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Millet: Interesting Facts About The Healthy and Gluten-Free Grain

Millet contains many healthy ingredients, but these vary from variety to variety. In some parts of Africa and Asia, millet is still a staple today – in German millet means “saturation”.

Millet: What the color reveals about the ingredients

Millet is not just millet: the healthy grain comes in different colors and each type of millet has slightly different ingredients. Yellow millet contains a lot of beta-carotene and red and brown millet more antioxidants. Glassy-white millet, on the other hand, is rich in protein. All millet varieties contain a lot of the following healthy ingredients:
Protein,
Iron,
vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6,
Fluorine,
Zinc,
Magnesium,
Silicon.
Since children and babies in particular need the amino acid leucine from millet, millet porridge is a popular food for babies and toddlers. However, you must not eat millet raw, as some enzymes in millet are toxic when uncooked. Before cooking, you should soak millet to extract phytin. It blocks the absorption of important nutrients such as iron and zinc.

Millet helps with diabetes

As scientists from the Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada) found out, millet can prevent excessive insulin release. This makes the grain particularly attractive for diabetics. Researchers at the University of Agricultural Sciences also attribute a positive property to millet for diabetics: a millet cure over 28 days can lower blood sugar levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Does millet make you slim?

The combination of amino acids and complex carbohydrates makes millet a real slimmer. Because millet fills you up for a long time and has only 114 kilocalories per 100 grams. A lot of roughage and the high protein content prevent ravenous hunger attacks.

Beauty secret “millet”

Beautiful hair from millet? In fact, millet is rich in silicon, which ensures beautiful skin, hair and nails. Millet can help against dry skin and also tighten the connective tissue. Millet can even strengthen the hair.

Millet also supports the immune system and can thus protect against flu. Anyone who already has a flu can also get help from millet: unlike other types of grain, millet does not form mucus, it also supports the production of antibodies and regulates the immune system.

Is millet a whole grain product?

If you suffer from gluten intolerance, you probably already know millet. Because the grain is gluten-free and is sold shelled, just like oats and barley. Millet is therefore not a real whole grain product, but it has many of the properties of a whole grain cereal. Because the nutrients are distributed throughout the grain (unlike other types of grain). This makes millet as healthy as real whole grains. You get millet in whole grains, as millet flour, millet flakes and millet semolina.

Exception: brown millet is a real whole grain product, as the grains are processed into flour with the shell.

How sustainable is millet?

Millet often comes from China, Canada and the USA and is imported to us in Germany. This results in a poor CO2 balance and often affects organic millet as well. Millet can also be grown in Germany, as some companies have demonstrated.

In organic farming, old, native varieties are often cultivated, thus promoting biodiversity. Millet does not need much water and is very resilient. This makes the use of pesticides superfluous, which is why millet is well suited for organic farming. The stalks of the millet plant can also often be reused as natural fibres.

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Eating Spinach Raw: When it’s Healthy and When It’s Dangerous

Many people know spinach primarily as a warm, creamy vegetable, but it is also delicious raw in a salad. Here you can find out when you can eat spinach raw and when you should be careful.

In addition to many healthy nutrients, spinach also contains oxalic acid. This binds calcium, iron and magnesium. Your body can therefore absorb less of the substances you eat if you have consumed oxalic acid. If you suffer from a deficiency of the substances mentioned or suffer from kidney stones, you should be careful with raw spinach.

Eat spinach raw to avoid oxalic acid

In particular, long-ripened, strong spinach leaves with a wavy structure contain a lot of oxalic acid. When cooking, some of the acid is released into the cooking water. If you drain the cooking water, the amount of acid will be reduced. However, nutrients also dissolve in the water, which are then also lost.

Young spinach leaves contain less oxalic acid. You can use them raw in salads or in smoothies. So no nutrients are lost. In addition, the consistency of the delicate, smooth leaves is more pleasant than that of the somewhat coarser, long-ripened leaves.

Nitrate in raw spinach

Spinach can be high in nitrates, especially during the darker months. This substance reacts in the body to form nitrite. Nitrite can turn into carcinogenic nitrosamines. In addition, nitrite inhibits oxygen uptake. The intake of nitrite can therefore be life-threatening, especially for children.

Nitrate is primarily contained in the stems and larger leaf veins as well as the outer leaves. When you remove these plant parts, you remove some of the nitrates. You should also eat spinach when it is still very fresh. This not only tastes better, but also ensures that microorganisms have less time to form nitrite.

Be sure to buy organic spinach, as organic farming doesn’t use nitrate fertilizer. Therefore, organic spinach usually contains less nitrate.

Healthy combinations with spinach

Since oxalic acid binds calcium, among other things, it is worth combining spinach with foods containing calcium. How about a delicious yoghurt dressing for the spinach salad? This not only tastes good, but also ensures that you don’t lose too much calcium.

To mitigate the risks of nitrate, for example, add lemon juice to the dressing and drink freshly squeezed orange juice. This is how you absorb vitamin C, which limits the formation of nitrosamines.

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Kohlrabi is so Healthy: Nutritional Values, Calories and Useful Information

Kohlrabi is healthy and delicious. Here you can find out which nutrients kohlrabi contains and what you have to consider when preparing it so that it retains its vitamins.

Kohlrabi, also known as turnip, originally comes from the Mediterranean region. Today, however, kohlrabi is considered a typical German vegetable. No wonder, because it is grown in many white or blue varieties in this country. In spring you get fresh kohlrabi from the early harvest. It can only be stored for a few weeks, in contrast to the autumn kohlrabi. You can store the early kohlrabi without the leaves in the crisper of the refrigerator for about a week.

Kohlrabi: many healthy ingredients

Like many vegetables, kohlrabi is mostly water. Its calorie content of 24 kilocalories per 100 grams is correspondingly low. The calories come mainly from carbohydrates (about six percent) and proteins (about two percent). In addition, however, kohlrabi contains many vitamins and minerals, namely:
Vitamin C (62)
Vitamin A (carotene, 0.02)
Vitamin B1 (0.05)
Vitamin B2 (0.02)
niacin
Vitamin B6 (0.15)
and the minerals:
Potassium (380)
Calcium (24)
Phosphorus (46)
Magnesium (19)
iron
Selenium (just under a microgram)
The figures given are in milligrams per 100 grams. All nutritional values ​​are from the database

The nutrient content in the green leaves of the kohlrabi tubers is particularly high, for example the leaves contain more vitamin A than the tubers. So it’s worth adding the leaves to a salad or smoothie.

Kohlrabi: It depends on the preparation!

The B vitamins and vitamin C contained in kohlrabi are water soluble. This means that some of them are lost during cooking. Kohlrabi is healthier if you eat it raw and with the leaves. You should also peel as little of the kohlrabi as possible

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Healthy Feet Despite Foot Deformities

Reasons for foot deformities

The feet ensure stability when standing, and cushion unevenness on the floor when walking and running. Consequently, feet are essential and their health should be taken care of. Therefore, find out now the reasons for foot deformations and useful tips to avoid foot problems.

When running, the load increases by two to five times the body weight, depending on the speed. If there are also hereditary malpositions or if the wrong shoes are worn, the feet can become deformed. Hallux valgus, splayfoot, flatfoot, or pes cavus should be mentioned here. These are not only visually noticeable but also damage foot health and general health.

Health consequences of foot deformity

So it is conceivable that an incorrect load or a disease of the feet has an impact on the overall well-being and posture. Instability or misalignment of the feet could be noticeable up to the neck. Problems with the back, hips, or knees are therefore often caused by problems with the feet. If you have foot problems, you shouldn’t just look at your feet. The entire body should be included in the therapy. In addition, note useful home remedies for tired feet.

What foot deformities are there?

There are different foot deformities. In the following, the most common foot deformities are presented in more detail with their characteristics. A foot deformity rarely comes alone. It often occurs in conjunction with one or more other deformities. In order to avoid foot malpositions, you should know the causes of the foot malposition.

Measures against foot problems

The foot is an impressive multifunctional organ that always performs at its best. Since we depend on our feet, we should treat them with care and pay attention to them. If you suffer from one of the foot deformities presented, you can consult medical professionals on how such a deformity can be treated. Because there are various therapy and treatment options for foot deformities.

Under certain circumstances, you can live with it quite normally without it bothering you. You should also think about what measures you can take to avoid foot problems. Because you can promote the health of your feet with the right measures and consequently avoid foot problems.

1) The right footwear for foot health

In addition to the genetic predisposition, the wrong footwear promotes the occurrence of painful crooked and misaligned feet and toes. Many people still buy the wrong size shoes, often a size or two too small. Consequently, note our tips for buying shoes. So that the choice does not negatively affect the feet. Even slippers that are worn often should fit well and be made of breathable and non-toxic material. When buying children’s shoes for the home, you should choose a soft and flexible sole.

2) Use insoles for deformed feet

Wearing supportive insoles can have little or no positive effect on the progression of an existing foot deformity. But it can provide temporary relief from foot discomfort. In most cases, no preventive measures are possible in the case of splayfoot with the consequences described above. Supportive insoles, padding for the toes, or special splints are often used. Also, note how you can treat blisters on your feet and relieve pain.

3) Surgical intervention against foot malpositions

A pronounced hallux valgus usually has to be operated on in order to restore the axis in the foot. Such or similar surgical interventions, including, for example, a correction of the foot axis, should only be carried out by an experienced surgeon. Depending on the extent of the deformation, each hallux valgus should be treated differently. A splint or physiotherapy can also help to alleviate foot problems. However, most foot deformities can be avoided by wearing proper and adequate footwear. Consequently, you should widen shoes that are too tight or stop wearing them.

4) Wearing barefoot shoes to protect against injury

If you want to avoid the risks, the solution is to wear so-called barefoot shoes. Because here the person feels the feeling of walking barefoot, at the same time the feet are protected. Tests by the Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk under medical supervision showed that the load is passed through the foot in an arc. This promotes the natural distribution of power in the foot through greater stress on the muscles. Also, read which home remedies help against corns.

5) Foot care and treatments for foot problems

Careful handling and supportive measures are particularly important in the case of foot deformities. Also comes the general importance of taking care of your feet. This way you can avoid further foot problems. Therefore, you should take the following measures for healthy and beautiful feet:

Footbath for foot problems

In addition to choosing the right shoe, regular care plays an important role in preventing foot problems. According to Monika Ferdinand, Chairwoman of the Federal Association of German Cosmeticians, a soothing foot bath can prevent foot problems. However, the water must not be too hot and the feet must not remain in the water for more than five minutes so that the skin does not become too soft. In addition, it ensures well-groomed feet in summer.

Callus treatment for foot problems

When removing the callus, you should not overdo it, otherwise, the callus will grow back twice. For example, a self-made peeling made of salt and oil is worthwhile to remove calluses from your feet.

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Walnut Oil: Effect and Application of The Healthy Oil

Walnut oil can be used not only in the kitchen, but also in cosmetics. Here we will tell you how it works and how to use it correctly.

Walnut oil: high-quality and versatile

Walnut oil is considered to be a particularly high-quality, noble oil and is characterized by its light yellow color and comparatively thin consistency. Because of its tart, nutty taste, it is particularly popular in French cuisine, but it can also be used as a natural cosmetic product.

Effect of walnut oil

Because of their high fat content of up to 62%, walnuts are ideal for producing oil. Walnuts contain “good fats” – more precisely, above all omega-3 fatty acids, which belong to the unsaturated fatty acids.

These fatty acids are essential, meaning they cannot be produced by the human body itself. As a rule, they are ingested through the consumption of fish – vegetarians or vegans in particular take plant-based alternatives. Walnut oil is ideal here, because walnuts have the highest proportion of linolenic acid, a special omega-3 fatty acid, of all nuts.

The omega-3 fatty acids promote blood circulation, so they can, for example, prevent thrombosis, support blood flow and help lower cholesterol levels.
Walnuts are also particularly rich in vitamin E, which protects the body’s cells and stimulates fat metabolism. Walnut oil can also help to reduce blood lipid levels.
Walnut oil also contains biotin or vitamin B7, which the body needs to form keratin: It supports the healthy growth of skin, hair and nails.
In smaller amounts, walnut oil also contains zinc, which is also important for skin and hair, and potassium, which is particularly important for the functionality of the heart muscle.
The ratio of the various fatty acids in walnut oil is much more favorable in terms of their positive effects on the body than in olive or sunflower oil. Due to the balanced combination of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and trace elements, walnut oil is a real miracle cure for preventing the formation of vascular deposits and thus cardiovascular diseases.

How to use walnut oil

You can use walnut oil as a classic cooking oil or as a cosmetic product.
However, since it does not heat up particularly well, you should not use the oil for frying or deep-frying. It is more suitable for cold dishes: the strong, nutty taste goes particularly well with lamb’s lettuce or to refine creamy soups.
You can also use the oil on the skin: it absorbs quickly and can make dry, cracked skin supple again. Besides, applying walnut oil to the skin is also said to prevent wrinkles.
Walnut oil is also used in hair care: If you also use some walnut oil in your usual hair wash, it makes your hair look soft and shiny.
Important: Walnut oil is available both cold-pressed and hot-pressed. The cold-pressed oil was not heated during production, which is why the healthy ingredients and the intense aroma are preserved – so if you are looking for these benefits, you should choose the cold-pressed variant.

Buy walnut oil as regionally and ecologically as possible

Although walnuts can also be grown in this country, the nuts that can be bought here are almost exclusively imported goods. Most walnuts are imported from the US, where they’re grown in drought-stricken California, of all places – which is anything but environmentally friendly.

When buying walnut oil in particular, it is therefore advisable to take a closer look and choose a product that has been produced ecologically on the one hand and in Europe on the other: France, for example, is a popular growing region for walnuts.

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Physalis: How Healthy is The Andean Berry?

Small, spherical and bright yellow-orange: The Physalis looks great. But how healthy is she? Find out more about the little power berries here.

Origin of the Physalis

The small, yellow-orange and spherical fruits are mainly known under the name “Physalis”. But what is actually meant by this is the genus, which includes the tomatillo and the earth cherry in addition to the berries.

The lesser-known name “Andean berry” goes back to the origin of the physalis: the Andes region in Chile and Peru. The physalis belongs to the nightshade family and is therefore related to the tomato. There are over 90 different types.

The bright fruits hide on the bush in lantern-like shells, which are green at first, turn yellow when ripe and then dry up and turn light brown. The fruit in each lantern grows as big as a cherry or cocktail tomato and is sold in the supermarket in its dried-up shell. The fruits have a soft, sticky skin and inside are up to 180 small, also edible seeds.

Andean berries have a citrusy, sweet and sour taste. It is best to eat them raw in muesli, in a fruit salad or as a garnish for desserts so that their nutrients are not destroyed by heating.
They are also suitable for making jams or chutneys.

Ingredients and nutritional values ​​of physalis

With around 53 calories per 100 grams and 1 gram of fat per 100 grams, the Andean berry is a fairly low-calorie and low-fat fruit.

Other nutritional values ​​per 100 grams are:
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Dietary fiber: 2 g
Egg white: 2 g
Fiber includes the pectins, which can help regulate blood lipid levels. Pectins are said to be able to lower cholesterol levels and also stimulate digestion.

Physalis are also full of vitamins (per 100g):
0.06 mg vitamin B1
28 mg vitamin C
0.04 mg vitamin B2
0.05 mg vitamin B6
0.5 mg vitamin E
8 µg folic acid
150mcg retinol
900 µg carotene
Physalis has a fairly high content of vitamin C, which is needed for various metabolic processes in the body and strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C is just as important for heart health and normal cholesterol levels as it is for the production of collagen, i.e. for firm skin.

The fruit also contains a lot of beta-carotene. It is the precursor of vitamin A, which is produced in the body and is responsible for good vision and cell growth. Vitamin A is also known to ensure beautiful hair.

Vitamin B1 ensures a healthy nervous system, strengthens muscle tissue and the immune system. It is also known as an anti-stress vitamin.

Vitamin B2 supports healthy hair, skin and nails.
Many minerals can also be found in physalis (per 100g):
5 mg sodium
170 mg of potassium
10 mg calcium
8 mg magnesium
40 mg phosphate
1.3 mg iron
0.1 mg zinc
Potassium is an important mineral involved in muscle activity and regulating blood pressure.

Phosphorus is a mineral that is absorbed from food as phosphate. Phosphorus helps the body build teeth and bones.

How sustainable are Physalis?

When we buy physalis in the supermarket, it mostly comes from Africa and South America. The physalis need heat to grow. At the same time, they also have a high water requirement and the soil must be rich in nutrients.

The long way that the physalis has to travel to us and the high water requirement in cultivation make the berries a not particularly sustainable affair. Physalis should therefore be an exception in the menu.

If you still want to regularly integrate physalis into your diet, you can also grow the Andean berry at home. They can also thrive in your own garden or in the balcony tub.

The plant needs to be in a warm, full sun and well-protected spot in nutrient-rich soil. Local physalis can then be harvested from August. However, the Physalis is not hardy.

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Bread Drink: Why The Sour Drink is so Healthy

Brottrunk is a drink made from fermented bread and is quite acidic – but also quite healthy. In addition to probiotics, it contains many vitamins and minerals.

In Russia and Eastern Europe, drinks made from fermented bread have long been part of the kitchen. The most well-known variant is the Kanne Bread Drink. It is probiotic and good for health.

What is bread drink?

Bread drink is a drink made from fermented bread. The liquid is filtered off after fermentation and contains lactic acid bacteria – that’s why it tastes sour. Bread drink also contains many vitamins and minerals.

Bread drink contains vitamins A, D and K. Your body can absorb and store these vitamins. Bread drink also contains valuable B vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and B12) and vitamin C. Since your body cannot store these vitamins, you should consume them regularly. Bread drink is an ideal supplier.
Minerals strengthen our body tissue. The bread drink contains several of them: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. They strengthen your immune system and your muscles.

How is bread drink made?

Bread drink is made from bread, water, salt and natural sourdough.
The manufacturer bakes the bread himself – exclusively from organic grain. It is first ground in our own mill and then baked naturally in the bakery with natural sourdough. In addition to bread for the bread drink, over 60 other types of bread and rolls as well as cakes and baked goods are baked in the organic bakery – without any chemical additives.

The bread ferments in spring water for six months.
After fermentation, the liquid is filtered off.
In addition to many vitamins and minerals, the finished drink also contains lactic acid bacteria. Since only organic ingredients are used for the entire production, you can be sure that there are no chemical additives in the bread drink.

Bread drink – sour and probiotic

The fermentation produces lactic acid bacteria in the bread drink. This makes the drink acidic – and probiotic. The bacteria have a digestive effect because they stimulate your intestinal movement. They can also accumulate in your intestines and support the intestinal flora.

A healthy intestinal flora has a positive effect on general health because it fights off harmful germs in your intestines and eliminates toxic substances. With bread drink you can strengthen your body’s own detoxification system – which is why it is ideal for detoxification and fasting. If your intestines work well, you relieve other detoxification organs such as the liver at the same time. Bread drink can contribute to this as a companion to a healthy and balanced diet.

Bread drink for health

Since bread drink is a foodstuff, the manufacturer is not allowed to advertise how healthy the drink is. Nevertheless, bread drink can have a positive effect on your health.

Bread drink can have a revitalizing effect. The Paracelsus Magazine reports that bread drink can strengthen the immune system. Since the drink promotes a healthy intestinal flora, the immune system can work better overall and ward off harmful substances.
The drink contains a lot of fiber on the fermented bread. They can lower cholesterol levels.
It is also claimed that chronic skin diseases can be treated with bread drink. Many report positive effects on neurodermatitis or psoriasis – but there are no studies on this.

Consumption recommendation for bread drink

In order to permanently strengthen your health, it is recommended to drink a small glass of bread drink with meals every day. 100 to 200 milliliters are enough for this. However, the taste is not for everyone. Bread drink tastes sour and fermented – similar to sauerkraut juice or apple cider vinegar. If you don’t like the pure taste, you can mix bread drink with water or juices – or use it instead of vinegar for your salad dressing

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Mistletoe Tea: Preparation and Effects of Healthy Tea

Mistletoe tea lowers blood pressure, stimulates the metabolism and helps against many health problems. In this article we will tell you how to prepare it.

All readers of The Adventures of Asterix and Obelix will remember that druids like to use mistletoe as a medicinal herb. Its tea was actually considered a remedy in ancient times and can help against many ailments.

Mistletoe prefers to grow under or on trees, especially fruit trees and poplars. You can recognize them by their green, egg-shaped leaves. They are easy to spot, especially in the cold season, when the trees have shed their leaves. The best time to collect them is between autumn and spring.

Simply cut off small pieces and hang them up to dry in a warm place. Make sure they don’t stick to each other – otherwise mold can form quickly. Caution: Mistletoe is poisonous when raw: you should not eat the leaves or the berries.

The plants themselves are not protected, so you can also collect them outside of your own garden – for example in forests. Make sure, however, that you do not damage the host tree. It is forbidden to break off or saw off branches to get to the mistletoe.

If you don’t want to collect the mistletoe yourself, you can get mistletoe tea in almost every pharmacy.

Prepare mistletoe tea

If you have collected dried ones, you can easily brew them up. For one liter of tea you need two to four teaspoons of dried mistletoe. Half a teaspoon or a teaspoon is enough for a cup.

How to prepare mistletoe tea:
Place the dried mistletoe in a bowl. Add the appropriate amount of water.
Leave the mixture overnight.
In the morning, filter the mistletoe with a sieve and collect the liquid in a saucepan.
Warm the brew slightly without bringing it to a boil.
As soon as the tea reaches the desired temperature, you can drink it.

Caution: Since mistletoe contains toxins, you should not prepare the tea with hot water. Otherwise, the harmful substances can be released from the plant.

Mistletoe tea: You can also use it like this

You can also use mistletoe externally:
Mistletoe poultices can relieve pain caused by rheumatism. They also help against varicose veins and eczema. Simply dip a towel or cotton cloth in the lukewarm tea and place it on the affected areas.

You can also relieve these symptoms with a cold hand or foot bath to which you add dried mistletoe.

This is how mistletoe tea works

Mistletoe tea is said to have many effects. It is said to have a blood pressure-regulating effect, stimulate the metabolism and strengthen the body’s own defences. It also has a haemostatic effect and can relieve menstrual cramps.

The tea has a calming effect and is said to help against restlessness and ringing in the ears. However, these symptoms are often based on other causes such as stress. In order to permanently treat the problems, you should reconsider your lifestyle and, if necessary, talk to a doctor.

Mistletoe is sometimes used as a supplement to treat cancer. However, the effectiveness of this method is highly controversial.

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Instant Coffee: How Healthy and Sustainable is The Coffee Substitute?

Instant coffee is probably the most convenient way to prepare coffee. But what distinguishes it from conventional coffee? We clarify how the coffee substitute performs in terms of sustainability and health.

Although instant coffee remains the second choice for most people, it has long been more than just a substitute product in times of crisis.

The powder was invented in New Zealand in 1890 and became a bestseller in the post-war period, especially as a Nestlé product. As a look at the supermarket shelves shows, the product has survived to this day. Connoisseurs will probably be less likely to use the cheap alternative, because aromas and caffeine are lost while the coffee dries. But its price and the simple preparation convince many.

How is instant coffee made?

Instant coffee is nothing more than dried coffee extract. Coffee is extracted from ground beans and dried so that it can be stored longer. According to the European Purity Law, only roasted coffee beans and water may be used as extraction agents during production. Instant coffee does not contain any additives – it only differs in the production process.

How the coffee extract is obtained:
After being roasted at around 200 – 230°C, the coffee beans are first ground. The degree of grinding of the beans is around two millimeters and is therefore significantly coarser than conventional coffee powder.
This ground coffee then goes into an extraction system in which water temperatures of up to 200°C prevail. High pressure is required to prevent water from evaporating at this temperature. The soluble components of the ground coffee are now extracted in the system – the “thin juice” remains. This process takes place in so-called percolators.
In the evaporation plant, water is extracted from the coffee extract and the “thick juice” is produced.
In the last step, the coffee extract is dried, whereby there are two different methods:
1. Spray drying: The coffee extract is atomized into fine droplets in the upper part of a spray tower. Hot, dry air is blown in from below, which causes the water in the extract to evaporate. What remains is the spray-dried instant powder. This very fine powder is often further processed by agglomeration into the typically coarse instant powder. In this process, the powder is moistened to make it stick together.

2. Freeze drying: Although this type of drying is gentler and flavors are better preserved, it is also more complex and expensive. The extract is foamed with air or CO2 and cooled down to around -5°C. In terms of its consistency, it is similar to soft ice cream. It is then deep-frozen at -50°C, ground and sieved. The water is converted in a vacuum dryer – it goes directly from the solid to the gaseous state. Instant coffee powder remains.

How healthy is instant coffee?

Overall, from a health point of view, instant coffee hardly differs from coffee from the machine. However, instant coffee contains a little less caffeine because it has been processed so laboriously. But it is also made from coffee beans – the ingredients and calorie content are therefore largely the same. Additives are not permitted under the European Purity Law. However, you should be careful with instant powder for cappuccino or other coffee drinks, as these often contain added sugar.

Some substances are present in instant coffee in a more concentrated form: The acrylamide content is slightly higher in instant coffee due to the processing methods used – the substance is suspected of being carcinogenic. While roasted coffee contains around 180 micrograms per kilogram, according to a study by the NCBI, it is 360 micrograms in soluble coffee powder. But: This difference is put into perspective – for a cup of instant coffee you need significantly less coffee powder than for conventional coffee.

A slight downside with instant coffee is the lower amount of antioxidants. For example, the healthy substance quinine is lost through extraction processes and drying – it helps against cramps and high blood sugar. Instant coffee also contains less magnesium than other types of coffee.

How sustainable is instant coffee?

Advantages:

Only a little powder needed: The extraction process through which the instant powder is obtained is extremely productive. That means the powder is very concentrated and you need less coffee powder for one cup than with conventional coffee.
Energy-saving thanks to simple preparation: Only a cup, a spoon and hot water are required for preparation. Boiling water in a kettle uses significantly less energy than operating a coffee machine.
Less waste: Only the packaging of the coffee powder has to be disposed of. Because filters, pads or capsules are not required for the preparation.

Disadvantages:

Complex production: Extracting and drying the coffee powder consumes a lot of energy.
Origin of the beans less traceable: If you buy whole coffee beans, you make a conscious decision about which type of coffee you buy. With instant coffee, it’s more difficult to determine where it came from and how it was grown – mostly Arabica beans and the slightly cheaper Robusta are mixed, the beans often come from different coffee farmers. That’s why you should pay attention to fair trade and organic seals here.

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Healthy Walnut: These Nutritional Values Make Them so Valuable

Walnuts are considered to be particularly healthy – as a snack and for baking. Walnuts are in season in autumn and contain many nutrients that are important for the body.

Walnut: Nutrients at a glance

Walnuts are a real power food: Nuts are already a valuable addition to the diet, walnuts in particular. Because the walnut has it all: Under the hard shell there is a crunchy kernel that is rich, tasty and very nutritious. The nutritional values ​​for 100g of walnuts are as follows:
Energy: 662 kcal
Fat: 62g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 2mg
Potassium: 545mg
Calcium: 85mg
Magnesium: 130mg
phosphate 410mg
Iron: 2.5mg
Zinc: 2.7mg

The following vitamins are contained per 100g of walnuts:
Beta carotene: 50µg
Vitamin E: 6.0 mg
Vitamin B1: 0.34 mg
Vitamin B2: 0.12 mg
Vitamin B6: 0.87mg
Folic acid: 75µg
Vitamin C: 3mg
Walnuts contain many minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Potassium is important for the transmission of impulses in the muscles and the conduction of impulses in the heart, magnesium is involved in muscle building and increases performance. Iron is needed for vital oxygen transport in the body and the body needs zinc for the immune system and wound healing.

Vitamin E is also abundant: the vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radicals.

Walnuts contain healthy fats

Admittedly, the walnut is not entirely without its calorie density. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from walnuts as a snack. There are good reasons to eat walnuts frequently: the calories in walnuts come primarily from the fat they contain. The majority of these are monosaturated and polysaturated fatty acids. The walnut is actually the type of nut with the most omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids that you absolutely must get from food. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for many processes in the body, e.g. for…
the production of hormones,
the protein synthesis,
the cell metabolism,
the prevention / alleviation of inflammation,
the moisture and elasticity of skin and hair,
the formation of the body’s own defense cells,
protection against infectious diseases.
Walnuts are especially good for heart health. For example, the alpha-linolenic acid contained in walnuts (a representative of the omega-3 fatty acids) has a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Scientists have proven that 43g of walnuts a day lower the “bad” LDL cholesterol.

So there is a lot of goodness in walnuts: minerals, vitamins, and above all the many good fats make the walnut a healthy nut.

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