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Porridge is healthy, tasty and nutritious. Here you can find out what makes oatmeal so good for your health and why you should eat it more often for breakfast.

Porridge is healthy: Oatmeal as a new food trend

In recent years, porridge has shed its dusty image and developed into a real food trend. Oatmeal is nothing new, though. Porridge was already widespread in the past as a cheap and filling breakfast, especially among the poor. Today, porridge is more popular than ever – rightly so, because porridge is extremely healthy and nutritious. Oatmeal provides us with important nutrients and provides a lot of energy for the day. Here you will find eight good reasons why porridge should be on your breakfast table more often.

1. Porridge fills you up for a long time
2. Porridge promotes digestion
3. Porridge lowers the cholesterol level and protects against civilization diseases
4. Porridge provides us with healthy proteins
5. Porridge contains important vitamins and minerals
6. Porridge provides healthy fatty acids
7. Porridge is naturally gluten-free
8. Porridge is variable, tasty and cheap

health

Coffee Enjoyment – How Much of The Quard is Healthy?

None of us want to do without coffee. But how much coffee is healthy and what kind of damage occurs with excessive consumption?

Many myths rank about the effect of coffee on our health. Reason enough to take a closer look

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. With us in Germany, too, every German citizen drinks an average of around 149 liters of coffee a year. With such a high consumption, the questions quickly arise how much coffee is healthy and whether any health problems can arise. To do this, the coffee must be checked for its ingredients and their effects have to be looked at more closely. Since most of us drink several cups of coffee during the day, the result should be more than interesting.

The favorite drink of par excellence: the coffee! With over 800 aroma fabrics in just one coffee bean, it convinces with a real variety of flavors and great properties. In addition to the coffee acid and numerous bitter substances, there are unmistakable beverage variations, which give every coffee lover unique moments of pleasure. It is not surprising that most of us reach for the first cup of coffee in the morning. The person contained in the coffee quickly displaces any morning tiredness and keeps us fit for the rest of the day. Above all, the well -known afternoon depth is combated with the help of the guard. In addition to classic black coffee, many also drink milk creations such as a latte macchiato or cappuccino. The selection is almost infinite – but how much coffee is healthy for us? As so often, many factors play a role here. In addition to the ingredients and coffee variation, it is mainly important to the mass of the coffee we recorded.

Coffee: sick maker or power donor?

Whether coffee is healthy or unhealthy, the spirits often differ. It is clear that it is a popular drink worldwide, which is taken several times a day by many people. The ingredients of the pleasure drink are very versatile. With more than 800 aroma substances, acids, caffeine (alkaloids), minerals, protein and much more, coffee provides our body plenty of input. Most of these ingredients are absolutely harmless to us and also convince with valuable nutrients. It only becomes problematic with an increased supply of caffeine or with too many bitter substances. But how much coffee is healthy in the end? In particular, we take a closer look at the caffeine content.

For most, caffeine is the must-have in coffee. It ensures that after a short time we feel awake and cheer, can think and work more efficiently and help us through daily morning fatigue as well as the afternoon depth. Unfortunately, it is the caffeine that can harm our body. Medical studies set a limit of 400 milligrams of caffeine a day. As long as this value is not exceeded, the guard is absolutely harmless to us. Converted into coffee, this corresponds to about four cups of filter coffee. Around 71.3 percent of all Germans move within this limit and remain below the four cups mentioned.

So the question is less how much coffee, but much more how much caffeine is healthy. Since we also take other foods and drinks in addition to the daily coffee, we have to keep an eye on the caffeine intake throughout the day. In addition to filter coffee, for example, a cup of espresso with 50-60 mg caffeine, a 0.33 liter dose of cola with 10 mg caffeine, a dark chocolate with up to 115 mg caffeine and a 250 ml energy drink with 80 mg caffeine. In addition, you have to take a closer look at all kinds of coffee creations. Not every coffee contains the same amount of caffeine. If additives are used, they can bring an extra caffeine into play.

If you do not exceed the daily maximum dose of 400 milligrams of caffeine, you don’t need to worry about health consequences. With a larger intake, over a longer period of time, however, there is getting used to in the brain. The consequences can be insomnia and concentration disorders. Coffee and the associated caffeine are completely harmless in moderation. Anyone who does not exaggerate it with daily consumption can calmly indulge in the enjoyable taste of the coffee bean and does not have to worry about any health risks. If the desire for coffee gets a little larger, it is advisable to grab for decaffeinated coffee – this is usually offered in all shops and cafés and offers a great alternative to caffeinated coffee.

Attention risk groups!

The border of 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is usually a good clue for all coffee lovers. However, there are some risk groups that react a little more to coffee and have to hold back accordingly. Especially people with high blood pressure or those who suffer from insomnia must be careful with daily caffeine. Even pregnant women can have problems with excessive coffee consumption. Their organism is directly connected to that of their babies and passes on the caffeine unfiltered. Incidentally, this also happens when breastfeeding small children! Nobody has to do without coffee. A few cups of the pleasure drink per week are perfectly fine and should not cause health problems.

Food

Healthy Agave Syrup?

Agave syrup is considered a healthy alternative to white sugar. However, the impression that the syrup is a problem-free sugar substitute is misleading. Because agave syrup has two disadvantages.

Agave syrup is a popular sugar substitute and has long been available in many supermarkets. The juice is obtained from agaves, mainly in Mexico, boiled into a syrup and then bottled. The agave syrup is considered healthier than regular white sugar. But is that true? At least it is clear that with its caramel-like taste it is particularly suitable for sweetening desserts. You also don’t need as much agave syrup as sugar when cooking: 70 grams of agave syrup corresponds to about 100 grams of sugar in the recipe.

However, you should use the sweetener sparingly. Because agave syrup has two disadvantages.

Agave syrup really is that healthy

Anyone who bakes and cooks with agave syrup must know: agave syrup is not healthy. Depending on the supplier, the sugar content is 75 to 80 percent (see picture). It is a mixture of fructose (“fruit sugar”) and glucose (“grape sugar”).

The fructose content is particularly high, and that is a problem. Because fructose ensures that fats are stored in the body and can lead to fatty liver. Too much fructose also promotes obesity and high cholesterol levels – and thus the risk of diabetes, a heart attack or a stroke, according to the Apotheken-Umschau. In addition, not all people tolerate fructose (fructose intolerance).

Agave syrup is not healthier than simple household sugar: “However, these sugar alternatives do not offer any health benefits compared to refined sugar because they are metabolized in the same way,” explains Prof. Dr. Hans Hauner at the German Society for Nutrition (DGE).

The minerals and trace elements in agave syrup also do not make the sweetener healthier. The consumer center explains: “The slightly higher content of vitamins or minerals compared to sugar is not relevant”.

How sustainable is agave nectar?

The second downside is: agave nectar is very bad for the environment. There are several reasons for this:

Agaves for agave syrup grow in monocultures on large plantations. Biodiversity and the soil suffer as a result. You can read more about this problem in our article on monocultures.
The agave syrup has to be brought from Mexico to us in Germany. This long transport route causes a lot of CO2 emissions.
Agave syrup is therefore also not recommended from an ecological point of view.

Isn’t there anything positive about agave nectar?

However, there is something else that is positive about agave nectar: it has a low glycemic index. This means that the syrup does not cause blood sugar levels to rise as much. That’s why it fills you up for longer and you don’t get hungry again so quickly. However, this effect also depends on the other ingredients that you use besides agave nectar.

Bottom Line: Overall, agave nectar is no healthier or better than regular sugar. If you absolutely want to use it, pay attention to organic quality. Chemical-synthetic pesticides are not allowed in organic farming. A good regional alternative is sugar beet syrup. It’s not healthier either, but it comes from the region and is also available in organic quality. But you can also make apple syrup yourself – also a regional sugar alternative. Basically, you should try to eat as little added sugar as possible. Because there is already a lot of sugar in many foods.

Food

Coconut Chips: How Healthy and Sustainable They Really are

Coconut chips are considered a healthy and filling snack between meals. You can find out here how the tropical fruit actually affects your body and what ecological effects coconut chips have.

Coconut chips: how to buy and use them

You can not only buy coconut chips and snack on them, you can often find them as part of muesli and nut mixtures or bars. They are also a popular ingredient for yoghurt and quark dishes, smoothies and smoothie bowls or creamy desserts.

You can also use the chips as a baking ingredient for cookies, muffins and other desserts. They are suitable as a decorative topping for soups, curries and other wok dishes with coconut milk. When buying, you should use organic coconut chips if possible. In this way you support sustainable agriculture that works without pesticides that are harmful to the environment and health.

Also make sure that the coconut chips do not contain any sulfur dioxide (E 220). This is a preservative that poses no risk as long as the legal limits are observed. However, some conditions, such as asthma, require caution. Sulfur dioxide also destroys vitamin B1. It is therefore forbidden to sulphurize certain products containing vitamin B1.

Some coconut chips also contain sugar syrup or other sweeteners. If you want to avoid this, you should first look at the list of ingredients.

These are the nutritional values of coconut chips

Compared to other nuts, coconut chips are relatively high in calories: Rapunzel coconut chips contain around 700 kilocalories per 100 grams. They each consist of about seven percent carbohydrates and protein and about 14 percent fiber.

Almost all of the rest is fat. So this makes up about two-thirds. Coconut chips consist largely of saturated fatty acids. They contain 64.4 grams of the rather unfavorable fats per 100 grams. Up to a certain amount, saturated fatty acids also play an important role for our body: For example, they are essential for the protection of our organs and for hormone and immune metabolism.

At the same time, however, they also increase the LDL cholesterol level. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. According to the guidelines of the German Society for Nutrition, saturated fatty acids should therefore not make up more than seven to ten percent of the total energy balance. However, this value is often exceeded. That’s why you should only consume coconut products in moderation.

Compared to nuts and seeds, coconut chips are also poorer in micronutrients. They only contain potassium and iron in appreciable amounts. Other minerals or vitamins are contained only to a small extent.

Make coconut chips yourself: Here’s how

If you want to make your own coconut chips from fresh coconut pulp, you can follow these steps:

First, it is best to cut the flesh into thin strips with a vegetable peeler.
Place the strips on an oven rack or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Optionally you can refine them with a little salt or a sweetener of your choice.
The coconut strips are now placed in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about seven to ten minutes. If they are already slightly browned around the edges, you can take them out and let them cool down.

How sustainable are coconut chips?

Coconut palms only grow in tropical regions. The Philippines, Indonesia and India are therefore among the largest coconut producers. Coconuts therefore have to cover long transport routes to Germany. Their life cycle assessment is correspondingly poor.

In addition, it is usually very difficult to trace back the coconut chip chain. For most coconut products, it is unclear under what working conditions and for what wages farmers in the countries of origin had to grow and harvest the fruit.

That’s why you should use Fair Trade certified coconut chips whenever possible. Depending on the type of seal, regular working hours, fair wages, democratic corporate structures and transparent trade routes are among the things that are taken into account.

Another problem is that coconut trees are slow growing and not very productive. If the demand for coconut products increases, this creates pressure in the producing countries. Farmers may then turn to harmful monocultures and synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to speed up yields. This is particularly fueled by the increasing demand for inexpensive coconut oil.

Food

Naked Oats: This Type of Grain is so Healthy

Naked oats are closely related to the conventional oat grain, but are considered even healthier. Here you can find out what characterizes this type of grain and how you use it.

Naked oats and regular oats: That’s the difference

Naked oats belong to the genus of oats. This is a special breeding of the type of grain in which the grain is only loosely surrounded by a very fine husk. Unlike conventional oats, the indigestible grain husk falls off completely during threshing. Hulled grain varieties such as oats or spelt, on the other hand, have to be dehusked before further processing, which can easily damage the grain. Naked oat grains (and thus the seedling) remain intact after threshing, which is why they are particularly good for germinating. Naked oats are therefore also known as sprout grains.

Despite its special properties, naked oats are rarely cultivated because the grain is more susceptible to diseases and the yields are significantly lower compared to other varieties. Cultivation areas are mainly in Central Europe, where naked oats also grow wild, as in Portugal and Greece.

Superfood Naked Oats: The Nutritional Values

Naked oats basically contain the same nutrients as classic oats, but there are larger amounts of some valuable ingredients in the grain. A study published in 2016 by the Latvian Grain Research Institute found that naked oats contain more protein, unsaturated fatty acids, fiber and beta-glucans than regular oats. According to the study, the content of vitamin E is also higher in naked oats. The carbohydrate content, on the other hand, is lower than that of classic oatmeal.

Beta-glucans have numerous health-promoting properties. According to the Society for Nutritional Therapy and Prevention e.V., they regulate blood sugar levels and keep you full for longer. In addition, according to Harvard Public Health School T.H. Chan helps to build up the intestinal flora and prevent indigestion. Dietary fibers are important for a functioning gastrointestinal system and, according to the DGE, probably prevent certain lifestyle diseases. They also keep cholesterol levels low.

At around seven grams per 100 grams, the fat content of naked oats is also slightly higher than that of normal oats and is significantly higher in comparison to other types of grain. Unsaturated fatty acids are very healthy and are needed by the body.

Davert gives the following nutritional values for 100 grams of organic oatmeal:

Calories: 332 kcal
Carbohydrates 55.7g
Protein: 10.7g
Fat: 7.1g
Fiber: 9.7 g
Tip: It is best to always buy organic oatmeal, as this protects you from chemical-synthetic pesticides and supports ecological agriculture.

How is naked oat used?

Naked oats are used in a similar way to regular oats. It is most commonly found in the form of oatmeal, which can be eaten raw or cooked. Alternatively, you can also buy the grain whole and process it further, for example to make fresh grain porridge. You can also serve the whole grains cooked as a healthy side dish: let the grains soak in twice the amount of water for a few hours and then cook the oats in the soaking water until they are done. That takes about three quarters of an hour. Like classic oats, naked oats are also gluten-free, but can be contaminated with gluten during harvesting or processing – look out for the word “gluten-free” if you have celiac disease. The grain is therefore only suitable for baking to a limited extent, as the binding gluten protein is missing.

You can also enjoy naked oats in the form of sprouts. The sprouted grains taste good, for example, as a topping for muesli and yoghurt or in salads. If you want to grow oat sprouts yourself, you should definitely use naked oats, as the grain remains intact after harvest and is still viable. Sprouted oat grains contain more vitamins and minerals and are even healthier than rolled oats, according to Harvard Medical School. One of the reasons for this is that they contain little phytic acid. Phytic acid binds the minerals and prevents the body from absorbing them.

Grow your own oat sprouts: this is how you do it

First, you’ll need a sprouting jar (a jar with a strainer lid that allows air to get in and the water to drain off easily). You can find tips on how to make a sprouting jar yourself in our guide.
Add about 2 tablespoons of whole oats to the jar. Also check that the grains of naked oats are undamaged, otherwise they will not germinate. Half a cup of grains yields about a cup of sprouts.
Fill the glass with cold water, swirl and pour off the water.
After the grains are rinsed, add about three times the amount of cold water (in relation to the grains). Let the naked oats soak in a warm place for about 5 hours. A temperature of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius is ideal.
After the soaking time, discard the water and rinse the sprouts again with fresh water.
Place the sprouting jar upside down in the drainer and leave it in a bright place for about two days. You should avoid direct sunlight. Rinse the kernels with fresh water at least twice a day during the germination period.
The sprouts are ready to eat after around two to three days. Rinse again with cold water beforehand. The sprouts will keep in the fridge for about two days.

Food

Cook Black Salsify: Tips for Healthy Winter Vegetables

There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing salsify. Read our step-by-step instructions to find out how to properly prepare the winter vegetables.

Used in the Middle Ages as a remedy for snake bites, black salsify is now a popular winter vegetable. Due to its similarity to asparagus, it is colloquially called winter asparagus.

For example, you can serve salsify as a side dish, baked or as a soup. But no matter how you end up preparing them – in most cases you have to cook them first. There are a few things to keep in mind. Below you will find out how best to proceed.

By the way: Black salsify is in season from October to April, making it the perfect winter vegetable.

Cook salsify: tips

Preparing salsify takes a bit of work. But you shouldn’t let that put you off, because they provide a lot of fiber and important vitamins that strengthen your immune system.

Preparation: Peel the salsify

Wash the salsify under running water and thoroughly remove dirt and dirt.
Peel the stalks until the brown skin is completely removed. Important: Black salsify contains a sticky, staining liquid. Therefore, wear old clothes or an apron and peel them in a bowl of water.
Attention: As soon as the black salsify is peeled, it will turn brown relatively quickly. Therefore, after peeling them, leave them in clean water and add a little lemon juice or a dash of vinegar.
Boil salsify

Cut the peeled stalks into bite-sized pieces.
Fill a saucepan with water and lightly salt it.
Add the salsify pieces and let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. When they are soft, you can take them out of the pot and serve or process them.

Tip: Black salsify will keep in the fridge for about two weeks. It is best to wrap them in a damp kitchen towel. If you have a basement, you can also store them just like carrots. Place the salsify in a box or bucket and cover them generously with sand. They will keep like this for several weeks.

Food

Tofu: The Soy Product is So Healthy

Opinions are divided on whether tofu is healthy. Proponents value the soy product for its high protein content, while critics condemn soy and accuse tofu of having a poor environmental balance. You can read here how healthy tofu really is.

How healthy is tofu really? This question is often discussed, especially between meat eaters and vegetarians. Tofu has long been an integral part of Asian cuisine and is not considered a meat substitute there.

In this article, we not only look at tofu from a nutritional perspective, but also ask how healthy tofu is for our planet. You will also learn what to look out for when buying tofu.

Is tofu healthy? The nutritional values and ingredients

Before we can judge how healthy tofu actually is, it’s worth taking a look at the nutritional values:

127 kcal/532 kJ per 100 grams of raw product
Fat: 7 grams, of which 1.30 grams are unsaturated fatty acids
Carbohydrates: 1.60 grams, including 0.50 grams of sugar
Protein: 14 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
The high protein content of tofu is particularly striking. This makes it particularly interesting for people who opt for a purely plant-based diet. According to the German Society for Nutrition, tofu is a very good vegetable protein source. With just 100 grams of tofu, you can cover around a third of your daily protein requirements.

In addition to the macronutrients, the micronutrients are of course also crucial. Tofu provides your body with valuable vitamins and minerals and contains secondary plant substances:

iron
phosphorus
folic acid
magnesium
B vitamins
vitamin E
isoflavones
Isoflavones are also known as phytoestrogens. The phytochemical has structural similarities to human estrogen and can, under certain circumstances, bind to the body’s own receptors. The study situation on the effects of isoflavones is still unclear, babies and children should only consume small amounts of soy products.

Is Tofu Healthy for the Planet?

However, whether tofu is really healthy cannot only be judged by the nutritional aspects. In addition, we also have to consider the impact of tofu on our environment and the effort involved in production.

Tofu is made from soybeans. The production can certainly be compared to the manufacture of cheese. Soy milk coagulates, liquid is squeezed out and what remains is a solid block – to put it simply.

Regardless of its healthy nutritional values, soy is increasingly being questioned. Quite rightly so: After all, soya is often cultivated in huge monocultures using genetic engineering. Rain forest areas often have to give way for soybean cultivation and are cut down. At the same time, soya is one of the legumes. These plants improve the soil in the long term and provide it with nutrients. That is why the question of environmental compatibility is not so easy to answer.

First of all, it is important to consider that the large-scale cultivation of soy is mainly used to produce animal feed, which is used on a large scale in factory farming. Indirectly, more rainforest soy is grown for a diet with animal products than for a purely plant-based diet. This is one of the reasons why meat has a significantly worse ecological balance than tofu.

You can also find substitute products such as tofu in stores with regional soy from Germany, France or Austria. Therefore, when shopping, pay attention to the origin of the product.

Buy healthy tofu

So that you actually eat tofu that is healthy for you and your environment, you should consider the following points when buying:

Pay attention to the origin of the tofu. This way you avoid long transport routes and can make sure that no tree was felled for your dinner.
In order to rule out genetic engineering, you should also pay attention to organic quality. For example, the organic seals from Demeter, Naturland or Bioland are recommended.
You can also buy tofu unpackaged in some organic or health food stores. Then it’s placed in brine instead of sealed in plastic to keep it fresh.
You can also make your own tofu.
In order for your tofu to taste really good, the preparation is crucial. Since it does not have an intense taste of its own, it is worth marinating tofu. Check out our tofu recipes for more inspiration.

Food

The Myth of Coffee: How Healthy is The Drink Really?

There have been numerous myths surrounding coffee for years. For many, it has now become an indispensable part of every day.

Caffeine as a stimulant

When it comes to coffee, the caffeine factor plays a crucial role. Many people reach for a cup of coffee early in the morning to shake off morning fatigue and start the day awake. The effects of caffeine are quite varied. First and foremost, it ensures that our circulation gets going and our mood rises positively. After consumption, our body needs about 30 to 45 minutes to transport the caffeine into our bloodstream. With normal consumption, caffeine has a stimulating effect on the psyche. The main advantage of this is that we can overcome performance lows and get into an alert and alert state. Even the memory capacity of our brain can be temporarily improved by consuming coffee. Concentration increases and we overcome phases of tiredness. Another great benefit of caffeine is that our peripheral blood vessels dilate – at the same time, the cerebral vessels shrink. This can alleviate migraines and headaches – a property that pharmaceutical companies have now discovered for themselves. Caffeine is found in many headache pills these days. Of course, excessive caffeine consumption can also have a negative effect on our body. Sleep disorders, headaches and restricted motor skills are side effects that can occur if consumption gets out of hand. As with so many things in life, enjoying delicious coffee should be done in moderation.

The side effects of too much caffeine are partly to blame for the fact that coffee has a bad reputation in some circles. But if you don’t drink dozens of cups at once, you have nothing to fear here either. This is different for pregnant women, for example. The half-life of caffeine elimination for a normal human is around four hours. Expectant mothers, on the other hand, have to reckon with a half-life of around 20 hours. Therefore, you should take a closer look here. A suitable alternative would also be decaffeinated coffee. Older people often use this variant, so that it can be one or two more cups a day. A variety of flavors and manufacturing processes allow everyone to enjoy an unforgettable coffee experience – with or without caffeine. After all, it’s not the quantity that counts, but the taste – and that’s just wonderful with coffee.

Coffee – healthy or unhealthy

With regard to the question of whether coffee is healthy or unhealthy, the advantages and disadvantages of coffee should be discussed. In general, however, it can be said that coffee is better than its reputation suggests. In the following, the symptoms of coffee consumption are to be considered in more detail:

The rumor has long been that coffee is harmful to the heart and even causes cancer. However, it is now known that exactly the opposite is the case. According to the European long-term study EPIC, in which health data from over half a million people were evaluated, there is evidence that the consumption of coffee protects against brain tumors, colon cancer, prostate cancer and much more. The complex composition of coffee, which consists of several hundred ingredients, indicates that this is more of a healthy than an unhealthy drink. Scientists have also observed that the arteries of people who drink three to five cups of coffee a day have less hardening than those of people who don’t drink coffee. This primarily benefits our heart and has a positive effect on blood flow. A study by doctors from Boston (USA) also showed that a few cups of coffee a day lowers the risk of heart disease. In total, more than 1.3 million coffee drinkers took part in the study. With the advancing studies, more and more all-clear signals are being raised about coffee. Myths about coffee consumption are losing ground and are making the already popular drink even more popular.

The fact that coffee was often considered unhealthy in the past is due to many characteristics and prejudices. Even today, some of these rumors persist and wrongly condemn the drink. For example, it is denounced that many coffee drinkers are also smokers and die earlier. However, recent studies show that people with a tendency to consume coffee tend to live longer rather than shorter. Earlier studies were simply falsified, since the factor of smoking was included there. A big problem factor for many is caffeine. But here, too, it is true that consumption in moderation is more beneficial than harmful. There are also numerous types of coffee without caffeine.

When it comes to our heart, coffee keeps coming up. So he should be responsible for high blood pressure. In people who drink coffee only occasionally, caffeine causes blood pressure to rise slightly for a short time. However, regular coffee drinkers get used to this increase in blood pressure and compensate for it after just two to three weeks. So this no longer occurs or only very slightly.

Not all coffee is the same

The variety of coffee beans and the different methods of preparation give the issue of coffee a whole new meaning. There is mild as well as strong coffee, tart flavors or a light variety of aromas. Everyone likes their coffee differently and this is where you have to take a closer look. Depending on the roast, type of coffee and preparation, every body reacts differently to the pleasure of coffee. Sensitive stomachs can, for example, tolerate strong roasts better than mild ones, since the longer roasting breaks down bitter substances. You just have to try it here. Once you have found the right coffee for you, it can work wonders. It can boost digestion, strengthen the liver and have an extremely invigorating effect.

If we look at the different types of coffee, the question quickly arises as to whether coffee also makes you fat. Here it can be said quite clearly that the standard black coffee, i.e. the pure caffeine drink, has just two calories – in other words, we could drink coffee all day long and would not gain weight. But that changes when milk and sugar come into play. The numerous coffee specialties such as cappuccino, latte macchiato and other milk coffees make the low-calorie drink look like a little fattening. But the same applies here: “the masses make the difference”. If you don’t reach for too many calorie bombs and don’t drink them in bulk, you certainly won’t gain weight. For some of us it is also worth taking a look at an organic coffee. This is purely natural and contains no additives. So coffee drinkers can breathe easy and don’t have to worry about too many calories.

Coffee is better than its reputation

The fact that coffee is considered unhealthy by some people is mainly due to the many prejudices and myths surrounding the subject of coffee enjoyment. Nowadays, however, it can be said that coffee is not only better than its reputation, but is also considered healthy. Side effects such as shaky hands, palpitations, weight gain and others have little to do with the coffee itself. With normal consumption, coffee has a positive effect on our body and also tastes wonderful. Everyone has to decide for themselves which coffee is the best. However, the variety of coffee types and flavors leaves nothing to be desired and gives us a true pleasure experience.

Food

Erythritol: A Healthy Alternative to Sugar?

Erythritol is often touted as a healthy alternative to sugar because this sweetener contains almost no calories. We’ll tell you how healthy the sugar substitute really is.

What is erythritol?

Erythritol is a sweet-tasting compound that, chemically speaking, belongs to the sugar alcohols – just like, for example, birch sugar (xylitol) or isomalt.

Visually, erythritol looks confusingly similar to classic sugar. According to the Deutsche Apothekerzeitung, it has about 70 percent of the sweetening power of sugar, so you have to dose erythritol a little higher when sweetening. The sugar substitute is suitable for cooking and baking.

Erythritol occurs naturally in ripe fruits such as melons, grapes and pears, as well as in wine, cheese and pistachios. Obtaining erythritol from these foods is very complex and expensive. That is why it is obtained for the food industry through fermentation. Carbohydrates are converted – usually with the help of fungi – into erythritol and some by-products.

On the list of ingredients, erythritol is sometimes also identified as Erylite, Erythritol or E968.

Erythritol: low-calorie sugar substitute with few side effects

Erythritol is not metabolized in the body and therefore has no calories according to the German Pharmacy Journal (the health portal netdoktor.de writes of 20 kilocalories per 100 grams). For comparison: ordinary sugar has 400 calories per 100 grams. Most other sugar substitutes such as xylitol still have 240 calories per 100 grams.

This makes erythritol particularly popular for low-calorie diets. In addition, according to the Deutsche Apothekerzeitung, the sweetener has no effect on blood sugar and insulin levels, so diabetics can also use erythritol without any problems.

As with any sugar alcohol, excessive consumption of erythritol can cause gas and diarrhea. Compared to other sugar alcohols such as xylitol or sorbitol, the risk here is significantly lower, since more than 90 percent of the erythritol is excreted undigested according to netdoktor.de and not digested in the large intestine. Nevertheless, according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), foods that contain more than ten percent erythritol must be provided with a warning (“excessive consumption can have a laxative effect”). Otherwise, the BfR describes erythritol as harmless to health.

Important: Choose organic quality erythritol

The starting product for erythritol is mostly corn, which grows in monocultures in Europe. Genetically modified mushroom cultures are often used for the actual fermentation.

That’s why we expressly advise you to only buy erythritol with the EU organic seal. Then the sugar alcohol (especially for diabetics) is a recommended alternative to sugar. You can get organic erythritol, for example**, from Bioaufvorrat or Amazon.

The bottom line, however, applies to every sugar substitute: You cannot train yourself away from your desire for sweets. Therefore you should only use erythritol and co. sparingly.

Food

Jerusalem Artichoke: Nutritional Values, Recipes for the Healthy Tuber

Jerusalem artichoke is a healthy root vegetable. It is rich in vitamins and full of fiber. Its high inulin content has also earned it the name “diabetic potato”. We present three Jerusalem artichoke recipes.

Jerusalem artichokes are rich in vitamins and fiber. They contain B vitamins, magnesium and iron, among other things. Since Jerusalem artichokes contain the fiber inulin, they ensure a constant blood sugar level. This property has earned it the name diabetic potato, as it is a good alternative to potatoes for people with diabetes.

Jerusalem artichokes taste slightly nutty and somewhat sweet, which makes them an interesting component for numerous delicacies such as salads, soups, casseroles or spreads.

You can buy the healthy tubers fresh between October and April. Keep in mind that Jerusalem artichokes only keep for a few days. If you don’t use them directly, you should store them in the fridge. When preparing Jerusalem artichoke, there are also a few things to keep in mind.

Nutritional values and ingredients of Jerusalem artichoke

In addition to its delicious taste, Jerusalem artichoke is also healthy: the root vegetable convinces with good nutritional values and important ingredients.

100 grams of Jerusalem artichoke have the following nutritional values:

Energy: 30 kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 2.4g
Fat: 0.3g
Fiber: 12.1 g
With just 30 kilocalories per 100 grams of Jerusalem artichoke, the tuber is a calorie lightweight. However, it provides an even larger portion of dietary fiber. These are responsible for many of the tuber’s health-promoting effects (see below).

Minerals and vitamins per 100 grams Jerusalem artichoke:

Calcium: 10 mg
Iron: 3.7 mg
Potassium: 478 mg
Magnesium: 20 mg
Sodium: 3 mg
Phosphorus: 78 mg
Vitamin B1: 200mcg
Niacin: 1.3 mg
Jerusalem artichoke has healthy vitamin B, which is important for metabolism and blood formation, among other things. The minerals and trace elements contained in the root tuber include calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus.

Calcium strengthens bones, teeth and cell walls.
Potassium ensures that the stimulus transmission of the muscles works properly. A potassium deficiency can therefore lead to muscle cramps.
Magnesium performs numerous important functions in the body, such as transmitting stimuli from nerves to muscles and stabilizing the cardiovascular system.
Sodium is part of the bone structure and regulates the acid-base balance, among other things.
Along with calcium, phosphorus is the most important component of our bones. Cell membranes also contain the mineral and muscles need it to convert energy into movement.

Healthy Jerusalem Artichoke: Ideal source of inulin

Jerusalem artichoke is rich in fiber inulin (not to be confused with the hormone insulin), which our organism cannot digest. Inulin can have extremely beneficial effects on health.

Inulin has a prebiotic effect

The natural intestinal flora contains useful bifidobacteria that ensure good intestinal function. If you eat Jerusalem artichoke, the fiber inulin gets into the large intestine, where it is broken down by the bacteria. The bacteria use inulin as an energy source and multiply. Inulin is therefore considered a prebiotic because it has such a positive effect on the intestinal flora. A study by the University of Leipzig confirms this.

Inulin activates digestion and relieves constipation

In general, inulin binds liquids and swells up. It promotes bowel movements and ensures regular excretion.

The Apotheken-Umschau writes about inulin in general that it is suitable for a diabetes-friendly diet:

Inulin has few calories: The body cannot use the plant-based energy in inulin – so there are hardly any calories.
Inulin keeps you full: The swollen inulin makes you feel full for longer.
Inulin regulates blood sugar levels: blood sugar remains more constant because the metabolism absorbs other nutrients more slowly.
Studies also indicate that the dietary fiber inulin makes it easier for the body to absorb calcium for the bones.

But be careful: Although Jerusalem artichoke has healthy effects, it can also have unpleasant side effects. Excessive consumption of the peel and the raw tuber in particular can lead to flatulence and even diarrhea. This is due to the large amount of roughage, the digestion of which often causes the intestinal flora to slowly adapt to the high-fibre vegetables.

Cook the Jerusalem artichoke

Whether you should peel the Jerusalem artichokes depends on the size of the tuber. You don’t need to peel small, tender bulbs. Here it is sufficient if you clean them with a vegetable brush. Larger tubers, on the other hand, also have a firmer shell. You can peel these off with a paring knife or remove them after cooking.

If your digestion is used to high-fiber food, you can safely eat Jerusalem artichoke raw. For example, in a Jerusalem artichoke salad, the minerals and vitamins are preserved and your health benefits from them.

Jerusalem artichoke can also be cooked very well and prepared as a side dish, puree or soup. Depending on the size of the Jerusalem artichoke pieces, the cooking time is 15 to 30 minutes.

If you want to fry Jerusalem artichoke, you should cut it into thin slices or small pieces. Then you can fry them raw and they will cook quickly.

Jerusalem artichoke recipe: vegan side dish with mushrooms

This side dish goes great with pasta, rice, spelled or couscous. The recipe makes four servings. However, you can also prepare the Jerusalem artichoke pan as a main course, in which case the amount given is enough for two people.

500 g Jerusalem artichoke
250 g mushrooms, e.g. button mushrooms
1 pepper
1 onion
1 clove of garlic
2 tbsp vegetable oil
30g chopped almonds
250 ml oat cream
Salt
pepper
You should plan about 40 minutes to prepare this vegan side dish.

Clean the Jerusalem artichoke with cold water and a vegetable brush.
Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and blanch the Jerusalem artichoke in it for about 5 to 6 minutes.
Slice the blanched bulb.
Clean the mushrooms and cut them into slices as well.
Wash and deseed the peppers and cut them into fine strips.
Peel the onion and the garlic clove. Dice the onion and finely chop the garlic with a sharp knife.
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan. Fry the mushrooms in it for about five minutes and then set them aside.
Heat another tablespoon of vegetable oil in the pan. Fry the Jerusalem artichoke and the strips of pepper for about ten minutes, turning occasionally.
Add the onion and garlic to the Jerusalem artichoke and fry for another five minutes.
In the meantime, toast the almonds in a pan without fat for about five minutes.
Add the mushrooms to the Jerusalem artichoke. Deglaze with oat cream.
Season the pan with salt and pepper. Let them simmer for another three minutes, stirring occasionally.
Garnish the Jerusalem artichoke side dish with the roasted almonds before serving.

Jerusalem artichoke soup recipe

For two servings of vegan Jerusalem artichoke soup you need:

500 g Jerusalem artichoke
1 onion
2 carrots
1/2 leek
2 tbsp vegetable oil
500 ml vegetable broth
30 grams of pine nuts
Salt
pepper
parsley for garnish
The soup is ready in about twenty minutes. And this is how it works:

Clean the Jerusalem artichoke and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Peel the onion and cut it into cubes.
Clean the carrots and cut them into slices.
Cut the leek into rings.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large enough saucepan.
Sauté the vegetables in it for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Deglaze the vegetables with about three quarters of the vegetable broth. Let this simmer for about ten minutes.
Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts.
Puree the vegetables with a hand blender or in a blender.
Add the remaining vegetable broth until the soup reaches the desired consistency.
Let the soup boil again for two to three minutes.
Season them with salt and pepper.
Garnish the Jerusalem artichoke soup with some parsley and the roasted pine nuts.
Tip: Homemade croutons go well with the Jerusalem artichoke soup.

Jerusalem artichoke recipe for salad

The salad is suitable as a starter or as a main course. Then you can combine it well with a side dish like vegetable patties. He is also vegan. For two servings you use:

300 g Jerusalem artichoke
1/2 cucumber
3 tomatoes
1 onion
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp cane sugar
Salt
pepper
You need about 30 minutes to prepare it. That’s how it works:

Clean the Jerusalem artichoke and cut into slices.
Then put them in a saucepan with water and let them cook for about 15 minutes until they are al dente.
In the meantime, wash the cucumber and cut it into thin slices.
Wash the tomatoes, remove the stalk and cut them into cubes.
Peel the onion and cut into rings.
Drain the Jerusalem artichoke and mix with the remaining vegetables.
Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and cane sugar to form a dressing.
Toss the salad with the dressing and season with salt and pepper.