that have significantly more calories than you would think at first glance.

You should not eat too much of it, especially not if you are on a diet, otherwise you may not be able to achieve the desired weight loss success.

1. Dried fruit

As a substitute for unhealthy sweets such as chocolate & co., many people like to use dried fruit. They are also a varied topping in yoghurt, smoothies or muesli. However, the dried version is not as healthy as fresh fruit: Depending on the type, the latter contains 15 to 20 grams of natural sugar and some fiber. Already 30 grams of dried fruit (about three to four dates) have about the same amount of sugar. A large amount of dried fruit is eaten faster than one or two fresh apples, pears or tangerines.

2. Fruit Juices

“From today on I’ll leave out soda and cola and only drink fruit juices, then I’ll definitely lose weight in no time at all!” Something like this is a widespread misconception that has led countless people who want to lose weight into the calorie trap. Fruit juices are real calorie bombs: a glass of orange juice (100 ml) has 45 calories, apple juice 46 calories, pineapple juice 53 calories. For comparison: A glass of beer (100 ml) has 43 calories, cola 41 calories, soda 40 calories.

3. Smoothies

The creamy consistency is already in the name: the term “smoothie” is derived from the English word “smooth”, which means “smooth” or “soft”. Herbs, fruits, milk and seeds are typical ingredients of the pureed drinks – and almost all of them are healthy and nutritious.

4. Nuts

Nuts are also generally known as healthy fillers, but they should only be consumed in moderation. While all types of nuts contain healthy fats and valuable nutrients and are good for the heart and blood vessels, they also contain a lot of calories. According to the Federal Center for Nutrition, a 100 gram portion of hazelnut kernels contains 644 kilocalories, for example, while the same portion of chestnuts “only” has 196.

5. Dips

As a complement to carrot, cucumber or pepper sticks, dips appear almost perfect. But even in this actually sensible and healthy snack side dish, fat and calories can hide in large quantities.

6. Black Rice

Black rice is considered healthier compared to white rice because it contains more protein and fiber. Nevertheless, if you eat too much, you quickly fall into the calorie trap, since black rice also has a high proportion of carbohydrates.

7. Avocado

Avocados are more popular than ever before: The “green gold” should not be missing in any “healthy” household. The calorie bomb, also known as “butter fruit”, is extremely unsuitable for losing weight. The avocado is a berry, to be precise. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, potassium and calories. An avocado (about 200 grams) contains about 400 to 450 calories, so it is almost a meal in itself.

Not only relevant for sports enthusiasts, but for everyone who wants to eat healthily: protein. Proteins have become a popular term, especially due to the fitness trend. Animal foods such as meat and milk are considered protein guarantors. What many do not know: many plant-based foods can compete with them. These are the vegetable protein bombs.

Benefits of plant-based protein sources

An egg has about eleven grams of protein. Not that much at all, considering that proteins owe their name to him.

It is well known that animal foods are harmful to health in large quantities. An egg, for example, contains five grams of fat and up to 280 mg of cholesterol, more than half the recommended daily allowance.

Plant-based sources of protein are a real alternative, not only because of the lack of cholesterol, but also because they fill you up for longer with the high levels of dietary fiber and secondary plant substances.

These are the vegetable protein bombs

But these are not the only advantages of plant-based protein sources. If you use protein sources from plants, you almost automatically avoid factory farming and the associated problems such as animal suffering or exposure to antibiotics. Another advantage of vegetable protein sources is the ecological footprint: the eco-balance of vegetable protein suppliers is generally better than that of animal protein sources. We have compiled a list of the top protein suppliers among plants for you.

Spirulina

Spirulina doesn’t tell you anything? No wonder, the superfood is only slowly making its way into the supermarkets. Spirulina is an alga found mainly in Mexican and partly African lakes. There, the algae have long been valued by primitive peoples for their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects. But that’s not all: 100 grams of spirulina contain a whopping 57 grams of protein.

Spirulina, which is considered a superfood, is now being cultivated or bred in a targeted manner. Although the alga is not a food in the narrower sense, but rather a dietary supplement, it is still the protein bomb par excellence. For comparison: Spirulina contains more than twice as much protein as beef.

The green-blue alga has a slightly fishy taste. If you like that, you can, for example, prepare a smoothie with a spoonful of spirulina powder and thus add almost eight grams of protein. Important: When buying spirulina products, you should always make sure that they are sustainably produced and certified.

wheat germ

Wheat germ is also a rather less well-known food in this country. Perhaps you know them from yoghurt or smoothies, for example. Wheat germ is actually – just like wheat bran – a “waste product” in flour production, even though it is very healthy. The oily wheat germ is located at the top of the wheat grain and accounts for only about three percent of the total weight. In addition to many B vitamins, vitamin E and other nutritional values, 100 grams of wheat germ also contain 32 grams of protein.

Overall, wheat germ contains 70 important nutrients, lots of fiber and also a lot of folic acid, which makes them particularly interesting for pregnant women. With their antioxidants, wheat germ also ensures beautiful and healthy skin and a healthy cardiovascular system. Wheat germ* is ideal as an addition to yoghurt, in a smoothie, in a salad or as wheat germ oil*. Wheat germ is high in calories, so two to three tablespoons a day is enough.

Important: Wheat germ is very sensitive to heat, so it should not be heated, boiled or baked, otherwise it will lose valuable nutrients.

hemp seeds

eat hemp seeds? Yes indeed. Competitive athletes have long discovered hemp protein for themselves. The seeds of industrial hemp – so everything is legal, no problem at all – contain many amino acids that the body cannot produce itself, but are very important for muscle building. In addition to this and the reported potency and fertility-enhancing effect, 100 grams of hemp seeds* contain 24 grams of protein, which is exactly as much as beef.

lenses

Lentils, a rather inconspicuous food that has it all. In addition to the many uses of legumes, lentils are also very healthy. Lentils, which, like all legumes, contain a lot of fiber and thus keep you full for a long time, also have a high zinc content, which stimulates the metabolism. In addition, 100 grams of lentils have 23 grams of protein – almost as much as beef – which also has a high biological value, i.e. can be easily absorbed by the body. Lentils are rightly the miracle cure for vegetarians and vegans.

pumpkin seeds

Nuts, kernels and seeds are healthy snacks for in between. They all have one thing in common: they all contain a lot of fat. For example, 100 grams of walnuts contain 65 grams of fat. Pumpkin seeds come off relatively well with their 19 grams of fat. In addition, the tasty seeds also contain all the essential amino acids and 19 grams of protein per 100 grams. The high lysine content also speaks in favor of the pumpkin seeds: lysine is an amino acid that ensures healthy bones and strong connective tissue. Chew on a handful of pumpkin seeds* regularly – your health will thank you.

quinoa

Quinoa: The South American plant is one of the pseudocereals and is one of the healthiest protein sources of all: It contains all the essential amino acids, with the high tryptophan content being particularly noteworthy. Tryptophan is an amino acid that stimulates the production of the happiness messenger serotonin and thus makes eating happy. In addition, quinoa is gluten-free and therefore also edible for people suffering from celiac disease. 100 grams of quinoa contain 13 grams of protein – significantly more than other grains.

Other plant-based protein sources

But that’s not the end of the list of plant-based protein sources. Other high-protein plants are (per 100 grams):
Soy flour – 40 grams of protein
Soybeans – 34 grams of protein
Peanuts – 25 grams of protein
Pine nuts – 24 grams of protein
Pistachios – 23 grams of protein
Peanut Butter – 22 grams of protein
Kidney beans – 22 grams of protein
Chia seeds – 21 grams of protein
Almonds – 20 grams of protein
Oats – 13 grams of protein

Calcium is the most important building block for healthy bones. But you don’t have to take calcium tablets straight away to meet your needs.

Why the combination of calcium and vitamin D is crucial

Vitamin D is mainly absorbed from the sun through the skin and only a little through food. But that’s less of a problem, especially for older people. “Vitamin D3 tablets are suitable here,” reports the umbrella organization for osteology.

Good sources of calcium include dairy products such as milk, cheese and so on. If you have a lactose intolerance, you can alternatively use water containing calcium. If the mineral water contains at least 150 milligrams of calcium per liter, it may be labeled “calcium-containing”.

But some vegetables such as spinach, kale or broccoli are also rich in calcium. It should be noted that you should not boil the vegetables but steam or stew them. When cooking, the calcium would settle out in the cooking water. In addition, the calcium storage can also be well filled with legumes and nuts.

Stress is not only exhausting, but also extremely unhealthy. In addition to relaxing exercises and behaviors, diet can also have a positive impact on your stress level. We tell you which 7 foods help against stress.

These 7 foods help fight stress

When we are under stress, our body is constantly on alert. This is not healthy in the long run and can, for example, lead to chronic inflammation and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Even our brain can be damaged under constant stress and our memory can be impaired, American brain researchers found out.

Diet has a major impact on our health. And it can also be used to successfully combat stress. These 7 foods help against stress:

1. Avocado

Yes, we can’t hear the name of the trend food anymore either. Nevertheless, the avocado has to be on this list because it is considered the superfood among anti-stress foods. Not only does it fuel our bodies and get our brains working at peak performance, but it also helps to reduce stress.

Avocados work against stress because they contain a lot of B vitamins, especially vitamin B1. Vitamin B1 is also known as thiamine, a substance that is essential for a functioning nervous system. Thiamine promotes the exchange of information in our brain and thus also the ability to concentrate. The vitamin also has a stress-relieving effect. It is not without reason that thiamine is also called the nerve vitamin.

Avocados are also rich in potassium, other B vitamins, magnesium and unsaturated fatty acids. However, they have a relatively poor eco-balance because their cultivation uses a lot of water. This leads to water shortages in the cultivation areas, which are also often at the other end of the world. You should always keep this in mind when buying avocados.

2. Nuts

Nuts are the perfect nerve food for on the go. The stress-relieving snack is high in vitamin B2 and vitamin E, especially walnuts, pistachios and hazelnuts. Here’s why pistachios are so healthy yet potentially dangerous.

The nuts also contain magnesium, which supports the energy metabolism. But the most important anti-stress ingredient in nuts is potassium. Both nutrients help to strengthen the immune system, but potassium is a real stress killer. Potassium is so effective against stress because it regulates the heartbeat and blood pressure and ensures a calmer pulse even under stress.

Among the nuts, the Brazil nut is way ahead when it comes to stress-relieving effects. This is because Brazil nuts have a relatively high selenium content. Selenium is particularly good against stress because it inhibits the transmission of impulses in the nerves and thus calms the nervous system. This automatically creates less stress in the body and you are calmer.

3. Spinach and other leafy green vegetables

It is a misconception that spinach has incredible amounts of iron. Although spinach is still a good source of iron, this has little to do with the myth of the miracle cure. Regular consumption of spinach won’t give you the strength of a bear like Popeye does, but it will give you iron-hard nerves.

The reason for this are the nutrients vitamin B6 and potassium contained in spinach, which protect the nervous system. The additional calcium it contains also contributes to good signal transmission between the nerve cells. The high magnesium content in spinach also promotes healthy functioning of the nervous system.

However, the most important anti-stress substance in spinach is folic acid, which leafy greens have in abundance. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the body produce mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Spinach thus contributes to a better mood, which allows you to cope better with stressful situations. Tip: In order to retain as many of the nutrients as possible, you should only sauté the spinach briefly and not boil it.

4. Tea

The fact that tea is said to have a calming and stress-relieving effect is nothing new. The fact that this effect has now been scientifically confirmed is news. Researchers from University College London have shown in a study that people who drink tea are less stressed than people who have consumed a placebo drink.

One of the most well-known teas with a calming effect is chamomile tea. In various studies, the tea has now been attested to have a sleep-promoting effect. One of the best ways to combat stress is getting enough sleep, which makes chamomile tea a real anti-stress tea. Chamomile tea also has an anxiolytic effect, which can prevent stressful situations and help you cope better with stress.

Green tea also has an anti-stress effect: the high content of the amino acid L-theanine supports the formation of alpha waves in the brain, which leads to a feeling of relaxation. But: Green tea contains caffeine, so it is not necessarily recommended at any time of the day.

5. Dark Chocolate

Cocoa or dark chocolate is a real stress killer. Dark chocolate contains a lot of magnesium, which has a stress-relieving effect. It also contains the amino acid tryptophan, which is essential for the formation of the happiness hormone serotonin – but the mood-enhancing effect of chocolate is well known.

Dark chocolate also contains flavanoid, an antioxidant that breaks down stress hormones and lowers blood pressure. The rule here is: the darker the chocolate, the more flavanoids it contains. You should therefore always choose chocolate with a minimum of 70 percent cocoa content, for example the Lindt Excellence with 90 percent cocoa content*.

Another ingredient in dark chocolate that helps reduce stress is anandamide. Anandamide is an unsaturated fatty acid that binds to the same brain receptors as cannabis. Important: Only dark chocolate has the stress-relieving effects.

6. Berries

Berries – the local superfoods. Berries are true wonder weapons, also against stress. On the one hand they are rich in vitamin C, on the other hand berries have a very high anthocyanin content. Anthocyanin is an antioxidant that gives many berries their dark color. The antioxidant produces the mood-enhancing dopamine in the brain and thus prevents symptoms of stress.

All berries contain these substances, but some in particularly favorable amounts. Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries help particularly well against stress. Goji berries are said to be best at helping with stress, according to a study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Berries are not only easy to portion, they can also be wonderfully processed into ice cream. Simply put frozen berries and some milk (vegetable or animal), possibly some sugar, in the blender and you’re done.

7. Coffee

Who drinks too much coffee is nervous and stressed? none. Coffee can even help against stress attacks. The reason for this is the caffeine, which docks onto the adenosine receptors in the brain and blocks them. Adenosine is the body’s own sedative. Not only that, but it is also partly responsible for the development of stress symptoms.

The use of masks, peelings and creams is by far not the only thing you can do good for your skin. The saying “true beauty comes from within” can be taken literally in this case. The dermatologist Yael Adler reveals important tips for healthy and clear skin.

Foods for more beautiful skin: These nutrients are important for the complexion of the skin

According to the consumer center, vitamin E is mainly found in vegetable oils and nuts and contributes to a healthier complexion. It reduces the formation of scars and age spots on the skin and is responsible for the fat and moisture balance.

Vitamin C protects the skin from so-called free radicals. These are aggressive oxygen compounds that damage the cells. Vitamin C is found in fresh fruit and vegetables. Ideally, it should be eaten raw and with the skin thoroughly washed.

Vitamin A is responsible for the increased production of collagen in the skin and prevents its breakdown. Basically, collagen is responsible for the elasticity and tension of the skin. It is found in animal products such as fish, egg yolk, liver or milk.

Be careful with milk

However, according to dermatologist Yael Adler, milk should be consumed with caution: “It’s made for calves and stimulates growth hormones, which can lead to blemishes and acne.” Fermented milk products such as kefir, yoghurt and buttermilk are better. They also contain probiotic bacteria that protect the intestinal flora. Adler explains: “If the intestinal flora is strong, the skin is doing really well.”

Although it may sound strange at first, healthy skin also needs fats. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body and should be ingested from oily fish, avocado, or flaxseed.

But biotin, vitamin B3, the trace element zinc, silicic acid and potassium are also important for all-round healthy skin.

Vegetable foods in particular are important for healthy skin

You should also eat carrots regularly: they contain provitamin A, beta-carotene. This has an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the skin’s own UV protection.

For the smokers among you, Yael Adler also has a tip: tomato paste, watermelon and rose hips could be good antidotes: They contain lycopene, an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the skin that are caused by sun exposure and smoking, for example.

Vegetable foods such as Jerusalem artichokes, artichokes, radishes, rocket, asparagus, chicory and salsify are also important for healthy skin. They contain fiber and bitter substances that promote the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria and improve nutrient absorption and protection against toxins.

While it may sound pretty overwhelming trying to get all of these nutrients through your daily diet. Mainly because the content composition of individual foods is very complex and not only the type of preparation plays a role here, but also the composition of the foods with each other. But it really isn’t as difficult as it sounds.

These foods are harmful to the skin

The most important thing is that you eat a healthy and balanced diet. Red meat, refined sugar, white flour and heavily processed foods should be avoided as far as possible. The menu should consist of the foods mentioned above, whole grain products and legumes.

It is also important not to raise blood sugar levels radically. Dermatologist Yael Adler says: “High blood sugar levels stimulate the sebaceous glands, make the skin oily, promote acne, promote inflammation and make the skin age faster.” Therefore, as mentioned above, you should avoid simple carbohydrates such as white flour and sugar and prefer complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and once cooled potatoes.

Eating the right foods is one thing, but the best way to transport nutrients around the body is to eat the right foods. You should drink at least one and a half to two liters of water or unsweetened tea a day.

Another sensible step for the skin is to avoid alcohol and tobacco. It has been proven that the longer a person has been a smoker, the faster their skin ages. The German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg (DKFZ) issued this warning. Smoking inhibits blood circulation and ensures that the connective tissue protein collagen is broken down more quickly and rebuilt more slowly. Tobacco consumption increases the risk of developing neurodermatitis, acne, skin cancer or psoriasis due to its negative effect on the immune system.

Skin changes as a sign of Covid-19 disease

Anyone who is already struggling with impure skin in general should avoid any food that causes the blood sugar level to rise rapidly and fuels the release of insulin: dairy products, white bread and fast food. The consequences of their consumption on the skin are inflammation of the sebaceous glands, which lead to pimples.

If you have recently noticed a negative change in the appearance of your skin in the form of pustules, blisters or itchy skin areas, it would be advisable to consult a doctor. These symptoms can be proven to be signs of a Covid-19 infection. Cases have been reported where the effects on the skin were the only symptom, other people they were only ancillary symptoms.

There are some foods that are unfairly given a bad rap by many people. Here we explain which products you are sure to have made a mistake about.

1. Potatoes

The potato. We eat them as an accompaniment to all dishes, but they are not really considered healthy. They are often labeled as fattening foods, but they are even suitable for losing weight. The potatoes have an incredibly high satiety index and are a valuable source of nutrients. The potato contains hardly any fat, but plenty of starch, fiber and, for these proportions, a lot of protein. The vegetables also contain a lot of potassium, B vitamins, phytochemicals, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.

Tip: Of course, this only applies to cooked, unprocessed potatoes. A portion of boiled potatoes with quark keeps you full for an incredibly long time and is often eaten by athletes to provide energy.

2. Eggs

There is a lot of power in eggs. They contain a lot of protein, which athletes in particular take advantage of. They also contain various vitamins, such as vitamins B, A, D and K. The key point with eggs is the natural protein that our body can fully utilize. In combination with the amino acids, the interaction is optimal, and they also fill you up for a long time.

Eggs were notorious for a long time because of their high cholesterol level, but this is only a concern for people who already have high levels in this area anyway. For healthy people this is not relevant.

3. Coffee

A morning without coffee is unthinkable for many people. It helps us to start the day fit or to get us out of the midday slump. Three to four cups of coffee are considered normal daily consumption. The drink is said to promote our performance and reduce the risk of diabetes. In addition, coffee stimulates intestinal activity, thus promoting the intestinal flora and reducing the risk of colon cancer. Even the liver function is said to be significantly improved by the caffeine drink.

4. Chocolate

It is already known to have a high magnesium content. So it is good for nerves and muscles. It helps with stress and tastes great too. Cocoa even contains iron and zinc. But the digestion also benefits from the sweets, because in moderation they have an anti-inflammatory effect and boost the metabolism. The higher the cocoa content, the healthier the chocolate. Instead of a chocolate biscuit, simply snack on a bit of dark chocolate.

5. Peanut Butter

More than just fat – the peanut butter. It sounds incredibly unhealthy at first. The newfangled, delicious, sweet spread from the USA. Unfortunately, the unhealthy stereotype also applies to some varieties, but as soon as you reach for a product that consists only of peanuts and a little salt, you are supplying your body with vitamin E, fiber and proteins. Vitamin E, for example, helps to preserve cognitive abilities, especially in older people.

6. Popcorn

Of course, this doesn’t mean the sweetened, caramel-covered XXL popcorn bucket from the cinema, but popcorn is actually not as unhealthy as many people think. However, there are also salty or natural variants. Because popcorn contains medium- and long-chain carbohydrates, which provide energy over a long period of time. The popped corn contains fiber and the volume of the grains ensures a long saturation phase, which is why it is sometimes even used to lose weight – this certainly sounds utopian to some, but many athletes use popcorn as a source of energy.

7. Corn

Even in its pure form, corn is a great food. It is often avoided due to its starch content, but it is actually packed with proteins, fiber and B vitamins. For example, corn is ideal for very thin or weak people, because the starch it contains in large quantities helps to build up weight and body mass.

8. Burritos

The Mexican dish has long since arrived in Germany and is eaten here at least as much as in its home country. However, they are not exactly considered “healthy”. But it depends on the filling, because if you adjust it, the burrito is anything but unhealthy. For example, choose brown rice, chicken, beans and avocado and this meal will give you everything you need for the day. This dish is full of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. However, you have to do without sour cream and cheese for the healthy version.

9. Bananas

Although the banana is a fruit, it is often considered unhealthy because of its high carbohydrate and sugar content. But due to its vitamin C, B6 and potassium content, it is actually very healthy. By the way, if it is a small fruit, it does not contain more calories than an apple.

10. Butter

She doesn’t have to let herself be taken away from bread. Butter contains saturated fatty acids, but also polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as the healthy omega-3 fatty acids. As many people think, saturated fat has not been shown to be bad for heart or cholesterol.

Thanks to vitamins A, D, E, omega-3 fatty acids and linoleic acid, the butter is anything but unhealthy. The butter is just right for people with stomach problems because it is easy to digest. Due to the milk fat it contains, the food also has a positive effect on the risk of heart attack.

Maybe you know this: You get a craving for sweets or snacks – and escaping the feeling of hunger is often not easy. However, nature has a few things ready to curb your appetite. You can find out here which natural foods help against food cravings.

Food cravings: hunger and appetite – what’s the difference?

Natural appetite suppressants can help us to get a grip on food cravings in a healthy diet. In many situations it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between real hunger and just appetite. Learning to recognize these two factors in your own body can be very helpful – especially

Hunger is like a natural alarm clock for our body. It gives the signal that the body’s energy balance should be balanced. In order to avoid deficiency symptoms and malnutrition, hunger gives the signal that food should be eaten.

However, when it comes to appetite, things are different: they are actually sensory stimuli that trigger a craving for something tasty. However, appetite can also be related to psychological factors. If you’re trying to lose weight and are struggling with food cravings, some foods that suppress appetite can help.

These foods are natural appetite suppressants

Of course, appetite suppressants do not automatically ensure that the kilos tumble. But you help to get a better grip on food cravings and perhaps also to deal with the topic of nutrition more consciously. If you no longer indulge your constant appetite, you will automatically eat less. Important: If you want to lose weight, you should ensure a moderate calorie deficit. Malnutrition can lead to a yo-yo effect. The following six natural helpers can help you with your appetite attacks:

1. Oatmeal

Oatmeal gives you a fiber boost. The low-fat flakes swell up, fill the stomach and increase the feeling of satiety. A delicious breakfast bowl made of oatmeal in the morning can ensure that you stay full longer – and thus have less appetite.

2. Lentils

When it comes to “dietary fiber”, lentils should not be missing from the diet plan. They have an effect similar to oatmeal and increase the feeling of satiety. This means that you will not only be full for a few hours, but also eat smaller portions at best.

3. Proteins

We must also not forget a certain appetite suppressant: proteins in general. A high-protein diet is known to be recommended for those who want to lose weight. Proteins are therefore also a frequently researched area in science. In 2006, scientists at London University College discovered that proteins have a positive effect on feelings of hunger and satiety.

4. Ginger

Ginger is not a popular superfood for nothing – the tuber stands out with its special and unique taste. However, the different flavors also have a nice side effect: They stimulate several zones on the tongue, which is said to reduce appetite. Incidentally, the pungent substances of the spice plant also have a digestive effect.

5. Peppermint

Peppermint, on the other hand, is said to contain essential oils that are supposed to satisfy the craving for something sweet. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea can help with cravings. Some sufferers also swear by chewing gum at such moments.

6. Chili

If you like to eat spicy anyway, then this food will suit you. Because chili is also supposed to be an appetite suppressant, which with its sharp taste ensures that you eat less overall. A study by Purdue University shows that cayenne pepper can curb appetite – the participants had less desire for greasy, sweet and salty foods.

Synthetic appetite suppressants can be dangerous

The presented natural appetite suppressants are not dangerous as long as you do not have intolerance or allergies. However, they are not a panacea either, but an incentive to use them in a conscious and balanced diet. Also, everyone’s body reacts differently to food. So, experiment to see which appetite suppressants work best for you.

With synthetically produced appetite suppressants the situation is different – side effects are possible. The Hamburg consumer advice center completely advises against taking appetite-suppressing pills and powders. The chemical-based appetite suppressants can even pose health risks. For example, the active ingredient phenolphthalein is carcinogenic, while the active ingredient sibutramine can increase the risk of a stroke and heart attack.

It is better to use the well-known home remedies that have the potential to stop the nasty cravings. For example, it is also advisable to drink a glass of water, herbal tea or a low-calorie broth if you get hungry. Sometimes just a distraction helps – a walk, a nice book or the outstanding household chores.

Conclusion

Some natural appetite suppressants can help prevent nasty food cravings. Although they are not an all-purpose remedy, they can pave the way to a healthy and conscious diet. It is particularly important to recognize from your own body when you are hungry and when you are simply hungry. If you learn this difference, losing weight is much easier.