Curative effects of apples

Curative effects of apples

In the last decade, many studies have found a wealth of positive effects that apples have on human health. Apples are not delicious but they are also a great fruit to eat for your health. Adding apples to your daily diet is a very simple way to combat oxidative stress, inflammation, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. This is what my post about today.

1. Antibacterial activity

Apples can have a very strong antibacterial impact against gram-positive bacteria, such as staphylococcus, epidermis, subtilis bacilli and gram-negative bacteria, and proteu myrabilis. In addition to the apples themselves, apple tree bark also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It was found that both the fetus itself and the cortex inhibit the activity of various bacteria and thus, prevent the occurrence of diseases caused by bacteria and microbes. This property of apples and the tree bark may be associated with an abundance of polyphenols and flavonoids.

2. Diarrhea and dysentery

Apples are effective against diarrhea. Apples reduce stool wateriness and its frequency. Thus, apples can be used as an effective tool in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. In addition, apples are also useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids, flatulence and vomiting.

3. Diseases of the bronchi

Apples have a bronchodilar effect, that is, they reduce resistance to the breathing process and expand the bronchi and bronchioles. This effect helps in easing breathing and reduces the overall stress caused by lack of air.

A recent study showed similar effects when using apple extracts with an anti-asthma drug. The effect caused by the apples is explained by the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, glycosides, saponins, tannins and alkaloids. Thus, it can be said that apples are just as effective as the medicines used in the treatment of asthma, so people with asthma should eat them.

4. Liver damage

Carbon tetrachloride is a harmful substance that causes damage to the liver. It produces a lot of free radicals and increases stress due to oxidative stress, which, in turn, causes liver damage.

Studies have shown that apple pulp helps reduce the production of free radicals and reduces overall oxidative stress. This beneficial effect of apples is due to their high antioxidant potential. Antioxidants present in this fruit, remove free radicals and reduce lipid peroxidation (a process in which free radicals cause lipid degradation and, therefore, cause damage).

Apples improve liver function and reduce the level of liver enzymes, which usually increase with liver damage. In addition, apples also showed an increase in antioxidant enzymes and an improvement in the overall condition of the liver cells.

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Why does the body need food with a balanced vitamin D content?

Why does the body need food with a balanced vitamin D content?

A person needs a whole range of complex vitamins and microelements for the normal functioning of the body, but some of them play a special role in our body’s vital activity.

Calcium is needed for bones and teeth, without it, the body will not get stronger. In addition, it takes part in the muscles, immune and nervous systems, by contributing to blood clotting. Phosphorus is also necessary for bones and teeth, and for muscles, it participates in the reproduction and division of cells, reduces the likelihood of sand and kidney stones, and is involved in all bodily processes. But the human body is not able to absorb calcium and phosphorus without vitamin D. This is what my post is about today.

Due to a lack of vitamin D, bones become weak, immunity goes down, and a variety of diseases can develop, including cardiovascular and cancerous ones. Its deficiency leads to health problems ending in death.

In many countries, the shortage is compensated by special treatment with ultraviolet rays of some products: milk, mushrooms, cottage cheese, kefir. This allows you to exclude some health problems among the population. Countries are particularly at risk where, due to climatic conditions, there is a clear lack of sun.

It is very important at an early age to give children enough Vitamin D, otherwise, in the first months of life, rickets can begin to develop, leading to serious complications. In adulthood, a person needs 600 IU per day of vitamin D, children need 400 IU, and older people up to 800 IU.

It is possible to provide the body with this substance in several ways: by means of direct exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays, by taking multivitamin complexes, and also by adjusting the diet.

To saturate the body with vitamin D, you need to be in the open sun for about an hour a week, without using protective agents. Ultraviolet rays, reaching the open skin, help a person to synthesize this substance.

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Useful properties of ostrich eggs

Useful properties of ostrich eggs

Over the past few years, ostrich eggs have become in demand among the population of Eurasia and America. Some people eat them to be fashionable, and others eat them because of their useful properties. You can buy such a delicacy on special ostrich farms, the number of which grows over the years in almost every city in Europe and Asia. This is what my blog is about today.

Only unfertilized eggs are used for food. Ostriches, as a rule, lay eggs in the warm season, so in winter this delicacy is almost impossible to purchase.

Ostrich eggs have an average weight of 1 to 1.5 kg, which is 30-35 times more than the usual chicken egg. The color of the shell depends on the breed of the bird and varies from pinkish-yellow (in Nanda ostriches) to black-green (in Emus ostriches). The protein has a transparent color, similar to that of other birds, and the yolk is a much richer, brighter yellow.

Like any other eggs, ostrich eggs are rich in protein and fats, which are primarily involved in the building of cells in any organ of the human body. Unlike normal chicken eggs, ostrich eggs are completely devoid of harmful substances, because ostriches are fed with high-quality food and they will not consume contaminated food. A 1600 g egg contains 1 kg of protein and 330 g of fat. One adult person for consumption of the daily rate of the main food components needs 100 g of such eggs.

In addition to the main organic substances, ostrich eggs contain vitamins and minerals. Thus, the average vitamin A content in 1g of an egg is 19 μg, vitamin E – 115-117 μg, vitamin B2 – 2 μg. This is almost 2 times higher than in chicken eggs. Also, ostrich embryos contain potassium (0.5–1 mg per 100 g), phosphorus (1 mg per 100 g), sodium (3 mg per 100 g) and calcium (1.5 mg per 100 g). The calorie content of these eggs is 120-160 kcal per 100g of product, which allows them to be used in various weight-loss programs too.

Ostrich eggs, in addition to their nutritional values, are used as a form of treatment and prevention of certain pathological conditions. Thus, in the cardiovascular system, the positive effect of ostrich eggs is found in the prevention of heart attacks, heart failure, angina pectoris and arrhythmia, atherosclerosis and varicose veins. Ostrich eggs help also to go through the rehabilitation period after the heart attack.

Ostrich eggs are recommended for people with excess weight. Products made from the protein and yolk of this bird allow you to lose weight and keep it off even when the diet is over.

Also, ostrich eggs cleanse the intestines and human blood from toxins and free radicals.

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Everything you need to know about the legendary French cheese, Brie

Everything you need to know about the legendary French cheese, Brie

Among all the variety of dairy products cheeses are very popular: they are nutritious, good on the holiday table and for our daily diet. Cheese recipes are varied, as cheese is present in most cuisines of the world, and each nation develops its own cooking options using this product.

Brie cheese is the gastronomic pride of France. This is what my blog post is about today.

Some love it, others are confused by the presence of mold. Domestic manufacturers master the secrets of brie production quite successfully. To part with doubts about this product, you need to get to know it better.

General information:

Brie – a variety of soft cheese covered with white mold, originally from France. Brie – the name of the French region near Paris, where for the first time the production of this delicacy began.

Appearance:

Traditionally, the head of brie cheese is a circle with a diameter of up to 60cm and a height of up to 5 cm. Today, manufacturers also produce brie batch weights of 120, 125, and 150g.

The surface of a high-quality cheese is evenly covered with snow-white mold. It has a velvety, tender to the touch texture. On the surface, there may be yellow or reddish streaks.

Under the mold layer, there is a creamy milky mass with a white or yellowish tint, which seems to be liquid towards the center of the head but does not spread. The internal consistency of the cheese changes as it ripens: from elastic and hard to soft.

Flavor characteristics:

Cheese is a living product and its taste changes as it matures. Keep in mind that the shelf life of French cheese is about 30-35 days.

The taste of a young batch (up to 10 days matured) is gentle, salty milk, not sharp. Starting acquaintance with a French delicacy is best with a young cheese.

More mature products acquire a sharp, bitter taste, which is often called ammonia. The lower the cheese head, the sharper it is. Over-grown brie has a poisonous ammonia smell and is not to be consumed.

Nutritional properties of cheese (per 100 g of product):

Calorie content – from 290 to 350 Kcal.
Fat –28
Carbohydrates – 0.5 g.

Composition and production technology:

For the preparation of brie, cow’s milk, salt, rennet milk-clotting enzyme, and mold bacteria are used. The classic formula uses fresh milk, but modern manufacturers often use pasteurized milk for safety.

Brie preparation steps:

1. Milk is heated to 38°C, after which a clotting enzyme is added.
2. Wait about 2 hours. An important secret of mastery: high-quality serum removal.
3. The heads of the cheese are left to ripen for 7 days, during which they are methodically turned over.
4. After a week, the cheese is covered with bacterial spores. They grow and form a layer of velvety mold, which is responsible for the unique taste and nutritional benefits of brie.
5. Maturation lasts for 30 days, during which the texture and taste change.
Making brie does not depend on the season and is carried out manually.

History of this delicacy:

Brie is one of the oldest varieties of cheese. There is a version of the origin of the delicious French cheese with mold.

The milk of French breeds of cows has traditionally been distinguished by high quality and fat content, to a large extent contributed to the very favorable climatic conditions of the country. Peasants traded in fresh produce, while products from it were considered secondary and were used by the common people for food.

When the technologies for the production of butter and cheese remained at the initial stage of development, both products hardly differed from each other and periodically molded. Over time, the side effects of milk production were not only accustomed to but also appreciated the taste and benefits of mold. The solution of mold fungi began to be applied to the cheese blanks purposefully.

Some historical facts:

In 744 we find the first written mention of the delicacy.

In the late 8th century – cheese is delivered to the court of Emperor Charlemagne. Brie is a luxury product for the highest strata of French society.

1791 – In the midst of the Great French Revolution, the overthrown King Louis XVI tries to flee the country. Unable to resist the strong temptation to eat brie cheese, he stops in Varenna near the town of Mo – the center of production of the best cheese. In passing, the hated monarch was spotted and Louis appeared before the court of revolution and was soon executed.

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All about avocados

All about avocados

Avocado is a fruit that can help restore health. Regular consumption of avocados can play an important role in the treatment of many diseases. This is what my blog is about today.

Best ways to eat avocados:

Daily avocado consumption is a great way to add vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and dietary fiber to your daily diet. Here are some ways to use avocado:

1. Just eat it.
2. Make your own avocado smoothie.
3. Make an avocado paste and spread it on bread.
4. Enjoy an avocado milkshake
5. Try cold avocado soup.
6. Make your sandwich healthy by adding a little avocado.
7. Prepare an avocado salad.
8. Eat it raw, seasoning it with crushed pepper and lemon juice.
9. Replace mayonnaise with avocado oil.
10. Replace the mashed potatoes with avocado puree and add some spices to it.

Note: always remember, do not heat or cook avocados. This can lead to the loss of antioxidants and other important nutrients that are sensitive to heat.

Color and appearance:

Avocados are “super foods” that contain many nutrients and provide many health benefits. The fruit is usually oval or pear-shaped. Avocado flesh is yellow in the middle and green near the skin. The peel is dark green. Avocados that are very dark, bordering on a brownish or black tint, are usually overripe. Therefore, when buying an avocado, special attention should be paid to its color. In addition to this, smaller avocados are more wholesome and better than large and bright green fruits.

Taste:

Avocado has a dark green color with a smooth, pleasant and creamy texture. This natural creamy texture of avocado is due to the presence of fat. The pulp in ripe avocados is very similar to cream cheese. Thus, many dishes can be cooked by replacing cream cheese with avocados. When you eat something oily and creamy, you tend to feel less hungry than usual. In turn, an avocado has an oily and delicate flavor that means it is very filling.

The history and origin of the avocado:

Avocados are classed as tropical fruits because they are grown mainly in tropical areas, especially in hot, humid tropics and semi-tropics.

Avocado derives its name from the Aztec word ahuacatl, which means egg (due to the shape of the fruit).

Avocado, also known as Persea Americana, is a member of the laurel family. Remains of seeds found in ancient settlements suggest that avocado was eaten as early as 8000-7000. BC.

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