EAT TOMATOES TO STAY SLIM

Countless are the virtues of the tomato, not surprisingly it is called "red gold".

The French in the past have attributed to this vegetable by the color red like passion, aphrodisiac properties calling for this pomme d'amour or "apple of love". Even the Anglo-Saxons adopted the term in the French and their language became the tomato "apples of love", it is said that even Walter Raleigh, the founder of the island of Roanoke , donated a plant that vegetable to Queen Elizabeth of England, appointing him to the  just apples of love.

The tomato, a native of the area of Central and South America and the southern part of North America, arrives in Europe in 1540, when the Spaniard Hernán Cortés returned home carrying a few plants, but in the second half of the seventeenth century that begins its spread and cultivation. For his arrival in Italy, it was not until 1596 and soon became a must of its cuisine.

The healthful properties of tomato were examined by the researcher Adana Llanos Ohio University. According to the study of this researcher and his colleagues, tomato thanks to the presence of lycopene a compound from  antioxidant effect but especially capable of increasing the levels of hormones responsible for the regulation of the metabolism of fats and sugars, would be able to prevent the breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women.

During the study, we compared the effects of two different diets rich in tomato and soybean another in a group of 70 postmenopausal women. For 10 weeks, the participants took in their diet at least 25 milligrams of lycopene per day and in another period ( the same duration ) the same were invited to consume at least 40 grams of soy protein per day. The researchers found that the diet rich in tomato has been able to grow by 9 % levels of adiponectin, a hormone that regulates the levels of fat and sugar in the blood, instead of the same levels were decreased during the diet of soy. The study also showed that the benefits of a rich tomato in the prevention of breast cancer was higher in women with a body mass index lower; combat obesity is so vital.

Based on this evidence consume tomato can be useful in the control of body weight (100 grams of tomato in jar contains about 28mg of Lycopene ), and  as usual, a recipe that combines tomatoes with soy.

Soy sauce

carrots , celery, onion golden

garlic

140 grams of granulated soy

1 liter of tomato sauce

white or red wine firm

a few basil leaves

2 sage leaves

a sprig of rosemary

1 bay leaf

Procedure:

Rehydrate the soya in boiling salted water, drain and squeeze as necessary to remove excess water. Prepare the base of the pan with the garlic, carrots, celery and onion, cook everything in the hot oil and when ready add the granulated soy , sauté and cover with wine.

As soon as the wine evaporates, add the tomato puree, adjust with salt, a pinch of sugar or fructose and aromas. Cook for at least an hour.

Bon appetit!

Andrea Busalacchi

BONE FRAGILITY, AN HELP FROM CUISINE

The problem related to bone fragility is manifested mainly in the elderly, where the injuries at this age, can greatly affect the overall health of the body.

The cause of this predisposition is certainly linked to aging, a phenomenon that is changing our society (the average life expectancy continues to grow) and mechanisms still not fully understood, there is some correlation with the intake of vitamin D and calcium without, however, that these are resolutive in the totality of the cases.

Today many researchers are working to understand the mechanisms that govern this phenomenon, and Sweden coming of the new data that correlate the problem of bone fragility in adult age with vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 are a set of molecules containing cobalt, essential for our body to carry out a number of physiological processes, one of the many red blood cell formation. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to very serious consequences , even if this phenomenon occurs infrequently (as in an adult , the accumulation in the liver of the vitamin, it allows to buffer the phenomenon for several years) and is mainly caused by deficiencies of food; primary source of B12 are all animal foods and their derivatives, which is why those who follow a vegan diet should periodically monitor your B12 levels .

But back to research conducted by Swedish researchers , it has been observed a sample of about 1,000 men about 75 years of age, and found that those had lower levels of B12 were 70 % more prone to bone fractures , especially of 120 % more with regard to fractures at the spinal level .

A statistic so the net , certainly should make us reflect on the importance of eating more healthy and cared for , and how this can affect our daily lives.

As the practice now requires even today will report a plate with a high content in B12, suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free , carefully prepared just for us by renowned chef Vittorio and Marco Colleoni Hotel San Martino Treviglio (Milan)

Tomato tartare with egg cloud of chlorophyll :

ingredients:

1 beefsteak tomato

1 egg

200 g of parsley

50 g of cheese

100 . G of milk

Sherry vinegar q.b

salt and pepper

oil

Affect the tomato on the outside to remove the seeds keep for the seal , remove the skin very thin and cut into cubes , season with salt, pepper and maple sherry . Allow to cool . Open the egg yolk from egg white and split , lightly salt the yolk and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Defoliate the parsley and burn it in boiling water for one minute and cool immediately in ice , blend and pass in a cheesecloth to recover the pulp of chlorophyll. Heat the milk to 60 degrees and in the mount while the egg white until stiff , add the pulp obtained chlorophyll . Make a quenelle in the milk and cook for two minutes. Composition of the dish. With a cup of tomato paste to make a circle in the center of the dish marinated lean over the yolk and then the cloud of albumen , garnish with basil leaves and chlorophyll , a round of olive oil seems a wafer of cheese by heating a good non-stick pan and wait till coloring, use it to garnish and give crispness to the dish.

Bon appetit !

Andrea Busalacchi

ORANGE, AN INEXHAUSTIBLE HEALTH SOURCE

 

It would be wrong to think that the orange is native to our area, because its origin is Eastern Europe, specifically the south-east Asia and China, and only in the ninth century AD Arabs brought this delicious fruit in Sicily, where it was initially called Melarancia or Portugal.

The fruit spread in overalls Italy where he took a variety of other names, but to date the most delicious oranges come from Sicily, where the particular climatic conditions and soil characteristics, give this fruit a knowledge and a unique aroma.

Unfortunately, today there is little culture on the method of use of the orange, more and more often we see the shelves of our supermarkets full of fruit juices, which have controlled and guaranteed origin of this fruit. Ma despite the quality is always assured, they are not nutritional properties that are inevitably dispersed during industrial processing, not to mention sugar often added to attract younger consumers. Oranges are very rich sources of many substances capable of carrying out numerous therapeutic functions in our body, first of all its high content of vitamin C, vitamin with multiple functions, which is essential to our immune system (but we do not think that its consumption excessive may stimulate the immune system) and the formation of collagen (a substance essential to slow down skin aging) as well as the assimilation of iron (in this case must be taken simultaneously to the food rich in iron).

I also remember that because of our metabolism of vitamin C, we need to take it at least 2-3 times during the day ( what better excuse if not a snack of oranges ... ) .

But its properties do not stop but continue to juice the skin where there is not only the presence of the essential oil , a bioflavonoid useful in strengthening our capillaries and improve peripheral circulation and an amine can help our body to lose weight (in this case it is possible to take it through an extract ) .

So if you want to fully enjoy the taste and benefits of the orange, there are other ways to eat it fresh and immediately after pressing, but as usual a recipe to best enjoy this fruit and fully exploit its nutritional properties :

Orange salad

2 fennel

2 orange

black olives

oil

salt

pepper

The procedure is to clean the fennel , cut thin and place them in a container with ice water. Meanwhile, peel the oranges and cloves separatene .

Once drained fennel, combine and season with pitted olives, olive oil, salt and pepper.

You can serve the whole garnish with the orange leaves, and sprinkle the dish with the bark obtained from the peel of oranges.

Bon appetit !

Andrea Busalacchi

MUFFIN WITH MINT AND ROSEMARY, FOR A TRAINED MIND

Mint and rosemary, this is the title of a famous song by Zucchero Fornaciari , the artist was aware of the surprising properties of these two herbs have always been used in cooking to flavor and flavor of our dishes?

But the therapeutic properties of mint are known since ancient times, the Egyptians, for example ointments prepared with its resinous juice then used for the storage of corpses. The mint name has origins dating back to the mythological nymph Mintha, who loved Persephone by Hades was transformed from a humble plant, but could not deprive her of the sweet and intoxicating scent that it was the nymph Mintha . In the eighteenth century , the scholar Lemery said to derive from the name of the mint-mens mentis , probably because of its ability to stimulate the functions of the mind , and the days of our confirmation of this surprising ability .

Dr. S. Farr and the team of researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri, have analyzed the properties of mint and rosemary discovering how these two herbs are able to improve and enhance the cognitive responses. During the experimen , the researchers administered to laboratory rats , suffering from cognitive deficits similar to those of Alzheimer 's, extracts of rosemary and mint.

The administration of these extracts rich in antioxidants with a high concentration , produced an improvement in the ability of learning and memory in three different tests, while lower levels of the extract, the results were less clear .

The conclusions of this study are truly amazing , these extracts rich in carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid , would then be able to significantly reduce the deficit in mild cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in areas of the brain to learning and memory .

Eating mint and rosemary therefore slow down the age- related cognitive decline and so tackle diseases like Alzheimer's. Well stated, however, that these experiments , having been conducted on laboratory mice , are not able to provide detailed information on the doses and on how the consumption of these herbs are able to improve the ability of learning and memory in humans. Despite the indications are not yet clear , use mint and rosemary more frequently in the preparation of our dishes is a good habit, their heady scent will certainly be able to awaken our senses and our minds , if indeed Mint and Rosemary have inspired by the verses of Zucchero Fornaciari might also inspire us.

As usual, a tasty recipe can enhance the aromas and flavors of mint and rosemary,

Muffin flavored with mint and rosemary :

For the muffins (about 12) :

250 gr. flour or cornstarch

2 eggs

200 gr. ricotta

160 gr. Parmesan

1 packet of yeast

salt

milk ( in the chaos in which there is need for a softer dough )

For the cream :

6 sprigs of rosemary

some mint leaves (about 10 )

20 gr. blanched almonds

20 gr. pine nuts

1 clove of ' garlic

Extra virgin olive oil

salt

In a container mix everything for the preparation of the base of the muffins , combine the second compound of mint and rosemary , stirring the whole.

Add the yeast and use the muffin tins , bake at 180 degrees in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes.

Bon appetit !

Andrea Busalacchi

FRUIT SALAD OF BLUEBERRIES, RASPBERRIES AND STRAWBERRIES: ELIXIR OF YOUTH

Remain eternally young was  Meryl Streep's desire in the movie "Death Becomes Her " , and also that of the rest of us "mere mortals"!

However stopping the time machine is not feasible undertaking but contain them and counteract the effects on our organism . Number one ally in this sense is , as always, Mother Nature and its beneficial fruits . Today, in particular, we want to dwell on the unique properties of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries , the latter already celebrated by the Romans, who named as Fragrans because of their intoxicating scent .

The strawberries were the undisputed protagonists of the banquets that were held during the festivities in honor of the Roman God Adonis , whose death was mourned by Venus so copiously that her tears came to earth in the form of hearts, so the strawberries were born . Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries would be a real concentrate of wellness and prevention, this is what emerged in a recent study, conducted at the University of Barcelona from the Spanish researcher Cristina Andres Lacueva and colleagues. The study, conducted in the Chianti and eponymous title "Ageing in Chianti ," he had as protagonists 807 subjects ( men and women) 65 years of age and over .

Lasted twelve years, the study evaluated the effects of polyphenols on ' body and used as a biomarker concentration of urinary total polyphenols (TPU) , noting that people with a diet rich in polyphenols ( > 650 mg / day) not only had low probability of developing chronic diseases , compared to those who introduced in their diet lower amounts, but their overall mortality was reduced by 30%. The polyphenols therefore would act as a real elixir of youth , being able to counteract the effects of harmful substances such as free radicals and to limit inflammatory states that are at the origin the onset of chronic diseases. To stay young and long-lived , it is therefore necessary to resort to magical positions , as did Meryl Streep with consequences often unpredictable and unpleasant , but little follow simple rules such as food consumed daily blueberries , raspberries and strawberries delights for the palate, food for mind , youth for your body .

Our elixirs, can be contained in a simple salad of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Here 's the recipe:

Ingredients for 2 people

100 grams of strawberries

100 grams of raspberries

100g blueberries

1 pineapple

1 tablespoon brown sugar

Juice of 1 orange

Preparation: Wash and dry the fruit, put it to soak in a container with brown sugar and orange juice for about 30 minutes. Serve in pineapple , cut into 2 parts and properly drained.

Bon appetit !

Andrea Busalacchi

CAVIAR AND OMEGA-3 HELP SENSITIVE SKIN

Used for years in the fight against aging, omega-3 are now considered useful for combating and preventing the discomfort of sensitive skin

So many times in these pages we talked about the phenomenon of " sensitive skin " . An issue very present in our society, affecting every year more and more people, and that can occur at any time of their lives. Unfortunately, the triggering reason behind this phenomenon, is not classifiable as a single cause , but rather in a series of causes that with time slow to a synergistic effect. We know definitely that the sun , the wind, the temperature changes and the use of cosmetics agents may accentuate the problem and sensitive skin needs special care and forethought . The difficulty lies in the fact that often the cutaneous manifestations are diverse and not always pathological . These include redness, peeling, dryness, itching, allergies, burns, premature formation of wrinkles. This leads us to act in a proper and timely manner, acting on their own symptoms in an attempt to reduce them as much as possible . The first rule to the base of each treatment is skin hydration , water is the only element without which no physiological process is able to function , a deficiency leads to dysfunction elementary that can translate in a slowing of the processes endogenous repairers . Suffice it to say that a dehydration of only 10% can cause major disturbances at the level of elasticity and plasticity of the skin, thus compromising the ability to adapt skin . To this can be remedied by introducing in the diet about 1.5 / 2 liters of water between meals , consuming fruits and vegetables in season and using good cosmetic products , being careful to choose between occlusive and non- occlusive . The difference consists in the capacity or less of the cosmetic product to block the normal transpiration of water through the skin , favoring its accumulation inside (occlusive phenomenon) , compared to the ability to facilitate binding to the epidermal surface of the water by the aid Alpha hydroxy acids at low concentration or particular sugars such as trehalose (non-occlusive phenomenon) . Generally, the choice should be made according to the degree of dehydration and aging of our skin, younger skin may not require an occlusive effect .

Alpha_linolenic_molecule  Omega -3, are a category of essential fatty acids indispensable for the correct functioning of the organism . Their anti-inflammatory power may be of help in cases of skin sensibileMa the hydration alone is sometimes not enough , especially when they accompany the phenomenon of sensitive skin there are some pathological conditions such as psoriasis , allergic dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis, or abnormalities in keratinization ; in these cases beyond the traditional proper medical care , there are natural substances that when added to cosmetics or pharmaceutical products for topical use, can alleviate the symptoms. Recently introduced in the cosmetic field there is the extract of caviar , which thanks to its high concentration in Omega 3 , helps the cells of our skin to be more resistant and elastic , thereby contributing to improve the natural barrier function of the skin . This action could be accompanied by a good natural anti-inflammatory effect , exerted for example from an extract of licorice, which topical level , is able to prolong the anti-inflammatory response of our organism , slowing down the degradation of endogenous cortisol ( a hormone produced by our body, anti-inflammatory ) . Speaking so , naturally , it greatly reduces the possible reaction of our body called rebound effect or rebound effect , ie a systemic response that can offset or cancel the beneficial effects induced artificially , this situation can occur , for example, when you using an excessive cortisone -based creams . Finally , we recommend the use of mild cleansers that do a little persistent foam and which respect the physiological pH , all in order to preserve part of the hydro-lipid film skin (outer layer that forms on the skin) is indispensable for the maintenance of a healthy skin .

SALAD OF BLUEBERRIES AND RED GRAPES, A CURE FOR WINTER

With the arrival of the winter season and the cold weather , it is important to strengthen our immune system in order to limit , and why not to avoid the small but annoying ailments typical of the period .

Nature, even in this case, contributes to our well-being by providing foods such as blueberries and red grapes has always been known for their health properties .

During different periods in history blueberries have been used for wide variety of purposes , such as the Gauls and Celts , they used to use the berries of a cranberry color for the clothes, the women of the Roman Empire in the water instead inserivano which were bathing in order to promote the ' tan , while the greek physician and botanist Dioscorides used to treat dysentery.

But reaching nowadays , blueberries and red grapes have been the subject of study by researchers from the Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University , where they were analyzed 446 substances in blueberries and red grapes , of these only two , resveratrol and pterostilbene , have shown ( in this study ) really interesting therapeutic properties .

Both of these substances work synergistically with Vitamin D stimulates the formation of cathelicidin, a substance present in the body , produced mainly by neutrophils (cells of our immune system ) and some epithelial cells. This type of cells belong to the innate immune system type , that is the first line of defense of our body active against any type of pathogen attack. The cathelicidin therefore, acts similarly to an antibiotic, strengthening our natural defenses against pathogenic bacteria .

From these results we can deduce that include blueberries and red grapes in our food supply, especially here in times when our body is weaker , it may be an appropriate choice , and as usual we propose a simple and tasty recipe made ​​with blueberries and grapes

Salad of blueberries and grapes

INGREDIENTS:

· 300 g of white grapes

· 300 g of red grapes

· 200 g of blueberries

· 400 g of whole wheat bread

· rocket

· nuts

FOR THE DRESSING

· 300 g of white grapes

· 6 tablespoons of olive oil

· 1 large lemon

· Salt and pepper

Preparation:

For the dressing , mix the grape and pass through a tissue , add the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Only then add the oil with vigorous stirring

Dice the bread , brush with extra virgin olive oil and toast lightly in a pan (be careful not to form black areas on the bread ) .

Mix all the salad ingredients and condiamo with the emulsion prepared , serving all with the toasted bread.

Enjoy your meal!

Andrea Busalacchi