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Coffee Enjoyment in Abundance: How Many Cups of Coffee a Day are Still Healthy – and When Does it Become Dangerous?

Coffee is one of the most popular hot drinks. The average person drinks three cups a day in this country. But is that still healthy?

From how many cups is coffee harmful?

The caffeine contained in coffee boosts bodily functions, increases hand rank, expands the bronchi and promotes concentration. Whether caffeine can kill is also easy to answer – yes, it can. A quantity of several grams becomes dangerous. The stimulant affects everyone differently. Not only in terms of the effect, but also in terms of how long it takes the body to break down the caffeine. While it takes some people just a few hours for caffeine to be metabolized, for others the process takes much longer.

When it comes to blood pressure, high blood pressure patients have nothing to fear, Professor Wolfram Delius assures the pharmacy umschau. Coffee increases heart rate, but to a manageable extent. With regular consumption, this effect is even weaker. The thesis that coffee is a “water stealer” has also been refuted. The diuretic effect cannot be dismissed out of hand, but is due to the large amounts of water that you support when drinking coffee, the professor refers to the lack of data. Under certain circumstances, those affected can feel cardiac arrhythmias more strongly after drinking coffee. What is certain, however, is that coffee lowers the risk of diabetes. “This is shown by large observational studies,” says Dr. Young Hee Lee-Barkey, Senior Physician at the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW in Bad Oeynhausen.

Can coffee even prolong life?

nutritionist dr. Anna Flögel, who researched at the German Institute for Human Nutrition in Potsdam, emphasizes “If you live unhealthily, for example because you smoke or drink alcohol frequently, coffee does not make you healthier.” Researchers have now discovered the maximum amount of coffee you should drink per day before it becomes unhealthy: too much coffee increases the risk of a heart attack. While men consume an average of 3.6 cups per day, women only drink 3.2 cups of coffee. Researchers at the University of South Australia have investigated whether these amounts are dangerous to health.

There are still many myths and theories surrounding the popular hot drink. One side warns against too much coffee, the other side even claims that it has a healing effect. According to recent studies, drinking coffee could reduce the relative risk of death. In addition, filter coffee is said to help against high cholesterol levels, and in one German city people with liver disease are even asked to consume up to six cups of coffee a day. The “University of South Australia” has examined more closely whether coffee is really harmful”

Global coffee consumption: three billion cups a day

“Around three billion cups of coffee are drunk every day worldwide. Knowing the limits of what is good and what is bad is essential,” says Professor Elina Hyppönen. She is Director of the Australian Center for Precision Health at the University of South Australia Cancer Research Centre. She also says, “As with many things in life, it’s all about balance; if you overdo it, your body will pay for it.”

Risk of heart disease increases with too much coffee

The study found that drinking more than six cups of coffee increases the risk of heart disease by up to 22 percent. More precisely: The study found that too much caffeine can lead to increased blood pressure. This is considered a precursor to serious heart disease. A certain dose can therefore also have negative consequences for health. The study was the first to provide a recommendation for the maximum amount of coffee you should drink per day.

As with most things, the same applies to coffee: as long as you don’t overdo it, drinking it every day is not harmful to your health.

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Seitan, Soy, Peas: Are Meat Substitutes Really Unhealthy – and What Alternatives are There?

Whether schnitzel, steaks or sausages – there are now enough meat substitutes that can replace the popular meat dishes. But can you really enjoy them without hesitation? And what other foods are suitable as alternatives?

Finished meat substitutes: Quality is key

Whether plant-based sausages, schnitzel, minced meat or nuggets: there is now a huge selection of meat substitutes in the supermarket, and it is still growing. These finished products are usually made from multiple sources of protein, spices, and thickeners.

The meat alternatives are often much more sustainable in production than conventional meat. However, there is a decisive disadvantage with the finished products in particular: they also contain many additives. How healthy the veggie dishes really are varies from product to product. Many are highly processed and therefore contain hardly any vitamins and minerals. But some also contain high-quality plant-based protein, less fat and saturated fat, and more healthy fiber than animal meat. Cholesterol is also not found in most products – in contrast to the animal counterparts.

Since you quickly lose track of the numerous options, it is always worth checking the list of ingredients before buying and also giving preference to organic products. As with other foods, there are differences in quality. Conventional meat substitutes in conventional supermarkets contain the usual additives and are of poorer quality than products from the organic market. These usually contain no additives and are made from organically produced, high-quality raw materials. A lot of salt is added to the alternatives from the organic market – which the Albert Schweitzer Foundation, for example, sees critically. Nevertheless, the quality is different here than with meat products: it is usually not nitrite curing salt or iodised table salt, but sea salt. If you pay attention to the salt content in food, it is best to check the list of ingredients and look for the low-salt meat substitute.

Seitan, soya, peas – the alternatives can do that

Seitan is made from wheat protein and therefore contains gluten and is not suitable for people with celiac disease. It is most similar to meat in both taste and texture. Seitan is more al dente than tofu and slightly fibrous. You can already buy ready-made seitan seasoned with soy sauce or something similar, or seitan powder for mixing. The products are often available in the form of grilled steaks, sausages or schnitzel. The alternative is very rich in protein, but the biological value is limited. Anyone who eats a lot of seitan should always eat other sources of protein, such as legumes.

Soy shreds, also Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), is actually textured soy protein made from defatted soy flour. It is tasteless and can therefore be used in a variety of ways. Soybean shreds are used industrially to make substitute products, but can also be prepared at home. To do this, you first have to soak the pieces in water or broth, then squeeze them out well, marinate and fry them. Soy slices are suitable for preparing burgers and sliced ​​meat, among other things. Although the product is a processed food, it still provides important nutrients such as protein, calcium and vitamin B2.

Peas are also used for meat substitutes. More precisely, the pea protein from it to make alternatives such as schnitzel, sausages or nuggets that you can find in almost all supermarkets of different brands. This variant is also naturally tasteless and can be seasoned as desired. Products made from peas are particularly rich in protein and some essential amino acids.

Lupine and tofu: protein suppliers as a meat substitute

Some animal substitutes are made from lupins. The lupine is related to peas and beans and is processed into tofu in a similar way to soybeans. In addition to finished products made from isolated lupine protein, such as yoghurt, ice cream or sausages, lupine is also available as flour, flakes, shredded meat, grist or tempeh. All these options are available for the production of baked goods and also for the independent preparation of meat alternatives such as burger patties or sausages. The lupine has a nutty taste. It is rich in protein, contains essential amino acids and plenty of micronutrients and fiber.

It is also very good when cut into cubes in stews, on salads, in pasta sauces or on grilled skewers. In general, tofu is available in almost every flavor in the organic market.

Patties, bolognese and lasagna – These alternatives are suitable for this

Tempeh is a little rarer in conventional supermarkets, but available in organic markets. It consists of whole, steamed and peeled soybeans fermented with mushroom cultures, which are pressed into a block. The fermentation process makes the tempeh easy to digest and can therefore also be tested by people who do not tolerate soy very well. The nutrients in soybeans are more available through the process. This alternative is also available pure or marinated and tastes both plain and processed.

Grains such as bulgur or unripe spelt are nutritious and wholesome and are a healthy alternative to meat. Bulgur is a good choice as a minced alternative for pasta sauces or for stuffing vegetables. Traditional Çig Köfte are also made from it in Turkish cuisine. Green spelt is unripe harvested and dried spelled, from which you can conjure up delicious patties or hearty spreads. It is spicy, slightly nutty and is characterized by a lot of iron, magnesium, zinc, manganese and lots of fiber.

You can also make patties out of beans or lentils. Well seasoned with paprika powder and tomato paste, they not only taste good, you can also achieve an optimal consistency with locust bean gum or agar-agar. Just like beans, lentils are very high in protein, low in fat and high in fiber. As a full-fledged alternative, they are also very suitable as an addition to Bolognese or lasagne.

Jackfruit – An exceptional meat substitute

Somewhat more unusual and exotic is the tree fruit jackfruit, which comes from the tropics. Properly prepared and seasoned, its fibrous consistency is reminiscent of cooked pork and is therefore often used like pulled pork. Unfortunately, the fruit has a low protein content, but it is soy and gluten-free.

Ultimately, meat substitutes are an increasingly popular alternative to “real” meat. However, the products should not be on the menu every day because, as with all other foods, the quantity is decisive. For a healthy diet, you can look out for organic products from the organic market and also check the list of ingredients. Otherwise, you can conjure up delicious dishes yourself from natural and healthy ingredients such as legumes, bulgur or unripe spelt.

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Juices, Kiwis, Cabbage and Co. – 15 foods that prevent and relieve digestive problems

Almost everyone has had stomach pains and problems with the intestines – be it nausea, cramps, flatulence or other complaints. Diet itself is not always the reason, but if you eat right, you can counteract and prevent this.

For a healthy gut: These foods help with digestive problems

To support your intestinal flora and protect yourself from intestinal problems, you can use some foods:

1. Leaven against harmful bacteria

Sourdough contains a bacterium called “Lactobacillus reuteri” that has a probiotic effect. According to physician and best-selling author William Li, sourdough bread can help fight, inhibit, or kill harmful bacteria in the gut. It is also said to help against salmonella infections and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers, for example.

2. Dark chocolate for good nerves and muscles

Dark chocolate is already known to have a high magnesium content. So it is good for nerves and muscles, helps with stress and tastes great on top of that. Even iron and zinc are present in cocoa. But the digestion also benefits from the snack, because in moderation it has an anti-inflammatory effect and boosts the metabolism.

3. Cabbage for detoxification of the intestines

Although many types of cabbage are not always popular, they have a very positive effect on the intestinal flora. They reduce bad or toxin-producing gut bacteria. It doesn’t matter which type of cabbage is eaten – from broccoli or sauerkraut to Brussels sprouts and pak choi. Red cabbage made from red cabbage is often found on the plate in Franconia.

4. Juices stabilize your intestines

Juices are already known to play into the hands of the intestine: cranberry juice, pomegranate juice or grape juice can be used to stabilize and improve the intestinal wall. But beware: They contain a lot of sugar – so enjoy them in moderation.

5. Walnuts help blood vessels

The nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the inner walls of our blood vessels. They can also inhibit so-called Clostridium bacteria.

6. Kiwis aid in the digestive process

They also help with the digestive process and have an antibacterial effect thanks to their many vitamins and antioxidants.

7. Artichokes really boost digestion

They feed the friendly intestinal bacteria and, as a natural prebiotic, have a nurturing effect on the intestinal flora. The daisy family is particularly rich in fiber.

8. Onions fight inflammation in the gut

The leek plant is bursting with antioxidants and stimulates your bacteria in the colon to produce healthy short-chain fatty acids.

9. Black coffee stimulates intestinal motility

With coffee you train the muscles of your small and large intestine. As a result, food pulp is transported faster. As a result, you experience less gas and constipation. And best of all: the bitter substances in the drink reduce cravings for sweets.

10. Flaxseed keeps you full for a long time and promotes regular bowel movements

The dietary fibers in flaxseed swell up in the stomach and intestines and thus keep you full for a long time. In addition, the seeds make the stool bulky and soft, thus promoting regularity.

11. Yogurt helps fight inflammatory bowel disease

Yogurt contains friendly bacteria in the form of probiotics, which can help fight inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, and diarrhea.

12. Turmeric prevents the formation of cancer cells in the intestine

The ginger plant has a preventive effect against the formation of cancer cells, which has already been proven in the laboratory. The risk of colon cancer is therefore demonstrably reduced.

13. Jerusalem artichoke stabilizes blood sugar levels

The root vegetable contains the important dietary fiber inulin (not to be confused with insulin), which stabilizes blood sugar levels and prevents cravings and diabetes.

14. Flea seed husks as a proven home remedy for constipation

The Indian flea seeds are a natural swelling agent and make the stool softer. This promotes digestion and reduces intestinal transit time.

15. Buttermilk and kefir soothe and strengthen the intestinal flora

Buttermilk and kefir contain probiotic microorganisms that can have a positive effect on your intestinal health.

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Lifestyle

Working from Home with a Child – Tips on Childcare

Home office with a child. For some people, that’s a terrifying thought. How are you supposed to work productively and at the same time keep the children busy in the home office? Due to the corona crisis, many people are facing exactly this challenge. We have a few tips that will make everyday home office life easier for you with children.

Some people are used to working from home and others are working from home for the first time. But now people in the home office have to support their children with their schoolwork and ideally take over the leisure activities. No doubt not an easy time for parents and children.

Avoid being overwhelmed in the home office

In fact, it is not easy to keep the children occupied in the home office. On the contrary, working from home with children is a double burden. But in order to be able to work productively at home despite having children, you need tips and strategies. These should make working in the home office with children easier or even possible. Overwork in the home office should be avoided as far as possible. Which is hardly possible in the long run. But our mental and physical health should not be forgotten. Otherwise, the home office will be torture for everyone. So give yourself a little break and don’t put yourself under any pressure. Bring relaxation into your home.

Tips for home office childcare

We find ourselves in a situation that requires us to work productively while caring for our children. This is not easy and can quickly become overwhelming. Not everyone is lucky enough to have grandparents or friends to look after their children. Many are dependent on daycare centers and schools. But in these times it can always happen that they close temporarily. We have collected tips for such an emergency. So that childcare and simultaneous work from homework. Also, note our useful tips for reducing stress.

1) Share childcare

It is hardly possible alone. When grandparents can take care of the kids or keep them busy for a few hours a day, it’s a huge relief. But even if there are two of you, you should share childcare. If you are both working from home, set fixed times. If only one works in the home office, it will be more difficult. Then the other should take care of the children at least for the evening hours. It’s the hardest for single parents. The only thing left to do here is often the search for suitable childcare.

2) Create a work plan for the home office

If you have children to keep busy in your home office, a work plan can be very helpful. To do this, create a work plan in which you prioritize your work tasks. Then does the most important tasks when the children are busy, for example during their media time.

3) Create time for effective work

A work plan gives you an overview of the most important tasks. Now all that’s missing is undisturbed working hours. To do this, you have to find out what your children like to do without constantly demanding your attention. You should also work in a separate room to be productive.

4) Working together with the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique leads to more productivity. So you should work in intervals. Because people can only concentrate for a short time and they regularly need a break. For this, work intensively for 25 minutes and then take a short break of 5 minutes. Your children might feel the same way. As a result, you can use the short breaks together. And if your child continues to play without a break, you can continue working after a few short breaths. Also, note our tips for more productivity in the home office.

5) Create childproof homes

If your children play and romp at home regardless, it helps if your home is safe for children. So you don’t have to worry as much about something happening. As a result, you can concentrate on working effectively. Please note our tips for a child-friendly kitchen.

6) Keep the kids busy in the home office

The biggest challenge in the home office remains to keep the children busy. Because only when the children are busy for a while can they work effectively and productively at home. But what are the options? We have collected some ideas on how your child does not get bored.

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Extremely Unhealthy Sweetener? Experts Advise to do Without it Completely – That’s What’s Behind it

Many people like to use sugar alternatives. Sweeteners are particularly popular. But appearances are deceptive: despite their good reputation, sweeteners harbor many health risks.

Risks of sweeteners: Experts advocate complete avoidance

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the German Society for Nutrition (DGE), less than ten percent of the daily energy intake should consist of sugar. Many people often consume far more sugar than they should and switch to artificial sweeteners, which, at first glance, appear to be a good alternative. But the chemical sugar substitute can cause unpredictable physical problems. Experts like Dr. Mark Hyman, doctor and best-selling author of the New York Times, even advocates a complete avoidance of any sweeteners.

Sweeteners are synthetically produced or natural substitutes, for example from sweetener plants for sugar, which are a lot sweeter. Sweeteners do not provide any food for caries-causing bacteria because they are not metabolized by the oral flora. Aspartame, stevioglycosides and sodium cyclamate are examples of sweeteners found in foods. Sweeteners have no or few calories, but taste about 10 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar. Sounds very tempting, but is not really healthy.

However, sweeteners are very often confused with sugar substitutes. Sugar substitutes are – in contrast to sweeteners – suppliers of energy. They contain 2.4 calories per gram, making them about half as “heavy” as sugar. The substitutes and also sweeteners are well suited for diabetics because, unlike sugar, they do not affect insulin and blood sugar levels.

That’s why sweeteners are so bad for you

Researchers looked at the consumption of low-calorie sweetened beverages in a study that found it was associated with higher total energy and sugar intake in children. Using 7,026 children who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey over five years, the researchers were able to evaluate nutrient intake from sweetened beverages compared to water consumers.

According to this study, sweetener consumption was associated with more total calories and added sugars. Based on this finding, researchers question the benefits of low-calorie sweetened beverages for weight management in children and adolescents. Large amounts of sweetener can thus change the entire metabolism and promote unfavorable weight gain, even if the sweetener itself contains almost no calories.

Since the composition of the intestinal bacteria changes as a result of the artificial sweeteners, weight gain can occur. Regular consumption of sweeteners also increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Sweeteners are also laxative, addictive, and can trigger migraines and skin rashes. And they are also suspected of being carcinogenic. So it seems the healthier option is to stick with “real” sugar and reduce sugar intake to a healthy amount.

Omit sweetener: These delicious sugar alternatives are available

While most properties of sweeteners are certainly compelling, over-consumption can lead to serious side effects. Therefore, you should not overdo it with the low-calorie sweetness and rather use natural sweeteners such as agave syrup or honey.

For many foods that contain sweeteners instead of sugar, you might choose the sugar variant, such as herbal candies or soft drinks. If you generally feel like eating something sweet and also want to do something good for your health, then simply grab an apple or a banana instead of unhealthy snacks or use agave syrup, maple syrup or coconut blossom sugar instead of sweeteners.

Other foods that do not contain any harmful sweeteners and still taste sweet:
dates
raisins
honey
dried fruit
bananas

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Egg Expiration Dates: How Long do They Last – and How Important do You Have to be?

Eggs usually last past the best before date. How to recognize a fresh egg, how to store it and what to watch out for when processing it.

What you need to know about the shelf life of eggs

According to German regulations, eggs can be kept for at least 28 days. And even then they are often still edible. Because the egg has its own protective mechanism. The shell and yolk membrane protect it from germs. By storing eggs in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for about two to four weeks longer. From the 18th day at the latest, however, the egg should be cooled to around 7 degrees Celsius. How can I tell if an egg is still good?

As with all food, human senses are the worst enemies of spoiled food. If you crack a bad egg, you will probably notice it right away from the foul smell. If the egg doesn’t smell like anything, it’s still good. But there is another trick to spotting a rotten egg. Place the egg in a bowl of water. Does the egg sink to the bottom? Then everything is fine. If the egg stands up, it should be eaten as soon as possible, if it floats on the surface, it is bad.

If you want to process eggs raw, for example for a delicious tiramisu or a homemade mayonnaise, use fresh eggs to be on the safe side. They should not be older than 18 days. After this time, you can still eat the egg with a clear conscience if it has been boiled or heated. After all, a cake, biscuit or fried eggs are also delicious.

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Eating Dandelion: How Healthy is it – and What is The Best Way to Prepare it?

Dandelion is not only beautiful to look at, but also edible. It’s healthy and even tasty. We explain what the plant has to offer and how you can eat it.

In order to find dandelions, it is often enough to go into your own garden. It is known for its yellow flowers and sticky, white sap that often turns fingers brown when touched. But have you ever thought about eating the plant?

How does dandelion affect the body?

Dandelion grows in many places: Whether in gardens, at the edge of the forest or on the street – you can find the plant almost everywhere. At the end of April/beginning of May the lion’s number blooms, but you can see it until autumn.

The plant not only looks beautiful, you can also eat the dandelion. It is even particularly healthy and can be a tasty addition to many dishes. There are many different uses for the plant.

The bitter substances it contains also stimulate the metabolism and promote digestion as well as kidney and bladder activity. The dandelion is also used because of its digestive properties, as the plant reaches the large intestine undigested.

How healthy are dandelions?

The dandelion is not poisonous, you can eat leaves, flowers and roots
The milky sap contained in the flower stalk is also non-toxic. However, the juice can leave unsightly stains on clothing that are difficult to remove.

The root of the plant in particular contains many healthy ingredients such as inulin, vitamins B, C and E and many carotenoids. The flowers and leaves are very rich in minerals such as potassium, zinc and copper. This makes dandelion a valuable dietary supplement.

How to cook dandelion

The bitter substances contained in dandelion ensure that the leaves have a slightly bitter taste. The flowers, on the other hand, are even slightly sweet.

The leaves can be cooked or used raw. They are particularly suitable as an addition to a green salad, but they also enrich a pesto. If the leaves are to be cooked, they must first be washed. Then you can put them in boiling water for ten minutes.

If you roast the roots in a pan, they can be ground up well. Then you can even make a kind of coffee out of it.

Conclusion

Dandelion is healthy and can be used in a variety of ways in the kitchen. The next time you see the plant, pluck it off and try one of the preparation methods.

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Tangerines and Oranges: Is the White Poisonous – or Can You Eat It?

Many people also remove the white from their tangerines and oranges, considering it poisonous. But there is more to the white threads than initially assumed.

Can you eat the white part of tangerines or oranges?

The white skin between the skin and the flesh is called the mesocarp or albedo. That means something like “middle fruit”.

Fans of tangerines and oranges can be divided into two distinct groups: some thoroughly remove the white strands until only the flesh is left, while others simply eat the white part.

You don’t need to worry under any circumstances: the white threads are not only edible, they are also really healthy.

What’s in it?

The intermediate layer is therefore by no means toxic, but even contains a number of vitamins and phytochemicals. The mesocarp provides us with lots of vitamin C and flavonoids, which support the immune system with important antioxidants.

In addition, the flavonoids also appear to prevent cardiovascular disease. Some of them are also said to have antibacterial or antiviral effects.

The white threads consist of indigestible fiber that stays in the digestive tract for a long time and ensures that we don’t get hungry again so quickly.

Conclusion

The bitter taste of the white layer does not mean that it should not be eaten. The white threads even contain as much vitamin C as the pulp.

Therefore, the white can be eaten without hesitation, you don’t have to worry about your health.

The white layer consists mainly of fiber, which gives you a longer feeling of satiety.

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health

Prevent Stroke Effectively: These Foods are Healthy – and Clean Your Arteries

The stroke is due to a circulatory disorder in the brain. In many cases, so many brain cells die that the patient suffers permanent damage. But there are ways to prevent a stroke.

Prevent stroke: The right diet cleans your arteries

The result was shown by a European study that examined the connection between eating habits and the risk of stroke. Around 420,000 people from nine countries took part in this study. They have been observed over a period of several decades. According to the experts, the effects found are due to the effect of the corresponding foods on blood lipid levels and blood pressure. It was found that excessive consumption of red or processed meat increases the risk of ischemic stroke.

Suffering from a stroke: Third leading cause of death

Four out of five strokes are ischemic attacks. This is also referred to as a so-called “cerebral infarction”. A blood vessel supplying the brain narrows or closes and there is an insufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen to an area of ​​the brain. In addition to the “cerebral infarction”, there is another type of stroke, which accounts for 20 percent of all strokes. It is referred to as a hemorrhagic attack or cerebral hemorrhage.

The bursting of a blood vessel leads to an undersupply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain tissue behind it. In addition, escaping blood can put pressure on surrounding areas of the brain, causing additional damage.

But no matter what type of stroke the person suffers, neurological deficits are often the result. Professor Doctor Wolfgang-Rüdiger Schäbitz, press spokesman for the German Stroke Society, emphasized, “Precisely because stroke is still one of the main causes of death in Europe, prevention is particularly important.”

Different effects of foods can reduce the risk of stroke

The effect of food on the risk of stroke varied between different species. As mentioned above, the participants who suffered an ischemic stroke had consumed more red and processed meat. The negative effect of the meat could, for example, be offset by a whole-grain diet. The positive effects of a diet with whole grain products, lots of fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, as well as cheese and other dairy products were proven in all analyzes and showed that it is possible to reduce the risk of stroke.

“On the other hand, these nutritional factors do not seem to have a protective effect on the risk of cerebral hemorrhage,” explained Professor Hans-Christoph Diener, spokesman for the German Neurological Society.

The available results showed only one connection. Only the consumption of eggs significantly increased the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke.

The 5 most important risk factors for stroke – in addition to diet

Smoking, alcohol, stress, an unhealthy diet and too little exercise are – as with other diseases in old age – risk factors that favor a stroke. Medicine has formulated a total of five known risk factors that can trigger a stroke – and which you should therefore avoid.

The 5 most common risk factors for stroke are:
high blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
diabetes mellitus
Smoking
obesity and lack of exercise

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Insider Tip Black Garlic: What Can The Fermented Bulb do – and What Does it Taste Like?

Black garlic is an absolute insider tip for the kitchen. But how does the black tuber taste and what else can it do?

What is black garlic?

Black garlic or “Black Garlic” is a delicacy in Japan, China and Korea and belongs in every good kitchen there. But in the meantime, the black tuber has gradually become better known and, above all, more popular. However, the black bulb is not a special variety, but rather ordinary garlic (Allium sativum).

But where does the unusual color come from? The reason lies in the processing of the garlic. It is fermented for weeks in high humidity and heat. As a result, the sugar and amino acids contained in the garlic are converted into tanning substances, so-called melanoidins. The result: the tubers gradually turn black.

This fermented garlic is much easier on the stomach because it contains fewer polysaccharides. The fermentation also gives it a very special taste of vanilla, caramel or even plum and some liquorice

This is how you can ferment your garlic yourself

If you want to make your own fermented garlic yourself, you’ll need to prepare it a little differently. Because a week-long fermentation in the oven would be far too expensive. But if you can do without the black color, there are two simple production methods in particular:
With honey: peel the garlic and press it lightly. Then put it in a jar with a wire seal and pour honey over it until the jar is about 2/3 full. Keep the jar in a dark place for several weeks, turning it from time to time. Once the garlic has completely sunk in the honey, it’s done.
With salt: Make a saline solution by stirring 3 grams of salt into 100 milliliters of water. Place the peeled garlic cloves back into a mason jar and fill it 2/3 full with the brine. Now the jar is well sealed and put in the fridge for about four weeks. In the first few days you should open it briefly once a day and then close it tightly again.
Depending on your taste, you will like the sweet or salty variant of fermenting your garlic better. Try it yourself and then test your garlic in the kitchen.

Black garlic in the kitchen: the healthy black bulb goes well with it

Conventional garlic is inherently very aromatic and healthy. The little toes are antibacterial, can prevent cardiovascular diseases and are also considered a natural cholesterol-lowering agent. These are just some of the tuber’s effects. However, so-called secondary plant substances are still produced in the garlic as a result of the fermentation. They protect our cells and slow down free radicals. In addition, probiotics are produced, which protect both our intestinal flora and the immune system.

The Black Garlic is particularly popular in Asian dishes and is ideal for sauces and marinades. But in the meantime it is also becoming increasingly popular for pasta dishes. For example, you can also cook the classic spaghetti aglio e olio with black garlic. It is also ideal as “black” garlic butter. Serve them with fish, meat or potatoes, for example.

In addition to the flavor component, the black garlic is also ideal for decoration. However, you should rather use a copy from the Asian store. Like regular garlic, don’t use too much if you don’t tolerate it well or if you’re taking blood-thinning medication. Garlic can enhance the effects of such drugs. Otherwise you are doing something good for yourself, your health and your palate with black garlic!

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