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Drinking enough fluids is especially important in summer. But only drinking water is boring. And fruit juice is not always the healthiest alternative! This gave rise to the latest trend, “Fruit Infused Water” or “Detox Water”. Flavor water is incredibly easy to prepare.

Not only are these delicious drinks delicious, but they’re also healthy because the ingredients release minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants into the water, which you, in turn, put into your body.

Why is infused water so healthy?

Some combinations of infused water have a particularly positive effect on different areas. Lemon, for example, brings energy, boosts metabolism, and improves digestion. Like cucumber, it is also very refreshing. This is particularly pleasant in summer. All types of fruit and berries add sweetness to the water and provide energy. They also strengthen the immune system. Rosemary is said to be a muscle relaxant and regenerating herb, which improves memory and concentration. Mint prevents allergies and also improves the complexion.

The trend drink is so easy to make!

For the Fruit Infused Water, mix a liter of still water with about a handful of your favorite ingredient and let the mixture steep for a few hours. You can add fruit, vegetables, or herbs. Cucumber, ginger, lemon, and mint are particularly popular. Your creativity knows no limits!

Special combinations can also be used to counter specific complaints:

  • Belly fat can be counteracted with a combination of cucumber, strawberries, and basil.
  • Lemon, cucumber, berries, and oranges can provide more energy.
  • Strawberries, cucumber, lime, and mint in your water have a stress-relieving effect.
  • You will become slim and fit with the combination of lemon and coconut water.
  • Fat is easily “washed away” when you add cucumber, grapefruit, tangerine, and peppermint leaves to your water.
  • With grapefruit and mint, your complexion will improve.
  • A healthy bubble tea alternative can be mixed with chia seeds and water or coconut water.

When shopping for your infused water, make sure you’re buying quality products, such as organic. Before you put the ingredients in the water, you should wash them well.

We wish you a good thirst!

The mozzarella is presented all in white as a Caprese combination with tomatoes or baked-on pizza. But which one is the best? To find out, Stiftung Warentest took a closer look at a total of 20 mozzarellas. The result: The test winner can be found at the discounter Aldi – for around 55 cents.

Mozzarella on test

Stiftung Warentest examined a total of 20 mozzarellas in terms of taste and pollution in the laboratory. Including four mozzarellas made from buffalo milk and 16 from cow’s milk. The latter, in turn, contained two variants of the mini balls, three organic products, and two light and two lactose-free items.

Most of the mozzarellas were convincing in terms of taste and were rated “good” – there was no “poor” rating. The examination of the pollutants also showed a thoroughly positive result: 16 mozzarellas were rated “good” and four others were rated “very good”. However, an increased germ content was detected in three of these products.

The Top 5

Only products from discounters with the overall rating “good” can be found among the top 5. These are the rankings:

  1. “Casale Fresco Mozzarella Classico” from Aldi (North) for 55 cents
  2. “Casale Fresco Mozzarella Mini-Classico” from Aldi (North) for 79 cents
  3. “Bio Mozzarella” from Aldi (South) for 89 cents
  4. “Mondo Italiano Mozzarella” from Netto for 55 cents
  5. “Cucina Mozzarella classico” from Aldi (South) for 55 cents

Useful kitchen tips for mozzarella

  • Buffalo mozzarella is bright white, while mozzarella made from cow’s milk is cream-colored
  • Care should be taken with swollen packs: the mozzarella may have been stored too long and not chilled properly. The cheese may already have spoiled
  • Mozzarella develops its best flavor at room temperature
  • Eat mozzarella quickly after opening. The rule is: keep cool and in brine

WHO HBSC study: girls often think they are overweight, and boys are more likely to be obese. Both, the eating and health behavior is strongly dependent on the parental home.

25 percent of all 15-year-old girls go on a diet or try to lose weight in some other way.

This is the conclusion of the World Health Organization’s Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, which is updated every four years.

According to the study, girls consider themselves too fat more often than boys: 43 percent of all 15-year-olds say they have too much on their ribs. Even 11-year-old girls think 26 percent are too fat. It is boys who tend to be overweight and obese: according to the survey, 7.8% of girls and 10.1% of boys are overweight or obese. On the other hand, 17.8% of girls and 12.6% of boys are classified as underweight.

The close connection between wealth and body weight

The study shows that the conditions in the parental home have a decisive effect on body weight: the higher the family wealth, the fewer young people are overweight or obese. The downside: Boys and girls with a high family wealth are also more likely to be underweight than children who grow up in households with lower wealth.

According to the study, where healthy eating culture is practiced, mature and healthy children grow up. However, the eating habits of many children and young people give cause for concern: only 29 percent of all 15-year-old boys eat fruit every day (37 percent for girls), and 22 percent of boys drink soft drinks every day. Vegetables are on the daily menu for 30.6% of girls and only 19.5% of boys.

It also looks modest when it comes to exercise: While eleven-year-olds still get 25 percent of the daily recommended exercise, it is only 16 percent for 15-year-olds. On average, girls move less than boys.

The international coordinator of the HBSC study and senior editor of the report, Dr. Jo Inchley, said: “Many aspects of health follow social patterns. Young people from more disadvantaged backgrounds not only have fewer health-promoting behaviors and poorer health outcomes, but they also have fewer social assets, such as support from family and friends.”

After all, the number of young people who smoke or consume alcohol has fallen significantly since 2010.

The aromatic-sweet spice not only tastes delicious, but is also said to have a healing effect. We will tell you here what exactly is in marjoram.

Effect of marjoram: The healing spice is beneficial

Marjoram is even more popular with many cooks than the spicy oregano. Due to the beneficial ingredients, the application is diverse according to spice experts. Marjoram does a lot, especially for digestion. This is what the aromatic herb contains:
Lots of essential oil: As with other spices, the oils are mainly responsible for the aroma, taste and healing effect of marjoram.
Tannins and bitter substances: In conjunction with the essential oil it contains, the tannins and bitter substances in marjoram are proven to fight bacteria. The spice has an antiseptic effect and therefore helps against inflammation and relieves abdominal cramps.
Secondary plant juices: Marjoram supports the body in the production of digestive juices in the stomach, bile and liver.
Vitamin C and zinc: The spice also contains vitamins that can help with colds and all the side effects such as coughs or runny noses.

One spice, many areas of application: marjoram is not only used in the kitchen

Due to the special ingredients, marjoram is not only popular in the kitchen. When it comes to health, many like to use the spice. Whether it’s a loss of appetite, flatulence and stomach problems, a cough or a cold: marjoram has a healing effect on the human body. For example, a particularly aromatic tea can be made from fresh marjoram. Our tip: For one cup, add one to two teaspoons of leaves and flowers to 150 milliliters of cold water, boil, strain and then drink at a pleasant temperature.

Classically, marjoram is a typical meat and sausage spice. Specialties such as liver sausage and black pudding, for example, are traditionally refined with marjoram. Especially in Bavaria, the herb is often used in the preparation of liver dumplings or roast pork. But the spice is also ideal for potato and mushroom dishes and gives every dish a very special taste. It is particularly recommended for use with greasy dishes. Due to the stomach-friendly, digestion-friendly effect of marjoram, you can avoid annoying stomach pains after a large meal.

Headaches, itching and gastrointestinal discomfort after a meal could be symptoms of histamine intolerance. More and more people are suffering from it, but the causes and a clear diagnostic procedure have not yet been scientifically clarified. How to recognize histamine intolerance and which foods to avoid.

Histamine intolerance: the cause has not yet been finally clarified

The exact cause of histamine intolerance is still being discussed by experts. There is a high probability that a deficiency or reduced activity of the enzyme that breaks down histamine (DAO) is responsible for this. But how do I actually know if I tolerate histamine or not? A red spot on the skin, often accompanied by itching after eating foods containing histamine, is one of the most obvious symptoms. According to the Swiss interest group histamine intolerance (SIGHI), stabbing headaches, abdominal pain and diarrhea can also be signs.

It is also important to know that an intolerance is not the same phenomenon as an allergy. These intolerances cannot be detected in either a blood test or a skin test. It’s a different story with allergies. If there is a suspicion of histamine intolerance, an allergist or a specialist in the field of nutrition should be consulted, who will then carry out detailed examinations.

A histamine intolerance is diagnosed when a person who suspects this intolerance in themselves deliberately avoids histamine in their diet for a period of time. A “dietary provocation” is then carried out for diagnostic purposes. This means that the person in question includes histamine-containing foods in their diet again. The reaction to this provocation then leads to a final diagnosis.

Foods rich in histamine that should be avoided in case of intolerance

What actually contains histamine? In short: all foods that are subject to microbial ripening. These include, above all, mature cheeses such as Emmental or mountain cheese, as well as raw sausages such as salami or raw ham. There is also a lot of histamine in other foods, such as nuts, spinach, fish preparations, sauerkraut, tomatoes or chocolate. But also foods that contribute to increased histamine release in the body. This includes any alcoholic beverages, as these increase the permeability of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

The treatment of histamine intolerance is currently carried out in two ways: On the one hand, the diet of histamine intolerant people should be adjusted accordingly and foods that trigger the symptoms should be avoided. On the other hand, there are so-called antihistamines, in capsule or tablet form, which can alleviate symptoms in acute cases.

Noodles can be combined in many ways and are a popular food; the problem for many: They are relatively calorie-dense. Warmed up noodles should have fewer calories.

Things worth knowing about pasta

Noodles come in many different forms. There are also numerous ways of preparing it: whether casseroles, one-pot dishes or a soup, noodles can be used in many different ways. According to extras, around 9.5 kilograms of pasta were consumed per capita in 2020.

According to surveys, spaghetti is one of the most popular types of pasta in Germany. Around 33% said spaghetti was their favorite type of pasta. This is followed by gnocchi, cannelloni, tortellini, rigatoni, tagliatelle, ravioli and, in 8th place, penne.

Noodles are often associated with the reputation that they are thick eaters. Noodles can certainly lead to weight gain if you eat them too often and in large quantities, if you eat an unbalanced and unhealthy diet and if you don’t exercise enough. Cooked white flour pasta has an average of 150 calories per 100 grams, wholemeal pasta around 140 calories. So it’s the quantity that counts: If you choose 150 grams of cooked pasta as a side dish with a vegetable dish, for example, this is just around 220 calories. In addition, there are now numerous alternatives to white flour pasta on the market, which often also provide more nutrients and fiber. These include, for example, corn noodles, spelled noodles, noodles made from lentils or chickpeas as well as gluten- and calorie-free konjac noodles.

Saving calories when reheating pasta

The statement that noodles have fewer calories when warmed up is basically true; however, it must always be borne in mind that the “savings” show up to a very small extent. The reason for the reduced number of calories lies in the so-called resistant starch: This is produced when heated, starchy foods such as pasta, but also potatoes, for example, cool down. The resistant starch is one of the dietary fibers and ensures that we stay full longer, but also that the calorie content drops.

The so-called resistant starch has only about half the calorie content of the “normal” starch it contains. This is because not all of the starch it contains is converted to resistant starch; this only happens with a relatively small amount of starch.

Caution is advised with resistant starch: it passes through the small intestine undigested. If you otherwise eat little fiber and now very large amounts of indigestible starch, you may experience abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. It is therefore important to include high-fiber foods in the diet in everyday life and to increase the intake slowly and in a controlled manner.

Linseed oil is versatile, tasty and is often recommended by nutrition experts. But what constitutes a healthy fat and what are the effects if you take it every day?

The flax plant is one of the oldest cultivated plants, although it was not only used for nutrition. It was also often used as a raw material for clothing, fabrics or canvas. Flaxseed was already used as a remedy for constipation in ancient Egypt, and Hildegard von Bingen and Pastor Kneipp also recommended poultices with flaxseed. Before industrialization, linseed oil had an important place in the daily diet. However, the increasing world trade in olive oil and other fats pushed linseed oil out more and more. In the last century, the multiple Nobel Prize-nominated scientist Dr. Johanna Budwig, however, made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the health effects of essential fatty acids on our cellular respiration. The resulting oil-protein diet is still recommended in naturopathy today. More and more studies are proving the health benefits of certain fatty acids that are rich in flaxseed oil. However, there are a few things you should consider when choosing, storing and using linseed oil.

Fat is not just fat

Fats (lipids) are an essential part of our diet. About 50 years ago, fat in the diet was downright demonized and the low-fat diets began their triumphal procession. That has now changed fundamentally. Studies have shown how important fat is in our daily diet. Excessive consumption of sugar is more likely to be harmful to health. However, you should also pay attention to good quality when selecting fats.

The differences between the individual fats could not be greater. And that’s what makes it so difficult for consumers to find their way around. It is also important to recognize and avoid harmful fats. There are fats that are of animal origin and others that are only found in plants. In addition, fats are also differentiated according to the degree of saturation in saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Saturated Fatty Acids…
… can be produced by the body itself and do not necessarily have to be supplied through food.
… are mainly found in animal products such as meat and sausage products, butter and cheese, but also in vegetable fats such as coconut oil and palm oil.
… but are also processed in confectionery, crisps and pastries.
… are insensitive to heat and solid at room temperature
Unsaturated fatty acids…
… are divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
… can only be partially synthesized by our body from other food ingredients. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential and must be ingested with food.
… are mainly found in plant foods such as vegetable oils, oil fruits (e.g. olives), nuts and seeds such as flaxseed.
… are also contained in oily fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel or herring).

Linseed oil is one of the oils with the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids

Linseed oil is one of the oils with the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids, which also belong to the group of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fats with a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids are liquid at room temperature, e.g. B. linseed oil, sunflower oil or hemp oil. However, they are very sensitive to external influences such as heat, oxygen or light. If you store and use linseed oil properly and use it instead of saturated fatty acids, you can positively influence your fatty acid profile. Linseed oil should therefore only be used cold and stored cool in dark bottles.

The content of omega-3 fatty acids in linseed oil is 50 to 70%, in rapeseed oil 10% and in soybean oil 8%. In addition, linseed oil contains lecithin, vitamin E and lignans. The latter are hormone-like substances with an antioxidant effect, which serve as the starting substance for tissue hormones. Antioxidants protect our body from oxidative stress, which is caused, for example, by external influences such as cigarette smoke, environmental toxins or UV radiation from the sun. When buying, you should make sure that the linseed oil was obtained from linseed by cold pressing, because the oil is very heat-sensitive.

Omega-3 fatty acids influence many body processes:

Heart function: A sufficient supply of omega-3 fatty acids can have a positive effect on the flow properties of the blood and cell metabolism processes.
Eyesight: The cells in the human eye contain a particularly large number of omega-3 fatty acids, so an adequate supply can have a positive effect on eyesight.
Brain: There is a particularly high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids here, which is why an intake of omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to improved brain function.
Pregnancy: Ensuring adequate intake of the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) by the mother can promote normal eye and brain development in the fetus and breastfed infant. It is recommended that pregnant women should consume an average of around 450 mg of DHA plus EPA per day per day.
Inflammation levels: According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce certain levels of inflammation in the blood. This can positively influence joint problems as well as diabetes, high blood pressure or autoimmune diseases.
Blood lipids: A high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Conclusion

A teaspoon of linseed oil mixed daily with salad, in quark, with jacket potatoes or in muesli provides you with a valuable portion of omega-3 fatty acids. In this way you create a valuable balance to the omega-6 fatty acids that are usually present in excess and form a good basis for the synthesis of EPA and DHA. You can have your individual fatty acid profile created in the laboratory. In this way you can determine whether you are well supplied with omega-3 fatty acids or whether you should change your diet or take an omega-3 supplement.

For some people, making coffee is on their daily to-do list. Not every company can afford the “luxury” of excellent freshly ground whole bean coffee that can be easily prepared at the touch of a button.

Is making coffee an intern’s job?

Especially for meetings, a sufficient amount of coffee should ensure a high level of productivity and concentration for all participants. Yes, and very important – it must also be tasty. So where does coffee come from in many German companies and who has a license to produce coffee?

If you still remember the time of the intern, then this was clearly part of the daily tasks. The first coffee pot had to be ready at a quarter to eight (or whenever the boss came to work). A fresh carton of milk should have already been opened on the top shelf of the refrigerator, and the sugar bowl, sweetener dispenser and honey should have been filled accordingly. Of course, it has always been important to ensure that there are enough clean cups, saucers and teaspoons available. If you have a particularly important customer visit, you should take a French press and a milk frother and brew a creation that is special in terms of look and taste. Of course, with a thin layer of milk foam. That’s how it is when you’re an intern, sometimes you have to do things that aren’t part of the standard job description. Then fill everything with water. Satisfying different preferences and tastes was like a knowledge test that was given every morning.

However, in many cases there are no interns, so their place is too often taken by interns. After all, the years of apprenticeship are not the years of men. And it’s not too bad to sweeten your co-workers’ stressful day-to-day work by simply making delicious coffee drinks. However, often administrators, secretaries, or personal assistants must ensure that sufficient coffee is available. In some cases, it is not even regulated who is responsible for the supply of coffee.

Zavtrák is the name of the traditional Russian breakfast. If you like it hearty, this is the right place for you in this country, because things get really rich here early in the morning.

Milk porridge (kascha), sausages, fried potatoes, scrambled eggs, pancakes (blini), quark pancakes (syrniki), bread, butter, jam, kefir and much more are what Russians love to eat with their morning meal. In this way, despite the harsh climate, they are already equipped with enough energy for the day in the morning.

These Russian specialties are very popular at breakfast: a national dish called kasha, a porridge made with milk, mostly made from buckwheat, but also made from oats, barley or rye, and blini – also affectionately called blinchiki – the traditional Russian pancakes.

For all lovers of hearty, hearty cuisine, this delicious breakfast offers a really tasty and energetic start to the day.

Food culture in Russia

In general, Russian cuisine is very diverse: this is because in this large country different ethnic groups live together and mix their traditions. In addition, the food culture in the city differs greatly from that in rural areas: Most people in the country eat richer and heartier food, while people in the city are also influenced by international eating habits and eat a little more “globalized”.

How do you prepare a Russian breakfast?

get hungry and want to prepare a breakfast like in Russia? Then let’s see together how to do it and what ingredients you need for it.

The first thing you should do is open your fridge and see what’s left over from yesterday, because Russians often have leftovers from the day before for breakfast, such as rice, noodles or fried potatoes.

Now set up a hearty sausage and cheese platter, warm up a few sausages and prepare the eggs – either scrambled or fried, just as you like. Don’t forget the bread: white bread is fine, although the Russians themselves prefer black bread. Just like in Russia, your morning meal should not be without various dairy products such as cottage cheese, kefir and sour cream.

That was the easiest part, now comes the preparation of the Russian kasha (milk porridge) and the blini (Russian pancakes). For this we give you the following breakfast recipes:

1. Recipe kasha – Russian milk porridge:

Ingredients (2 people)
75 grams of buckwheat
250 ml milk (1.5% fat)
1 pinch of salt
2 tbsp poppy seeds
As you like: some sugar, butter, jam, fruit or meat preparation

preparation

Briefly toast the buckwheat in a saucepan and add the cold milk, salt and poppy seeds. Let the porridge cook on low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir the kasha from time to time.
Russians usually serve their kasha with sugar and melted butter, more often with fruit, or sometimes with meat dishes for a savory version.

2. Recipe Blini- Russian pancakes:

Ingredients (2 people)
150 grams of wheat flour
12 grams of yeast
250ml milk
12 grams of butter
1 egg
50 ml cream
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
some oil
At will: jam, sour cream

preparation

Dissolve the yeast in the milk and add half the flour and the melted butter. Leave the mixture to rest for about 30 minutes. Now separate the egg and mix the yolk with the sugar in a bowl. Now whip the cream and then the egg white until stiff. Then fold it into the whipped cream. Stir the dough and add the remaining flour, salt, egg yolks with sugar while continuing to mix. Finally, add the cream and egg white mixture and let the dough rest for a few hours. Now heat some oil in the pan, add some batter and fry your Russian blinis on both sides.
In Russia, blinis are either filled with jam or served folded, then dipped in sour cream.

Introduction: Nauruan cuisine in the modern era

Nauruan cuisine is a unique blend of indigenous flavors and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations. However, with modernization and globalization, the culinary traditions of Nauru have undergone significant changes. The introduction of new ingredients and cooking methods has had a profound impact on the island’s cuisine, making it more diverse and complex than ever before.

Influence of modernization on Nauruan dishes

The introduction of modern kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and blenders, has made it easier for Nauruans to prepare their traditional dishes. This has led to an increase in the availability of traditional ingredients and has made it easier for people to cook their favorite dishes at home. Additionally, modernization has led to the creation of new dishes that incorporate both traditional and contemporary ingredients, such as taro and coconut cream with imported meats and vegetables.

Globalization and its impact on Nauruan food

The globalization of food has had a significant impact on Nauruan cuisine. The availability of international ingredients and cooking methods has led to the creation of new dishes that incorporate flavors from around the world. For example, Chinese and Indian cuisine has influenced the way that Nauruans cook their food, with spices such as turmeric, ginger, and cumin being used in traditional dishes. Additionally, the increase in tourism has led to the introduction of new dishes that cater to the tastes of international visitors.

Changes in traditional Nauruan recipes

The introduction of new ingredients and cooking methods has led to changes in traditional Nauruan recipes. For example, the use of canned meats and vegetables has become more common in traditional dishes, such as corned beef and taro leaves. Additionally, the use of MSG and other flavor enhancers has become more prevalent in Nauruan cuisine, which has led to a shift in the way that food is prepared and consumed on the island.

The role of tourism in Nauruan cuisine

Tourism has had a significant impact on Nauruan cuisine. The influx of international visitors has led to the creation of new dishes that cater to the tastes of tourists. Additionally, the increase in tourism has led to the creation of new restaurants and cafes that offer a range of international and local dishes. This has made Nauruan cuisine more accessible to people from around the world and has helped to promote the island’s culinary traditions.

Conclusion: The future of Nauruan culinary traditions

In conclusion, modernization and globalization have had a significant impact on Nauruan cuisine. While traditional dishes are still an important part of the island’s culinary traditions, the introduction of new ingredients and cooking methods has led to the creation of new dishes that incorporate flavors from around the world. The rise in tourism has also helped to promote the island’s culinary traditions, making Nauruan cuisine more accessible to people from all walks of life. As Nauru continues to develop and change, it will be interesting to see how its culinary traditions evolve in the years to come.