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Healthy Snacks with Freeze-Dried Fruits

Creative and healthy snacks made easy with freeze-dried fruits. Because many snacks contain too much sugar and unwanted additives. But there are healthy alternatives with natural ingredients and vitamins.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an adult or a child: small snacks are a convenient way to fill up your body’s energy reserves so that you can master the challenges of the day with full concentration. Unfortunately, most of the goods on offer contain a lot of sugar and many harmful additives. Luckily, some companies have made it their mission to offer healthy alternatives. Freeze-dried fruit is a good example of how there is another way.

Importance of optics

Perhaps you have already wondered what options there are for providing yourself and your family with healthy snacks. We felt the same way recently. But the search for suitable alternatives to the usual chocolate bars and candy bombs proved difficult. Researching healthy products for children, in particular, turned out to be nerve-wracking.

The problem with youngsters is that snacks not only have to be convincing when looking at the ingredients but also when the packaging is opened. If little treats don’t look delicious, the explanation for the sense and purpose of the new snack can be logical: children won’t eat it! The appearance of the products is elementary and crucial for them to be ready to be tasted. Many supermarket visits later, we finally found what we were looking for on the internet. Recently, we have become lovers of freeze-dried fruit snacks.

Freeze Dried Fruit Facts

In order to produce freeze-dried fruit, ripe fruit such as strawberries or raspberries is frozen in the first step. This usually requires temperatures between -15 and -78 °C. In the second step, the fruit is placed in a vacuum chamber. Due to the vacuum, the already frozen water contained in the fruit dissolves into thin air. The ice changes into the gaseous state in the vacuum chamber. This physical process is called sublimation in technical jargon. The fruits are thus sublimated.

Because some fruits contain 90 percent water, freeze-drying drastically reduces their weight. The most striking advantage of this process is that almost all of the water is removed from the fruit. The vital substances contained, such as vitamins, remain almost 100% in the fruit and are not lost, as is the case with many other manufacturing processes. The same applies to minerals, trace elements, roughage, and secondary plant substances. Even the aromas, taste, and color of the natural fruit are preserved during sublimation. If they are sublimated in their original form, even this is preserved quite well.

Freeze-dried fruits are healthy

Compared to traditional dried fruit, freeze-dried alternatives are healthier. The reason: In order to produce dried fruit, the fruit must be heated to around 40 to 70 °C. Many vitamins and secondary plant substances do not survive this because they are extremely sensitive to heat.

Freeze-dried products are used in a variety of ways in the food industry. The fruits are found, for example, in fruit bars or as crunchy’s in mueslis. For nibbling between meals, we find them as slices or whole fruits. They’re fast in the mouth. But muesli bars are also a sensible way of preparing them. The little treats can serve as a little boost of energy for the youngsters at school during breaks or give adults new strength at work.

Since we discovered it, we have been using freeze-dried fruit to make our own healthy muesli, desserts, fine smoothies, and delicious yogurt. The children also get the small vitamin suppliers to take to school. This is where the advantages become even clearer: since the freeze-dried fruit hardly weighs anything, the child’s back is relieved and you no longer have to worry about how the fruit will get to school without being damaged. Up until now, fresh bananas or grapes, in particular, had to be packed very carefully. Freeze-dried snacks do not spoil. And even if the snacks are forgotten, nothing happens. Since it contains no water, there is no risk of mold.

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3 Healthy Oils and Their Uses

Healthy oils for use as natural home remedies. These household oils work like miracle cures. Olive oil, sesame oil, sea buckthorn oil, tea tree oil, and argan oil.

We show you the types of oils you should know about. Because their ingredients and properties are not only useful in the kitchen. Consequently, you can also use healthy oils for skin, hair, or other health ailments.

Are oils healthy?

Vegetable oils provide your body with valuable monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fats contained benefit our brain cells. And they can make your skin supple. They can also have an overall positive impact on health. All oils have certain advantages and disadvantages. For example, some are not suitable for hot searing. Therefore, you should consume omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids in an equal ratio. So you are doing your health good. Also, make sure that the oils are of sufficient quality. Check out the following for more information. Also, note our article about healthy black cumin oil and its application.

1) The Mediterranean olive oil

Olive oil is often used as a home remedy. Because its ingredients make it extremely valuable for us and our bodies. And the best thing is that olive oil is available to everyone in the household. Consequently, there are no additional costs.

The healthy olive oil for your health

You can use olive oil for internal and external use. Consequently, we have collected some areas of application for you. The healthy oils can be used particularly sensibly for health problems:

  • As an aid against corns. If you want to remove corn, mix olive oil with lemon juice. Then rub the corn several times a day with it.
  • Use for constipation. Constipation is very uncomfortable. Therefore, take 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the morning on an empty stomach. Because this acts as a light, natural laxative.
  • To relieve sunburn. Since olive oil cools and soothes the skin, it is said to reduce the symptoms of sunburn. To do this, apply it together with something on the affected area.
  • To combat bad breath. To effectively combat bad breath, rinse your mouth regularly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. As a result, bacteria are killed. Also, read our guide to oil pulling.
  • As a home remedy for rheumatism. If you suffer from rheumatism, the oil can help you relieve the pain. To do this, massage it in until it absorbs. Or make yourself an overnight wrap with olive oil.
  • To relieve earache. Opinions differ on this. Some voices recommend putting 1-2 drops of warm olive oil in the ear for ear pain and then letting it drain. Others strongly advise against this method.
  • For treating cuts. For small cuts, you can apply a few drops of healthy oil to the skin. Consequently, wound healing should be promoted.

2) The Asian sesame oil

Sesame oil is considered the oldest cooking oil. And it’s hard to imagine Asian cuisine without it. Due to its properties, however, it should not only be used for cooking. Because the ingredients of sesame oil are of particularly high quality.

Application of sesame oil

Sesame oil also belongs to the category of “healthy oils” whose application can be useful in various areas. So we have an overview of the most important ones:

  • Use as a natural sunscreen. Sunlight causes our skin to age quickly. To protect your skin. You can do this by applying sesame oil to your skin. Because this has a low sun protection factor.
  • As a remedy for high blood pressure. Take 20 ml of sesame oil daily. Because that helps you to keep your high blood pressure at a lower level permanently.
  • To remove bags under the eyes. To do this, massage the eye area with some of the healthy oil. Because it cares for the skin and is supposed to promote the flow of lymph.
  • Effective home remedy for bronchitis. To ease the symptoms of bronchitis, massage your chest area with warm sesame oil. So you use the natural power of the healthy oil.
  • To relieve joint pain. If you suffer from joint pain, make poultices with sesame oil. Then leave it on overnight.
  • Fighting herpes and as an aid in shingles. To apply healthy oils, are mostly applied to the diseased areas of the skin. The same applies to herpes and shingles.
  • Treat chronically dry nasal mucosa. So apply a few drops of the healthy oil to the inside and outside of your nose. It is also a good alternative to saline.
  • remove scab. You can also easily remove scabs from healed wounds. To do this, put a few drops of sesame oil on the scab and let it work. Then it can be easily removed.

3) The unknown sea buckthorn oil

In Germany, sea buckthorn oil is one of the “newer” oils and convinces with its versatility. The ingredients, components, and properties of sea buckthorn oil at a glance.

Use sea buckthorn oil correctly

So that you can use the advantages of sea buckthorn oil in the future, we have listed the most important applications for you. This allows you to do without the usual medication.

  • As a home remedy for acne and skin inflammation. If you suffer from acne, you can treat it with the healthy oil of sea buckthorn. Accordingly, apply 1 – 2 drops to the affected areas and let it take effect.
  • For the relief of neurodermatitis. 2 drops applied three times a day can also relieve the symptoms of neurodermatitis.
  • To treat psoriasis. Slight psoriasis lesions can also be alleviated. Because the sea buckthorn oil has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect. For this, you have to apply it twice a day.
  • As a natural home remedy for heartburn, especially during pregnancy. To do this, take a teaspoon spread over the meals before eating.
  • Remedial measure for burns. If you have burned yourself slightly, you can rub the burn with 1-2 drops of sea buckthorn oil. As a result, the wound should heal faster.
  • As a remedy for gastrointestinal complaints, stomach ulcers, or inflamed gastric mucosa. Thus, take 1 teaspoon 30 minutes before meals 2 to 3 times a day.
  • For protection against sun allergies. Sea buckthorn oil is said to protect the skin. Therefore, apply 1-2 drops to your skin.
  • Before radiation therapy. To do this, apply the healthy oil to the areas to be irradiated weeks before the treatment and massage it in gently. Consequently, you prevent burn scars.
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Healthy Fasting, But How? A Plant-Based Diet is Good For The Body!

Goodbye annoying kilos? Ideally, fasting should be healthy and varied: A vegan diet is very suitable for this.

What exactly does it mean to “eat vegan” anyway?

In a vegan diet, no animal products such as meat, cow’s milk and eggs are consumed. Contrary to popular belief, not eating animal products does not lead to malnutrition as long as you eat a wholesome diet. A wholesome diet means getting all the nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats), vitamins, and minerals you need.

The main components of a vegan diet include grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and of course fruits and vegetables. Sound boring? But it doesn’t have to be. A vegan diet offers diverse and creative dishes – which are also easy and quick to prepare!

Benefits of a vegan diet

In brief: A healthy and balanced vegan diet can support weight loss in the case of overweight, reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases and promote digestion.

1. High in fiber

Many plant-based foods are very low in fat (legumes and grains) and low in calories and can support weight loss. They also contain a high proportion of fiber, which is why plant foods have a very filling effect and at the same time promote digestion. These include, for example, whole grain oatmeal, dried apricots and salsify. Foods such as cheese and meat contain little fiber and can lead to constipation if consumed in excess.

2. Low cholesterol

Plant-based foods have a low cholesterol content. Knew? In fact, oatmeal and walnuts, for example, even lower cholesterol. According to scientific studies, a low-cholesterol diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as a heart attack or stroke. On the other hand, everyday mixed foods such as eggs, butter and cheese contain a lot of cholesterol.

3. Lower risk of cancer

The risk of cancer can also be reduced with a vegan diet. The plant-based diet reduces the risk of colon and lung cancer, as well as stomach and prostate cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), red meat (like beef and pork) and processed meat (like cured meats and ham) are classified as carcinogenic to humans. Processed meat and tobacco smoking are even on the same cancer risk level.

Disadvantages of a vegan diet

Since the consumption of meat and dairy products is instilled in many people and is therefore firmly anchored in our cultural values, the switch to a plant-based diet is difficult at first. This takes some getting used to and some research.

In a purely vegan diet, vitamin B12 must be added to the diet, since plant foods primarily contain no B12.

If you only eat vegan for a limited period of time (approx. 1 month), there is no risk of a B12 deficiency.

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Matcha Tea: Its Healthy Effects on the Body

Matcha tea and its special properties at a glance. We will tell you everything about the effect of Matcha tea and how you can prepare Matcha tea successfully. Because regular consumption has many positive effects on your health.

Matcha tea is made from green tea powder and comes from Japan. It is very popular because it is said to have a very healthy effect. Accordingly, it can reduce stress and prevent cardiovascular diseases. That’s why you should definitely try it.

History of Matcha Tea

Tea has always been an essential part of the local food culture of the people of China. According to Chinese legend, the divine ruler and plant expert Shen Nong tested numerous plants on himself about 5000 years ago. His goal was to find useful species that could be used to make beverages with medicinal properties, giving rise to tea. Later, Buddhist monks traveled to China. From there they brought green tea to Japan as a meditation drink.

This is how the preparation and drinking of ground tea, the so-called Matcha, became known. While it was gradually forgotten in China, it became increasingly important in Japanese Buddhism. Today it is regarded as the highest quality and rarest type of tea in Japan and is still characterized by its meditative and health-promoting effects. Also, note other superfood foods and their benefits.

Manufacture of Japanese Gold

Matcha is a tea that is only made from the finest components of the green tea leaf, the fine leaf flesh. As a result, it is also characterized by strong, green color. To harvest, the tea is ground in stone mills into an extremely fine powder. Only the freshest leaves with a smooth aroma are suitable for further processing into matcha. This corresponds to about five percent of a tea bush.

Since the tea is very elaborate and produced according to centuries of tradition, it is considered a particularly noble and high-quality type of tea and is correspondingly expensive. Nevertheless, its valuable ingredients and its invigorating effect make it so popular. The cheaper alternative would be soothing green tea.

The healthy Matcha tea effect

Scientific studies confirm: Green tea has a health-promoting effect if it is drunk daily. The ingredient EGCG has an anti-inflammatory effect and has a positive effect on diseases of the immune system. Matcha is even said to have health-promoting effects on cancer, as it appears to inhibit tumor growth. And by enjoying Matcha tea, the body absorbs not only the water-soluble but also all the water-insoluble active ingredients in green tea. This includes valuable ingredients such as:

  • chlorophyll
  • antioxidants
  • catechins
  • Vitamins A and E
  • beta carotenes
  • minerals
  • proteins
  • cell fibers

Benefits and uses of matcha tea

In the following, we have listed the advantages of regular consumption of tea. It is important to note that most of the findings come from studies with animals and cannot be transferred one-to-one. Nevertheless, the results show the valuable and healthy effects of matcha.

1) As a healthy alternative to coffee

Matcha is not only healthy, it also has other great properties. Because the tea is a real pick-me-up. As a result, it represents a healthy alternative to classic coffee. It contains half the caffeine of a cup of coffee but is just as invigorating. At the same time, it has a balancing effect due to the large number of amino acids it contains.

2) Stress reduction through matcha tea

Since the popular tea contains the ingredients theanine and arginine, it contributes to effective stress reduction. A few amounts of matcha powder are sufficient. So you should treat yourself to 2-3 delicious matcha biscuits or a cup of green tea a day.

3) Matcha tea for weight loss

In addition, Japanese researchers have discovered that catechins boost the breakdown of fat in the body. For this reason, it is increasingly used in diets. Consequently, it is one of many effective tips for losing weight faster without having to give up anything.

4) Effectively protects the skin

Matcha is also a very good skin and sun protection. If the body is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, free radicals damage the cell membranes of the skin. This causes them to age faster. The catechins contained in Matcha prevent the radicals from penetrating the skin and prevent wrinkles and skin damage.

5) Lower blood pressure with matcha tea

Since matcha powder is made from green tea and is a good home remedy for lowering blood pressure, it can be assumed that it will have a similar effect. Consequently, this could prevent strokes and cardiovascular diseases. However, you can do just as well with the cheaper green tea.

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Hidden Calorie Bombs: These Supposedly Healthy Foods Make You Fat

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.

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Superfood Turmeric: How Healthy is The “Golden Spice” Really?

Many positive properties are attributed to turmeric: anti-inflammatory, digestive and health-promoting, to name just a few. The effect of the “golden spice” has been studied – but there is a problem.

Golden Spice: What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is similar to ginger and also belongs to the ginger family. However, it has a very intense yellow color. Hence the name “turmeric” or “golden spice”. The plant, which can grow up to one meter high, mainly thrives in Asia. As with ginger, the root is used.

The typical turmeric taste is often described as “earthy”, “bitter” or “spicy”. In the kitchen, it is suitable, for example, for rice or potato dishes, but also for refining vegetables. Since turmeric contains essential oils, proteins and about 5 percent curcumin, the spice is often touted as a remedy for many diseases. But what about the healing powers of turmeric?

Manufacturers advertise that turmeric can be used in many ways and, in addition to flatulence and a feeling of fullness, should also help against osteoarthritis, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Turmeric does appear to have positive effects on digestion and a reduction in the feeling of fullness after eating. However, turmeric has not yet been sufficiently researched as a remedy for diseases.

Superfood turmeric as a remedy: This is what the spice can do

Turmeric has been used in India for 4000 years. Turmeric was considered sacred there and was one of the most important spices. In the traditional Indian healing art of Ayurveda, turmeric is counted among the so-called “hot spices”. These are said to have a cleansing and energy-giving effect.

So far, the plant has been tested almost exclusively in cell culture and animal experiments, using extremely high doses that humans cannot obtain from dietary supplements. The results from the laboratory studies are therefore not directly transferrable to humans.

A few human studies have been carried out, but since these included very small numbers of participants, the meaningfulness of these studies is very limited. In general, dietary supplements such as turmeric are not intended for the prevention or alleviation of diseases because, unlike conventional medicines, there is no evidence of their effectiveness. Although turmeric is said to have anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, there is still no serious, scientific standard-compliant study that proves these effects.

Turmeric as a dietary supplement

Turmeric can therefore be used as a dietary supplement, since the curcumin it contains has a stimulating effect on digestion, for example, but it should not be used to combat ongoing complaints. Instead, a doctor should be consulted.

Turmeric as a dietary supplement comes in many different forms: turmeric powder*, turmeric extracts*, curcuminoids*, tablets with additional vitamin extracts* or turmeric oil*. For gastrointestinal problems, flatulence and as an anti-inflammatory, turmeric can be taken as a spice or in the form of dietary supplements and seems to help.

Other effects of turmeric

In addition to its digestive and anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric is said to have a whole range of other effects. If the medical journal Andrologia is to be believed, turmeric can not only flavor food but also help with erection problems. The spice is said to improve blood circulation in a man’s best piece.

Diabetics should also benefit from the golden spice. The ingredient curcumin is said to lower elevated blood sugar levels and contribute to reducing insulin resistance, reports the magazine ScienceDirect

In combination with black pepper, turmeric is said to be particularly healthy: According to a study by the “National Library of Medicine”, pepper is said to improve curcumin absorption in the human body by up to 2000 percent. Thanks to the improved absorption capacity, the spice can develop its abilities even more, according to the researchers.

What is undisputed, however, is that turmeric is a delicious ingredient in various recipes. Probably the most classic recipe with turmeric is the golden milk. With just four ingredients, the healthy hot drink, which is said to have countless positive effects, can be prepared within 15 to 20 minutes.

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Expert Explains: This is Why Fish is so Healthy

It is said that eating fish is healthy. Rosina Püttmann from the Competence Center for Nutrition in Kulmbach explains why this is actually the case and which fish also score in terms of sustainability and regionality.

Rosina Püttmann: Regular consumption of fish can, for example, reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke or dyslipidemia. In addition to high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, fish also provides vitamin D, selenium and iodine. High-fat sea fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring are particularly rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. But domestic freshwater fish such as trout or carp also contain the same amount of omega-3 fatty acids as low-fat sea fish (saithe, hake, plaice or redfish).

How often should we eat fish – and how much?

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends one to two portions of fish per week, ideally 70 g of high-fat sea fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring and 150 g of low-fat fish. In reality, however, significantly less fish is eaten.

As part of its quality standards for community catering, the DGE recommends e.g. For example, sea fish should be included in the menu four times within 20 catering days (i.e. once a week) in day-care centers and schools.

Franconia is considered a fish region: which local species is the healthiest?

Trout, char and especially carp can be found most often on the menu in the Franconian region. These freshwater fish also contain the nutrients mentioned that make fish so valuable as food. A weekly fish meal of 200 g of trout or char fillet can cover the need for omega-3 fatty acids.

The carp, which is popular in Franconia, is in no way inferior to the ingredients of its freshwater colleagues. The fat content of the carp depends on its feeding. The natural fat content is around 4-5%, similar to that of trout.

How do I get the best out of the fish?

Whether roasting, baking, boiling, poaching, grilling, stewing or steaming, all cooking methods are suitable for fish. In general, nutrient-friendly cooking methods such as stewing or steaming should be preferred. The additional addition of fat can be dispensed with here.

For fat-free steaming, you can place the fish with herbs in a roasting foil and then cook in the oven. Herbs and spices such as basil, dill, curry, thyme, pepper, mustard, mustard seeds, ginger and garlic go well with the fish.

Anyone who likes to eat the fish fried and/or breaded or deep-fried should be aware of the higher fat content, which is then hidden in the breading.

Keyword sustainability: What do consumers have to consider?

More and more fish stocks are affected by overfishing. It is therefore important to pay attention to a sustainable origin and to select fish from stock-preserving and environmentally friendly fisheries or aquaculture. Seals from various organizations and associations, such as the MSC seal or the ASC seal, offer help with purchasing. For orientation, there are also checklists and guides for buying fish that show which fish are a good choice. Local fish such as Franconian carp score points in terms of sustainability with shorter transport routes and their freshness.

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Nutrition Myths: Why Orange Juice is Not as Healthy as You Think

For many, it is simply part of the start of the day: orange juice. However, new evidence shows he is not as healthy as many believe.

The nutritional values ​​in a 230ml glass of orange juice:

Calories: 110
Protein: 2 grams
Carbohydrates: 26 grams
Sugar: 22 grams
Vitamin C: 120 percent of the recommended daily amount
Vitamin B1: 15 percent of the recommended daily amount
Potassium: 13 percent of the recommended daily amount
Folates: 10 percent of the recommended daily amount
It’s actually pretty good, isn’t it? The only recognizable weak point: the sugar content. At 22 grams per glass, orange juice is comparable to a glass of cola, which contains roughly the same amount of sugar. That’s the equivalent of almost nine sugar cubes. Apart from that, however, orange juice is rich in vitamins and should actually be good for our body.

Scott Kahan, however, sees things differently. The scientist is certain that the consumption of orange juice is associated with obesity and organ damage. And not just because of the sugar. Orange juice has been squeezed from several oranges. Consuming the juice cannot be compared to consuming a natural orange. When you eat an orange, you not only take in the same vitamins with significantly fewer calories, but also valuable dietary fiber, which slows down digestion and creates a feeling of satiety. This does not happen with orange juice. You don’t feel full even though you’ve consumed more calories.

Fruit juices have a lot of calories, but they don’t fill you up

According to Kahan, the added sugar is just the tip of the iceberg. The high sugar content can be a problem for diabetics in particular. But they are not the only ones at risk: the large amount of sugar can also be harmful for non-diabetics.

Nevertheless, orange juice also has advantages when consumed correctly: The juice is a direct supplier of carotenoids, falvonoids and vitamin C. Carotenoids support the immune system and, as antioxidants, fight harmful substances in the body. Falvonoid is an anti-inflammatory and inflammation can always be a trigger for serious diseases. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the body. It improves and supports the immune system and also acts as an antioxidant.

“If you really like orange juice, it can be worth including in moderate amounts in a balanced diet,” says Scott Kahan. However, all the good stuff in the juice can also be obtained by consuming a whole orange – and with far fewer calories.

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Eating Slowly is Healthy: This is How You Succeed

Child, don’t sling like that! Eating slowly has been taught to many of us from an early age. But why? We clarify: Eating slowly actually has health benefits. We reveal which ones.

That’s why eating slowly is healthier

People have less and less time and are constantly under time pressure. This also has an effect on the food: people eat faster and faster, and that has consequences. We explain why slow eating is so healthy and what else you can do wrong when eating.

There are a few reasons to eat more slowly. In the following we will tell you what they are.

Nutrients are better absorbed: Actually quite logical: If you are slower, you chew your meals more thoroughly. The better your food is chewed, the more digestible it is. The nutrients in well-chewed food can be better absorbed by the body because digestion begins with chewing: food and saliva are mixed in the mouth during chewing. There are enzymes in the saliva which already begin to break down the meal. Also, the slower you eat, the better prepared your stomach is to digest incoming food, so your body conserves energy as well. Eating slowly ensures that your body is getting everything it needs.
Less digestive problems: If you eat slowly, you produce more saliva. As already described, this relieves the stomach of work. When you decongest your stomach, you reduce the risk of abdominal pain or other digestive problems. In addition, when you eat quickly, more air is swallowed, which can lead to flatulence.
More enjoyment: Not only wine develops its full aroma only when you keep it in your mouth for a while. Even with some types of vegetables, the full aroma is only unfolded after half a minute by the oral bacteria, as researchers from Switzerland found out. As a result, slow eaters also have an advantage in terms of taste. In general, if you eat more slowly, you will enjoy your meal more. So the slower you eat, the more enjoyable your meal will be. That fact alone is worth the time investment, right?
Relieve Stress: When you just focus on your meal, you forget the stress of everyday life for a while. Concentration is a good keyword: many people do exactly that wrong. Anyone who watches television, surfs the Internet or reads a magazine while eating not only loses the sensuality of eating, but also loses the meditative effect of eating. Despite your habit, try not to do anything while eating. You will quickly notice the effect.
Weight Loss Through Eating Slowly Now let’s move on to what is probably the number one reason many people eat slower: weight loss. In fact, if you eat slower, you lose weight. Japanese researchers from Osaka University found that people who eat quickly are almost three times as likely to be overweight as slow eaters. According to studies from the University of Rhode Island, a slow meal consumes about 10 percent fewer calories than a fast one. Read here: Eat slowly to lose weight. There is also a simple reason for this: our brain only notices that we are full after about 15 to 20 minutes. So if you eat too fast, you often eat more than your body needs and thus gain weight quickly. By the way: Eating slowly is also easy on the wallet. Someone who eats slowly eats 10 percent fewer calories and needs to buy less food accordingly. This is quickly noticeable in the supermarket and especially in the restaurant.

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Apple Varieties: These Apples are Particularly Healthy

Late summer and autumn are apple season. There are many different types of apples and they are considered extremely healthy. But which apple varieties are actually best for our health? We clarify!

Which ingredients make apples healthy?

But a saying doesn’t come out of nowhere. So what makes apples so healthy? Their vitamins, roughage and, above all, their secondary plant substances, which are contained in large quantities, make the apple so valuable. Secondary plant substances are, for example, polyphenols, flavonoids and catechin.

Various health-promoting effects are attributed to them, including antibacterial and strong antioxidant properties. Antioxidants have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect us from free radicals caused by stress and external environmental influences. They may also protect against various cancers. Secondary plant substances also mediate vascular effects such as widening of blood vessels and lowering of blood pressure.

Apples are also rich in fiber. These can calm and rehabilitate our intestinal flora and they are converted into short-chain fatty acids in the intestine. These serve the intestinal mucosa as an energy supplier. In addition, the fiber pectin is said to keep blood sugar levels constant and thus curb our cravings – which can be very interesting for people who want to lose weight.

Is there a particularly healthy apple variety?

As nutritionist Dr. Matthias Riedl explained to “Fitbook” that old apple varieties, such as “Berlepsch”, “Cox Orange” and “Idared”, are very healthy. This is because they contain more polyphenols that have already been bred out in newer apple varieties such as “Jonagold” or “Granny Smith”.

Polyphenols are phytochemicals that protect apples from fungal and insect infestation. However, they make an apple taste more sour and ensure that the apple turns brown faster. Since appearance is the top priority for the buyer and therefore also for the seller, the apples are specially cultivated and, in the worst case, also sprayed to avoid visual blemishes. If an apple grows in a protected, sterile orchard, it no longer has to protect itself from pests and produces little or no polyphenols.

Conclusion: In order to still be able to enjoy as many health-promoting secondary plant substances as possible, we should use older or less vigorously bred apple varieties. Old apple varieties, for example, often still grow on meadow orchards and have to protect themselves against external influences – here a high enrichment with polyphenols is guaranteed. However, there is an exception among the old apple varieties. The “Golden Delicious” is a very susceptible variety to fungal and pest infestation and is therefore almost always sprayed.

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