Hania B.

Raw cocoa seeds are those which have not undergone the process of thermal treatment with temperature higher than 40°C. If it was higher, many important components would break up and lose their special features. Raw cocoa contains a huge dose of magnesium (the daily request of it is covered by about 7 g of cocoa seeds). It also contains a lot of antioxidants, about 20 times more than green tea which is known for its high content of them. The effect of eating several cocoa seeds can be compared to the effect of drinking 2 or 3 cups of coffee, but in fact it is much healthier than caffeine. It is also said to be one of the strongest aphrodisiacs (what can be the reason why chocolate is so popular on Valentine’s Day). How to eat it? You can just have as a snack and eat it like nuts. It tastes well blended into a smoothie, especially a plant-milk based one, in a form of raw chocolate or as a topping for any dessert. http://www.superlife.com/6-easy-ways-to-eat-raw-cacao...

Black tea Production of black tea basis on a fermentation (only for several hours) and drying. It owes its popularity to its great influence on our digestive system. It helps with food poisonings and makes it easier to digest heavy meals. Moreover, it can lower the blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis. Green tea It is made by drying, the fermentation does not take place, what is the reason for its sour and refreshing taste. It is valued for having detoxifying and slimming properties. It can also reduce the risk of cancer and improve circulation and the skin appearance. Red tea Its special features are a result of a long fermentation process, which is stopped only when the leaves become red. Red tea effectively lowers the level of cholesterol, it can also help fight infections. Some people use it to fight the feeling of over eating. White tea It is created from early-spring flower buds and leaves picked by hand. They are only dried, just like green tea. It ha...

Berries, in general, are said to prevent aging processes and preventt many heart diseases due to a suprisingly high content of atioxidants. One of the main advantages of them is, of course, the taste and the variety of ways they can be used everyday, from adding it to your yoghurt to making jams and juices. There are some of the most extraordinary fruits of this kind. Acai berry Very popular in Amazon, they are said to be one of the strongest plant-based cancer preventers. They are usually sold dried or as a frozen pulp and are a common component of smoothies and coctails. Blackberry Their main asset is an outstandig content of vitamins C and K. The main producer of them is Mexico, but they are extensively common in Europe and America. Blueberry One of the most popular berries, they are nearly the best antioxidant amongst all plants. They are native to North America what is why they are commercialy grown there. Unfortunately, their production in USA is attatced to using nume...

 Kiwifruit, originally 'Chinese gooseberry', comes from China, but a few years ago it has become available in most shops. Since then, it is gaining popularity for its unusual taste and properties, that are actually still being discovered and tested. It is considered to be one of the most nutrient-dense fruits. One medium fruit covers the recommended intake of vitamin C twice. Kiwi is advised for people who want to improve their digestion, mainly because its high content of fiber (measured in the 'green part' but actually the richest source of it is the skin and some people are not aware that it is edible and really healthy). Another advantage is that it improves skin, lightens dark under-eye circles and minimizes pores. It also influences respiratory system, kids are most vulnerable to its action. For example, it can help with asthma or even prevent it. It is also said to be able to stimulate cells reparation and slow down the process of ageing.  The latest resea...

 Garlic is commonly known and used in each kitchen everyday. It was used for ages, usually as a vampire repellent, natural medicine for cold or a condiment (especially in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine). Although it is hard to prove its influence on vampires, it is known that garlic is truly helpful in both preventing and treating cold, due to high content of vitamin C and the fact that it stimulates production of interferon. The research confirmed that it also lowers the blood pressure and levels of cholesterol. Another prosperity attached to eating garlic is the fact that you do not have to eat a lot to notice positive changes in your health condition. It is enough to ingest 2 to 3 cloves per day. You can cut it or crush it as it expedites the absorption of the beneficial components. In fact, too much garlic can be toxic – the recommended intake is below 7 coves (what is about 20 g). Garlic can be used to replace salt in everyday cooking what is a great solution if...

Ginger's been known in many cultures for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can significantly improve immunity. Used in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms, for example it can prevent motion sickness or morning sickness during pregnancy. Ginger also enhances nutrient absorption. It can reduce various types of muscle pain, e.g. muscle soreness and is also said to significantly relieve menstrual cramps. Due to a high volatile acids (antibacterial and antiviral) content, it strengthens the body's defence mechanisms. Personally, I use ginger most often when I'm sick, as it helps fight infections. Next to the volatile acids, it contains a lot of vitamin C and minerals. The easiest way to use it (especially when you're sick and do not have energy to do anything more advanced) is making ginger infused water - some people call it 'ginger tea'.. However, to extract as much as possible from the root, eat it with a high-protein meal. https://www.livestrong.c...

Amaranth is an ancient seed, full of protein. It is appreciated by many for its unusual nutty flavour and numerous beneficial substances. It is often included with cereal grains because of its nutritional composition, although it is not a cereal grain by definition. It comes from South America and was the main grain in Aztecs’ diet, but it also played a significant role in religious practices. Nowadays, amaranth is an important food source in India, Nepal and almost all African countries. It is also considered to be the Peru’s native crop. Amaranth contains lots of protein as well as carbs and fiber. There are also unsaturated fats, many minerals and vitamins (especially the B vitamins). It is gluten-free so it can be used as a substitute for groats and flour. The main advantages of eating amaranth are that it helps lower the level of cholesterol and strengthens the immune system. Some specialists say that it can also prevent premature greying. And it can easily be introduced to...