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Those on a diet prefer to avoid pasta, bread and potatoes. Carbohydrates are not as bad as they are made out to be. We explain what happens to the body when we completely avoid carbohydrates.

1. Your performance decreases

In addition to fats, carbohydrates are among the most important sources of energy. If you do without carbohydrates, this will primarily be noticeable in your reduced performance. You tire more quickly, are less able to concentrate and generally feel weak and powerless.

2. You damage your digestion

Your digestion is going crazy and you are struggling with constipation? Avoiding carbohydrates may be to blame. Good carbohydrates help to strengthen your intestinal health and promote beneficial intestinal bacteria. The resistant starch in rice, wholemeal pasta or potatoes is particularly important for a good intestinal flora.

3. You lose muscle mass

Without carbohydrates on the menu, muscle mass is a long time coming or disappears again. If the body cannot fall back on carbohydrates, it uses the protein reserves. But these are exactly what you need to build muscle. The hard-earned training results? Completely free!

4. Your mood suffers

It’s not just your performance that suffers when you eat too few carbohydrates. You’re in a much worse mood too. It’s not for nothing that we get “hangry” when we haven’t eaten. Because carbohydrates not only satisfy hunger. It has been proven that they even make you happy. Food high in fat and carbohydrates activates the reward center. And that makes you happy.

Headaches, itching and gastrointestinal discomfort after a meal could be symptoms of histamine intolerance. More and more people are suffering from it, but the causes and a clear diagnostic procedure have not yet been scientifically clarified. How to recognize histamine intolerance and which foods to avoid.

Histamine intolerance: the cause has not yet been finally clarified

The exact cause of histamine intolerance is still being discussed by experts. There is a high probability that a deficiency or reduced activity of the enzyme that breaks down histamine (DAO) is responsible for this. But how do I actually know if I tolerate histamine or not? A red spot on the skin, often accompanied by itching after eating foods containing histamine, is one of the most obvious symptoms. According to the Swiss interest group histamine intolerance (SIGHI), stabbing headaches, abdominal pain and diarrhea can also be signs.

It is also important to know that an intolerance is not the same phenomenon as an allergy. These intolerances cannot be detected in either a blood test or a skin test. It’s a different story with allergies. If there is a suspicion of histamine intolerance, an allergist or a specialist in the field of nutrition should be consulted, who will then carry out detailed examinations.

A histamine intolerance is diagnosed when a person who suspects this intolerance in themselves deliberately avoids histamine in their diet for a period of time. A “dietary provocation” is then carried out for diagnostic purposes. This means that the person in question includes histamine-containing foods in their diet again. The reaction to this provocation then leads to a final diagnosis.

Foods rich in histamine that should be avoided in case of intolerance

What actually contains histamine? In short: all foods that are subject to microbial ripening. These include, above all, mature cheeses such as Emmental or mountain cheese, as well as raw sausages such as salami or raw ham. There is also a lot of histamine in other foods, such as nuts, spinach, fish preparations, sauerkraut, tomatoes or chocolate. But also foods that contribute to increased histamine release in the body. This includes any alcoholic beverages, as these increase the permeability of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

The treatment of histamine intolerance is currently carried out in two ways: On the one hand, the diet of histamine intolerant people should be adjusted accordingly and foods that trigger the symptoms should be avoided. On the other hand, there are so-called antihistamines, in capsule or tablet form, which can alleviate symptoms in acute cases.

In fact, everyone knows that arsenic is poisonous. But did you know that the toxin is also found in rice? In this article you will find out what dangers the substance poses to children.

How does arsenic get into rice?

Arsenic is a metalloid that occurs naturally in the ground – more or less often depending on geological conditions. Types of grain, including rice plants, absorb arsenic compounds through their roots. These get into the fruit via the metabolism.

Rice is grown in flooded fields because it thrives best in wet, humid conditions. More arsenic ends up in the rice plants via the water than in other cereals that are cultivated dry.

How much arsenic ends up on the consumer’s plate depends not only on the regional soil conditions, but also on the processing of the rice grains. Because the arsenic settles in particular on the edge of the grains.

How much arsenic does rice contain?

Consumers cannot see how much arsenic the purchased rice contains. According to the BfR, the amount of rice that an adult can eat without causing health problems has not yet been researched.

According to the Federal Institute, the average amounts of arsenic in white rice are between 0.1 and 0.2 milligrams per kilogram. Brown, so-called natural rice, contains more inorganic arsenic because the outer layers are largely removed from white rice. Higher amounts than in white rice were also measured in rice cakes and rice flakes.

Is that why children are not allowed to eat rice?

The BfR assessment, according to which it is not very likely that the consumption of rice leads to health risks, applies to all age groups: adults, the elderly as well as children and infants.

Nevertheless, the BfR recommends parents not to feed their infants and small children exclusively with rice-based drinks or complementary foods such as rice porridge. According to the experts, products such as rice cakes should also vary with snacks without rice.

In addition, the BfR points out that rice-based baby food does not meet the needs of infants anyway due to the unsuitable nutrient composition.

Does washing rice help?

It is difficult to wash out the arsenic compounds from finished products such as rice porridge or rice snacks.

For rice itself, the BfR recommends washing it in plenty of water and boiling it immediately before consumption. In the case of rice with small amounts of arsenic, some of this can migrate into the water.
The cooking water should be poured off immediately after cooking.

Arsenic-free rice coming soon?

In a study published in spring, a Chinese research team, including scientists from the University of Heidelberg, succeeded in finding a travel plant that defies dangerous arsenic.

The researchers exposed over 4,000 rice varieties to arsenic-containing water and observed their growth. Only one of the examined plants with the name “astol1” proved to be tolerant to the toxic metalloid.

The plant develops the amino acid cysteine, which is an important element for the plant’s own development of phytochelatins. These substances have a detoxifying effect and are formed by plants in response to pollutants. The neutralized arsenic is stored in the roots of the plant before it reaches the rice grains and can become dangerous to humans. Scientists consider this plant particularly suitable for agricultural use.

Salt is a natural flavor enhancer and therefore indispensable in the kitchen. Unfortunately, most people eat too much of it. Too much salt can cause unpleasant symptoms that can lead to illness.

These symptoms appear when you eat too much or too little salt

Salt pulls water out of the cells to compensate for the increased salt concentration in the body, which manifests itself as thirst. The excess salt is excreted through the kidneys. In the long run, too much salt consumption can damage the kidneys. If you also drink too little, it can lead to vasoconstriction, which leads to high blood pressure. Vomiting and diarrhea are also typical symptoms, and in severe cases, the lack of water can even lead to cardiac and respiratory disorders. Physical signs of excessive salt consumption include:
Constant thirst (balance the water-salt balance by drinking)
Puffy face (salt binds water in the body, which accumulates in the cells)
weight gain (water retention)
Food tastes bland (taste buds become deadened, reduce salt intake to rejuvenate taste buds on the tongue)
Constant headaches (salt causes vasodilatation in the brain)
Kidney stones (increased salt concentration in the urine, crystals form)
High blood pressure (vasoconstriction makes the heart pump faster)
Weak immune system (low-salt diet boosts immune cells)
sleep disturbances (rise in blood pressure due to high sodium content)
Bloating (excess salt upsets fluid balance)
Too little salt in the body is of course just as unhealthy as too much salt. You can recognize sodium deficiency from symptoms that are very similar to those of excess salt: feeling unwell, headaches and muscle pain, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, cramps, loss of consciousness or intracranial pressure indicate a physical salt deficiency. This can be caused by frequent heavy sweating through sport or a visit to the sauna.

There is too much salt in these foods

Over 80 percent of daily salt consumption is in hidden form. Typical salt traps are ready meals such as fast food or pizza, which are not only unhealthy but also addictive. If we salt ourselves, we have a better overview of the quantity. But there are also unusual salt bombs in the daily diet. A lot of salt is hidden in these foods:
Finished products: pizza, canned meals, frozen meals, packet sauces
Sausage and meat: salami, cooked ham, meat sausage, beer ham, salmon ham
Packaged rolls and bread
Cheese: Gorgonzole, Feta, Gouda
Snacks: crackers, pretzel sticks, chips
So if you like to eat ready meals or hidden salt bombs frequently, you should take a look at the sodium content (salt content) the next time you go shopping and, for the sake of your health, opt for a lower-salt alternative.

Reduce salt consumption: low-salt alternatives

Of course, the optimal solution would be to cook for yourself several times a week in order to keep track of salt consumption. However, since many people do not want to do without certain finished products due to lack of time or lack of motivation, some lower-salt alternatives are very helpful in order not to exceed the daily dose of salt of around one teaspoon. There are these full-fledged alternatives to salt:

Finished products: Tarte flambée, tortellini, spaghetti with tomato sauce
Sausage and meat: cooked ham, turkey salami, mortadella, liver sausage or turkey breast
Cheese: cream cheese, Emmental, Camembert, mozzarella
Snacks: cheese pastries, puff pastry
Garlic has an antibacterial effect and strengthens blood circulation and the heart
Algae are the perfect source of iodine and taste salty
Celery naturally tastes salty
Soy sauce as a condiment
Yeast flakes have a cheesy note
Herbs or spice mixtures for a wide variety of dishes, completely without salt
A salt-free diet not only helps to prevent water retention in the body and thus relieves the heart, but also protects the taste buds. As a result, even a little seasoned food tastes delicious again. High blood pressure can also be reduced, and the risk of suffering a heart attack is also reduced by eating a low-salt diet.

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 denied, but it is due to the large amounts of water that you consume when drinking coffee. Nevertheless, Delius emphasizes that it is better not to drink coffee before measuring your blood pressure. Although studies always say that coffee should support heart function, the professor points 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: with too much coffee, the risk of a heart attack increases significantly. 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”. The researchers used values ​​from the British Biobank: data from a total of 347,077 people aged between 37 and 73 were recorded and evaluated.

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.

Green beans have a reputation for being a very healthy protein bomb. But under certain circumstances, the delicious garden vegetables are poisonous. Even the Bavarian consumer advice center warns.

Why green beans are poisonous

Unlike most vegetables, green beans cannot be eaten raw. They owe this fact to a specific component of the bean: phasin. The toxic molecule is a protein compound that, according to the Bavarian consumer advice center, is found in many types of fruit and vegetables. In comparison, however, raw beans contain a particularly large amount of phasin.

Phasin is actually a substance that is supposed to protect the beans. Plants have a variety of natural defense mechanisms against predators. Some rely on spikes, for example, while others prefer toxic substances. Even though green beans have been cultivated for centuries, they still contain their natural defenses.

The different defense mechanisms of plants do not all work in the same way. Beans and their phasin cause red blood cells to stick together and thus impede the transport of oxygen in the blood. In addition, phasin damages the epithelial cells in the intestine and thus disrupts the absorption of nutrients.

What does eating raw beans do?

The phasin thus hits sensitive areas in the body and can cause significant reactions. However, the reaction to the poison depends on the amount consumed. Eating some raw beans can cause mild stomach upset, intestinal inflammation, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Consuming large amounts of raw beans can also lead to death. According to the Bavarian Consumer Center, the first symptoms appear after about two to three hours. However, signs of bean poisoning can vary in severity.

Because of their low body weight, children are particularly at risk. For them, a very small amount of 5 to 6 raw beans is enough to be deadly. Children should therefore be made aware of the danger if, for example, they play with beans in a garden. Should a case of poisoning nevertheless occur, medical advice must be obtained as quickly as possible, if necessary via the poison control center.

Phasin poisoning is easy to prevent

For all bean lovers, however, the all-clear is clear: fortunately, phasin is not very persistent
Incidentally, the steam cooker often used for vegetables is not suitable for beans. The gentle cooking process does not reach the required temperature to completely destroy the phasin. Green bean blanching water must also be discarded as it contains a significant amount of phasin.

Proteins are made up of important amino acids that the body needs. But many can do without high-protein products. In fact, they should: otherwise they can harm their bodies.

Doctors warn: be careful with the protein – how much is too much?

The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) has the rule of thumb: Adults (19 to 65 years) should consume 0.8 g protein/kg body weight per day. This means that an average adult weighing around 70 kilograms needs around 56 grams of protein per day. If you exercise for more than five hours a week, the protein requirement climbs to 140 grams a day.

Elisabeth Schieffer, a professor at Hannover Medical School, explains that only very limited amounts of dairy products are needed to prevent cardiovascular disease. Special foods

This is also confirmed by the nutritionist of the DGE, Antje Gahl. “Protein consists of various amino acids and the breakdown product in the body is urea.” This urea then has to be broken down by the kidneys. Too much protein leads to an overload of the organ

Protein hype comes from craze for low carb diets

Monika Bischoff, nutritionist from the Center for Nutritional Medicine and Prevention in Munich, explains where the “high protein” hype came from in the first place. The initial spark for the many products was the idea of ​​the “low carb diet”. “That means we reduce carbohydrates and fats – and replace the whole thing with proteins, i.e. proteins,” she is quoted as saying by Bayerischer Rundfunk. With the proteins absorbed in this way, one hopes that losing weight will be easier. In addition, the consumers of the protein-rich products want faster muscle building.

Nevertheless, she considers this consideration to be a blatant fallacy: “When losing weight, it is important to eat fewer calories than you actually need. If the daily calorie account is full, the proteins are no longer of any use.” On the contrary: the excess proteins could be converted into body fat. That’s why “high protein” is not a slimming product.

According to Elisabeth Schieffer, certain protein building blocks, such as the amino acids valine, isoleucine and leucine, should only be consumed in small amounts. Because: an increased level is associated with insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. According to Schieffer, conventional dairy products are absolutely sufficient for an animal diet to cover the daily protein requirement. The expert recommends fermented milk products. For example, like buttermilk, kefir or natural yoghurt. For a healthy lifestyle, the professor at the Hannover Medical School recommends a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, nuts, whole grain products and fish.

Oatmeal is considered healthy. In some cases and combinations, however, they can also become unhealthy.

When oatmeal can be unhealthy

Oatmeal is considered a nutritious and filling food. In addition to iron, magnesium and biotin, they receive other healthy nutrients. They give you energy for the day and also for sports, for example. Externally, the use of oatmeal can also have health-promoting effects.

So that the positive effect does not turn into the opposite, you should pay attention to a few points. Oatmeal can become unhealthy in these three cases:

In combination with too much sugar: If you eat fresh, pure oatmeal for your morning breakfast, you can sweeten your portion as you like. It can become problematic if you use ready-made muesli mixtures, as they can contain a large amount of sugar.
Incorrect storage: It is also important that you store oatmeal correctly. In particular, if you are stocking up, you should make sure that it is stored in a cool, dark and dry place so that, for example, there is no breeding ground for pests. The humidity should also remain the same. It is ideal if you free the oatmeal from the original packaging and pack it airtight. If the oatmeal has expired, you should check whether it is still edible or not; you shouldn’t eat them if they’re rancid, for example.
Oatmeal Only: Be careful not to overeat on oatmeal. Since these have a satiating effect, it can lead to you not really feeling hungry and missing out on a balanced, healthy diet that is necessary for you and your body, for example for muscle maintenance and muscle building.
The consumption of oat flakes can also lead to symptoms and allergic reactions for people with an intolerance to oats or an oat allergy. If you suffer from a gluten intolerance, you should be careful with the consumption of oatmeal.

Tip: Also pay attention to the quality of the oatmeal. Oatmeal contaminated with nickel, mold and mineral oil is not good for your health.

Many people cook with butter. However, if you replace them with olive oil, you can do something good for your health. A more detailed look is worthwhile.

Butter or olive oil: (Un)saturated fatty acids – that’s how (un)healthy they are

In general, you can eat and enjoy butter in small amounts, for example occasionally on bread or when you use something for cooking. Apart from the so-called palmitic acid, it usually has no direct harmful ingredients. However, it does not promote health either – in contrast to vegetable oils. In particular, you should avoid large amounts of butter.

It is also important that you eat a healthy and balanced diet overall. The different fatty acids should be balanced.

A distinction is made between saturated and (poly)unsaturated fatty acids. Butter contains saturated fatty acids, olive oil contains many unsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be particularly healthy because they have a positive effect on blood lipid levels and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation, but are necessary for the immune system, for example. Edible fish offer ample amounts of omega-3; You can find omega-6 fats in meat and offal in particular.

Olive oil as a healthy alternative

Olive oil is generally considered healthier than butter. It is said to protect against cancer and reduce the risk of death. Olive oil can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels; so there should be fewer heart attacks in Mediterranean areas where a lot of olive oil is consumed.

It may also prevent Alzheimer’s. In addition to the consumption of olive oil, a healthy diet and the consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as an all-round healthy lifestyle play an important role, so that you are physically fit, for example. Olive oil can help you lose weight and is said to have a positive effect on your skin. Olive oil can also help you naturally cleanse your arteries. Butter, on the other hand, is more likely to get stuck in your arteries, which at worst can lead to heart disease.

As tech-savvy as the average person may be these days, when it comes to lighting in the home, it often becomes apparent that there seem to be some gaps in their expertise.

Incorrect lighting in the apartment

Gundy Lichtdekor has set itself the task of closing these gaps with professional competence and a lot of experience. Have you also experienced one or more of the following top 5 mistakes when installing and aligning LEDs on your own four walls?

1) the Wrong size LED lights

Large rooms are not fully lit as soon as you press the light switch? There seems to be too much space for too few LEDs? It doesn’t have to be! Use advantageous, appropriately sized LED lighting from the start and never again worry about blind spots, the need for additional light sources, or other results of rushed planning. Take advantage of a wide selection and friendly, knowledgeable service! There are almost no upper limits to your imagination. Whether it’s a huge LED ensemble or just individual light spots – you’ll always find exactly what you’re looking for here. Consequently, with the right lighting, you can create a cozy living room.

2) There is no way to adjust the LED lighting

Today, the question of customization options is becoming more and more important for everyone. Be it the refrigerator, the contents of which can be viewed from the other end of the world, or when it comes to good and inexpensive LED lighting. Instead of just flicking a switch and finding yourself in the same cold light from a ceiling spotlight, customers today want to exhaust all conceivable options for adjusting their lighting design elements: From the choice of color temperature to the frequency of the light, there are no limits to the imagination. Consequently, it takes a little time to choose the right lighting in the apartment. You can also read clever ideas for a cozy living room light.

3) Wrong positioning of the devices in height

As with almost everything, the assembly of light-emitting diodes depends on the detail. In order to achieve a perfect result, LED lighting must be installed at the required height. Taking into account your personal habits and wishes, it can be determined where, how, and, above all, which diodes can render you proper service. Let your domicile shine in new, undreamt-of splendor, and set new trends in your circle of friends. You can also cleverly save electricity with LED lights.

4) Mismatched colors and large shadows

Precisely because LEDs can be bought in all sorts of (color) variations, you might find yourself standing in the living room of a friend or acquaintance who meant it a little too well. At times, one could think that the installation was done in an absolute rush, often as a result of installing at the wrong height or choosing completely contradictory colors. Benefit from a large selection as well as a quality of lamps that is second to none. You will be amazed at what can ultimately be made possible.