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Flaxseeds: They Really are That Healthy

Flaxseeds are considered a healthy local superfood. We will show you which nutrients they contain and how you can use and process them.

What are flaxseeds?

Flaxseed is the seed of the flax, also known as common flax. It grows up to a meter high and has blue flowers. It is mainly grown in China, Russia and Ukraine. But it can also be found in Europe, for example in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

You can buy flaxseed whole, ground or as flour. We recommend that you use organic flaxseed and choose a product that comes from regional cultivation. In this way you avoid long transport routes and the associated high consumption of resources as well as chemical-synthetic pesticides in cultivation.

It’s in flaxseed

Flaxseeds contain a lot of fiber, which has a digestive effect. In addition, so-called mucilage is found in the seeds. They form a protective layer in the stomach and ensure that pathogens and other impurities can be transported more easily through the intestine.

Flaxseeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which should be an essential part of your diet. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, are important for the metabolism and contribute to a healthy immune system.

In addition to fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds contain protein, magnesium, iron and zinc as well as vitamins B1, B6 and vitamin E.

Here’s how you can use flaxseed

Linseed has been used medicinally for thousands of years, also in the form of linseed oil. The seeds are particularly popular as home remedies for gastrointestinal diseases. If you suffer from constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, you can use flaxseed as follows:

Eat 1 tablespoon of whole or ground flaxseeds.
Drink around 250 milliliters of water.
Repeat this two to three times a day.
The flaxseeds take effect after about twelve to 24 hours. Sometimes it takes up to three days for the full effect to take hold.

Linseed in the form of poultices has proven itself for colds, skin inflammation and muscle tension. To put on a flaxseed poultice:

Place 2-3 tablespoons of flaxseed on a cotton towel and tie a knot. Alternatively, you can stuff the flaxseeds into a clean cotton sock.
Pour hot water over the flaxseed poultice and let the flaxseeds soak for about 15 minutes.
Place the compress on the affected area and fix it with a dry cloth.

You should keep this in mind when using flaxseed

Since flaxseed contains cadmium, you should consume a maximum of 20 grams per day.
Flaxseed is said to limit the absorption of drugs from the gut. If you are taking medication, you should only eat flaxseed three to four hours after ingestion.
If you are currently pregnant, you should only use flaxseed after consulting a doctor.
If you eat flaxseed, it is important that you drink a lot – at least 1.5 to two liters per day, preferably water or unsweetened tea. Or you can make yourself a flaxseed tea directly.
Do not use flaxseed poultices on open wounds.
Flaxseeds are not very suitable for children.
If you have severe abdominal pain, an intestinal obstruction or a narrowed esophagus, you should not eat flaxseed. In these cases, seek medical advice and have the symptoms clarified.

Process flaxseed

However, you can not only eat flaxseed when you have symptoms, you can also use it in delicious recipes. In the following recipe, the flaxseeds provide a filling effect and a thicker consistency. For a smoothie you need:

250 g unsweetened soy yoghurt
1 tsp agave nectar or maple syrup
1 tsp flaxseed
150 grams of raspberries
2 tbsp almonds

And this is how it works: Put all the ingredients in the blender and puree them until you get a creamy smoothie.

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Food

Water Fasting: How Healthy Is It Really?

Water fasting is the simplest and most radical form of fasting: for a few days, you “live” on water alone. This is intended to cleanse your body of toxins, among other things – but this has not been scientifically proven.

From base fasting to intermittent fasting: there are numerous ways to fast. The simplest and most radical of these is probably water fasting. For several days you don’t eat anything, just drink at least three liters of still water a day.

However, water fasting is a bit more complicated, because there is a preparation and a follow-up.

This is how water fasting works

Water fasting does not start with the first day without food, but three days before: During this time, fasting people should eat less and only easily digestible foods.

For the first day of the fasting cure, it is often recommended to completely empty the bowel, for example with an enema or with Glauber’s salt. Both methods will leave you with severe diarrhea, so drinking several liters of water is recommended.

However, purging can also have side effects such as dehydration, nausea and poor circulation. In general, the water diet and the effect of “detoxification” are controversial – you will find out more about that in a moment.

Water Fasting: Does It Really Make Sense?

As a rule, water fasting lasts up to two weeks – during this time, fasting people should drink at least three liters of water per day. Those who have never fasted before should limit themselves to five days. Many websites recommend that the project be discussed with a doctor.

Whether medical professionals would agree to a water fast is questionable. The diet is similar to full fasting because you do not supply your body with any calories or significant nutrients during the fasting period. This means that your body switches to starvation metabolism and uses up available energy reserves. This will make you lose weight quickly, but you will also lose muscle mass. Fasting people are considered to be very susceptible to the yo-yo effect.

Netdoktor also warns of the first signs of deficiency when fasting. These can lead to poor concentration or cardiovascular problems, among other things. Gout attacks can also occur.

Water fasting as a detox method: do we really need to detox?

Like many other fasting methods, water fasting is designed to rid your body of toxins, especially if you’re initially laxing. However, this so-called “detox” is controversial.

According to the consumer center, there is no scientific evidence that the body needs to be helped to detoxify. The kidneys and liver take care of that. A 2014 review came to the same conclusion. As a result, there are few and inadequate clinical studies to suggest that a detox can detoxify the liver.

Water fasting: There are gentler alternatives

According to the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), certain fasting cures can have beneficial effects on health. However, it is questionable whether this is also the case with the extreme form of water fasting.

There is no indication that water fasting in particular is supposed to be healthy. Instead, it is associated with some strong side effects. Other fasting methods such as Buchinger fasting, interval fasting, or dinner canceling are less stressful on your body. Also try our alternative fasting plan with unusual ideas.

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Food

Salad Really is That Healthy – with Recipe Ideas

How healthy your salad actually is depends on various factors. In this article, we will show you how to make salad healthy and provide you with suitable recipe suggestions.

Salads consist largely of water and are therefore low in calories. According to the Federal Center for Nutrition, they also contain various health-promoting nutrients. These include vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate and fiber as well as potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.

There are a variety of salad dishes and even more ways to arrange salads individually. Not all salads are created equal. You can influence how healthy your salad will ultimately be.

These factors affect how healthy your salad is

It’s best to add variety to your salad choices because different types of lettuce contain different amounts of nutrients. For example, according to the BzfE, iceberg lettuce is rather low in nutrients, while lamb’s lettuce and endive have a better nutrient composition. Wild herbs are particularly rich in nutrients.

When putting together, you can use seasonal and regional salad varieties as a guide. You can also save on CO2 emissions because long transport routes are no longer necessary. Our seasonal calendar can give you an overview. In addition, we recommend that you buy your salad and all other ingredients in organic quality. In this way, you avoid chemical-synthetic pesticides and artificial fertilizers.

It is healthiest and tastiest if you prepare your salad and dressing yourself. Ready-made salads lose nutrients when cut and stored. In addition, packaged salads are more susceptible to bacteria. This is due to the cut surfaces of the pre-cut lettuce, on which microorganisms can colonize more easily. Ready-made dressings often contain a lot of sugar, salt or oil and can quickly become a calorie bomb. For example, try a classic vinaigrette instead. If you have the opportunity, we recommend that you grow your own lettuce. So you get the freshest salad ever and save plastic at the same time.

If you prepare your salad yourself, you can combine it according to your taste and supplement it with filling ingredients. It is particularly healthy to add protein-rich components to the salad. This can be, for example, legumes, eggs, organic cheese, nuts and seeds or the organic (soy) yoghurt in the dressing. Complex carbohydrates also promote satiety. Add healthy carbohydrates in the form of millet, whole wheat pasta, or sweet potatoes to the salad. You can also integrate fruits, mushrooms or other vegetables. There are no limits to the design of your salad.

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Food

Fried Radicchio: This is How It Becomes Really Tasty

Radicchio can be used in many ways in the kitchen. In this article we would like to show you a recipe on how to make radicchio fried and full of flavor.

You probably know radicchio as a salad ingredient. With this recipe you can also prepare the radicchio fried wonderfully.

It belongs to the chicory family and is particularly rich in vitamins, minerals and bitter substances as well as secondary plant substances. In particular, vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium and anthocyanins are included.

Raddichio is mainly grown in Italy and can be found in supermarkets all year round. However, we recommend that you buy your ingredients from seasonal and regional cultivation, because this way you avoid long transport routes and CO2 emissions. In Germany, radicchio is in season between June and October. You can find a larger overview of other types of fruit and vegetables in our seasonal calendar. In addition, we recommend that you buy the ingredients in organic quality if possible. This is how you can avoid chemical-synthetic pesticides.

A recipe for fried radicchio

Ingredients:

1Radicchio
2 clove(s) garlic
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tbsp almond butter
0.5 EL horn syrup
0.5 tsp salt
1 pinch(s) of pepper

Directions:

Wash the radicchio and cut it lengthwise into four equal pieces. Remove the stalk.
Peel the garlic and cut it into pieces as fine as possible. Alternatively, you can also press it and use it accordingly in the third step.
Mix together the 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, almond butter, maple syrup, and salt and pepper. To help the ingredients mix better, add a small sip of warm to hot water.
Spread the marinade evenly over the cut surfaces of the four radicchio pieces, so that some of the marinade can penetrate into the interior when frying.
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan. Fry the radicchio for about 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium heat.
Now you can serve the fried radicchio.

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