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There are many beliefs in our society that, upon closer examination, turn out to be prejudices. It is better not to eat animal milk, diabetics should not eat fruits, vegetarians will not last long without protein ... Let's figure out with the help of experts in the field of edible and inedible who is our enemy and who is our friend.

We have found and debunked several popular myths about proper nutrition.

At Bemorepanda, we liked the advice of the American writer, educator and health food activist Michael Pollan the best. It has only 7 words. Read with us.

Myth #1: Fresh fruits and vegetables are always healthier than canned, frozen, or dried ones.

Despite the strong opinion that "fresh is better", studies have shown that frozen, canned and dried fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious and healthy as fresh ones.

“They can also help save money and be an easy way to ensure that families have consistent fruits and vegetables,” says Sarah Bleach, former director of food security and health equity at the USDA and professor of public health policy at the Harvard T. X. Chan. "One word of caution: Some types of canned, frozen, and dried foods contain ingredients such as sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, so be sure to read product labels and look for foods that are low in these additives."

Myth #2: All fats are bad.

When studies published in the late 1940s found a relationship between a high-fat diet and high blood cholesterol, experts decided that reducing the total amount of fat in the diet would reduce the risk of heart disease.

By the 1980s, doctors, health experts, the food industry, and the media were reporting that a low-fat diet could benefit everyone, although there was no conclusive evidence that it could prevent cardiovascular disease, overweight and obesity.

Dr. Vijaya Surampudi, assistant professor of medicine at UCLA's Center for Human Nutrition, says that as a result of the negative message about fat, many people - and food manufacturers - have begun to replace calories from fat with calories from refined carbohydrates (white flour and sugar).

Suffice it to recall the effect of low-calorie SnackWell cookies, when people began to overeat, confident that this is acceptable, since the food is dietary. “Instead of helping fellow citizens stay lean, this approach has led to an increase in overweight and obesity,” she explains.

In reality, Dr. Surampudi added, not all fats are bad. While some fats, including saturated and trans fats, can increase your risk of disease, healthy monounsaturated fats (found in olive and other vegetable oils, avocados, some nuts and seeds) and polyunsaturated fats (found in sunflower and other vegetable oils, walnuts) , fish and flaxseed) help reduce the risk.

"Good" fats are also important for providing energy, producing important hormones, maintaining cellular function, and absorbing certain nutrients.

If you see a product labeled "fat-free," don't automatically think it's healthy, says Dr. Surampudi. Instead, opt for foods with simple ingredients and no added sugar.

Myth #3: “Calories in, calories out” is the most important factor for long-term weight maintenance.

It's true that if you take in more calories than you burn, you're more likely to gain weight. And if you're burning more calories than you're consuming, you should be losing weight—at least in the short term.

However, the study does not suggest that eating more food will lead to sustained weight gain, i.e. obesity or obesity.

"Rather, it's the types of foods we eat that may be long-term drivers of these conditions," said Dr. Dariusz Mozaffarian, professor of nutrition and medicine at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

Over-processed foods—refined starch snacks, cereals, crackers, energy bars, baked goods, soda, and sweets—can be especially harmful to weight gain because they digest quickly and fill the blood with glucose, fructose, and amino acids, which are converted into fat by the liver. Instead, maintaining a healthy weight requires a shift from counting calories to prioritizing healthy eating in general—quality over quantity.

Myth #4: People with type 2 diabetes shouldn't eat fruit.

This myth arose because fruit juices, which can raise blood sugar levels due to their high glucose and low fiber content, are confused with whole fruits.

However, it is not. Some studies show, for example, that those who consume one serving of whole fruits per day — especially blueberries, grapes, and apples — have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

According to other scientific sources, if you already have type 2 diabetes, then eating whole fruits can help you control your blood sugar levels.

It's time to dispel that myth, says Dr. Linda Shiue, GP and director of health nutrition and lifestyle at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco: Everyone, including type 2 diabetics, needs healthy nutrients found in fruit - fiber, vitamins , minerals and antioxidants.

Myth #5: Plant-based milk is healthier than animal-based milk.

There is an opinion that vegetable milk, for example, from oats, almonds, rice, is more useful and nutritious than cow's.

“That's just not true,” says Kathleen Merrigan, a professor of sustainable food systems at Arizona State University and a former US assistant secretary of agriculture. “Consider protein: Generally, cow’s milk has about eight grams of protein per cup, while almond milk has one to two grams and oat milk has about two to three grams per cup.”

Plant-based drinks can vary in nutritional value, Dr. Merrigan said, but many contain more added ingredients, such as sodium and sugar, that will degrade health faster than cow's milk.

Myth #6: White potatoes are unhealthy.

Potatoes are often frowned upon in the nutrition community due to their high glycemic index, which means they contain fast-digesting carbohydrates that raise blood sugar levels. However, potatoes may actually be good for your health, says Dafena Altema-Johnson, food community and public health program officer at the Johns Hopkins Center for a Better Future.

It is rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber and other nutrients, especially when eaten with the skin. In addition, potatoes are inexpensive and available year-round in grocery stores, making this product more affordable. The most useful cooking methods are: frying, baking, boiling and air grilling.

Myth #7: Peanut foods should not be given to infants in their first years of life.

For a long time, experts have been telling new parents that the best way to prevent food allergies in children is to not feed them allergenic foods like peanuts or eggs for the first few years of life. But now, according to allergy experts, it's best to introduce peanut products to your child's diet as early as possible.

If your child does not have severe eczema or an identified food allergy, you can start introducing peanut products (such as water-diluted peanut butter, peanut puffs, or peanut powder, but not whole peanuts) at about 4-6 months, when your child is ready for solid food. “Start with two teaspoons of smooth peanut butter mixed with water, breast milk, or formula two to three times a week,” advises Dr. Ruchi Gupta, professor of pediatrics and director of the Feinberg Northwestern School of Medicine Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research. . - If your baby has severe eczema, first ask your pediatrician or allergist about whether you can start giving peanut products at about 4 months.

It is also important to feed your baby a variety of foods in the first year of life to prevent food allergies,” says Dr. Gupta.

Myth #8: Plant protein is incomplete.

"Where do you get protein from?" is the #1 question vegans get asked,” says Christopher Gardner, a nutrition scientist and professor of medicine at Stanford University. The myth is that plants are completely lacking in certain amino acids, also known as the building blocks of proteins. But in fact, plant foods contain all 20 amino acids, including the nine essential, essential amino acids.”

“The only difference is that the ratio of these amino acids is not as ideal as in animal products. Therefore, to get an adequate portion of nutrients, you just need to eat a variety of plant foods throughout the day: beans, grains and nuts and consume enough protein in general. Most people in prosperous countries get everything they need: it's easier than many people think, ”says Dr. Gardner.

Myth #9: Eating soy-based foods can increase your risk of breast cancer.

The high doses of plant estrogens in soy, called isoflavones, stimulate the growth of breast tumor cells (according to animal studies).

“In humans, this association has not been confirmed,” says Dr. Frank B. Hu, professor and chair of nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan. So far, scientific evidence does not point to a link between soy consumption and the risk of developing breast cancer in humans.

In contrast, consumption of soy-based foods and beverages—such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, miso, and soy milk—may even be protective, reduce the risk of development, and increase survival in this disease. Soy products are also a source of beneficial nutrients associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, including high-quality protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, adds Dr. Hu. “The results of the study are clear: feel free to include soy products in your diet.”

Myth #10: Basic nutritional guidelines change all the time—and by a lot.

“That’s not true,” says Dr. Marion Nestle, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Nutrition, Nutritional Research, and Public Health at New York University. - In the 1950s, the first dietary recommendations for the prevention of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. contained advice to balance calories and minimize foods high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Modern dietary guidelines call for the same.”

Yes, science is developing, but the rules of healthy eating remain unchanged. Writer Michael Pollan summed it up in seven simple words: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. According to Dr. Nestle, this council worked 70 years ago and continues to work today. And it leaves plenty of room for eating the foods you love.

Weekends exist for that, to sleep, relax and not spend a lot of time on a routine. But no one canceled delicious family dinners. Therefore, fresh ideas for easy-to-cook dishes will come in handy.

 

What are the best fast lunch ideas to try?

 

Lunch is a meal that some very busy people neglect. Other people make a fuss if they don't get a delicious meal. The dinner recipes that we have collected for you will seduce the former and appease the latter.

 

Easy Chicken Salad

 

A step-by-step recipe with a photo of cooking chicken salad in a fragrant dressing at home. The soy-lemon dressing adds a special piquancy to the dish, which favorably emphasizes the taste of the dish. Of course, the salad can be dressed with ordinary mayonnaise, sour cream or even sunflower oil. However, using the proposed sauce, you will bring new fresh notes. Moreover, such a sauce is universal, it can be seasoned with almost any salad, and familiar dishes that have become boring for a long time will sparkle with a new interesting taste.

 

Ingredients for preparing a tender chicken salad in a fragrant dressing:

 

• Boiled chicken fillet - 1 pc.
• Processed cheese - 100 g
• Eggs - 1 pc.
• Cucumbers - 1 pc.
• Green onions - 5-7 sprigs
• Mustard grain or pasty - 0.5 tsp.
• Soy sauce - 2 tbsp. l.
• Vegetable oil - 3 tbsp. l.

 

Recipe preparation:

 

Wash green onions, dry and chop finely. Wash cucumbers, dry and cut into cubes with sides of 0.5 mm. Boil eggs. Cool, peel and cut into cubes the size of cucumbers. Cut the melted cheese into cubes of the same size as all the products. Boil the chicken in salted water and set aside. Then cut into pieces or tear along the fibers. Combine all foods in one bowl. In a small bowl, mix the mustard, soy sauce with vegetable oil and season the ingredients. Toss the chicken salad in the soy-lemon dressing, chill and serve.

 

The Quinoa, Avocado, and Cherry Tomato Salad

The Quinoa, Avocado and Cherry Tomato Salad recipe is presented in the Salads category, and it will take you no more than 15 minutes to prepare this dish. To make this dish at home according to the recipe from the author Evtushenko, you will need: quinoa, ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, quail eggs, a handful of salad mix, half a bunch of parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, dry Italian herbs, a mixture of ground peppers, salt.

 

Ingredients:

 

• 150 gr. kinoa1 pc.
• ripe avocado 250 kg.
• cherry tomatoes 6-8 pcs.
• quail eggs 3 pcs.
• salad mix to taste
• half a bunch of parsley
• 1-2 tbsp. l. lemon juice
• 2-3 tbsp. l. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs to taste
• ground pepper mix
• salt to taste

 

Recipe preparation:

 

Rinse the quinoa with cold water (to remove possible bitterness), add water and simmer for 15 minutes. Salt at the end. Cut the avocado into small cubes, and cherry tomatoes in half. Boil the sawn eggs, you can leave the yolk slightly watery, it will be even tastier. Cut in half. Let's prepare the dressing. Chop the parsley very finely, add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper and Italian dry herbs to it. Add the dressing to the cooked and cooled quinoa, mix. Now add avocado, tomatoes and salad mixture, mix and taste for salt. Add if necessary. We spread the salad on plates, lay the quail eggs on top.

 

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is just a godsend for those who follow a healthy diet. Similar in appearance to rice or couscous, this vegetable side dish is much healthier, lower in calories, carbohydrates, and sugars, and higher in fiber. It goes perfectly with meat dishes, and in itself it turns out very tasty if you mix it with herbs and roasted almonds. In addition, cauliflower rice is a great way to introduce a healthy vegetable into the diet of children who, to put it mildly, do not favor it. Mix it in half with regular boiled rice and serve as a side dish. Little picky people are unlikely to notice that not all the rice in the plate is real.

 

Ingredients for the recipe:

 

2 small cauliflowers, broken into florets, strong stems discarded (about 8 cups florets)

3 art. l. olive oil

1 bunch green onions, chopped, white and green parts separated

1/4 st. chopped almonds

1/4 st. chopped parsley

 

Recipe preparation:

 

Pulse the cauliflower in the bowl of a food processor until coarse crumbs are about the size of a grain of rice (see note). It should turn out 6 - 7 tbsp. cauliflower rice. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over moderately high heat. Stir in the white parts of the onion and fry until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Add cauliflower, 1 tsp. salt and a little black pepper. Stir to coat cabbage completely with oil. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender but still crumbly, 6 to 7 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a small skillet over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the cauliflower from the heat and stir in the green onions, parsley and toasted almonds. Transfer to a large bowl and serve. 

 

Arugula, Tuna, and Avocado Salad

Easy, beautiful salad of tuna, avocado, tomatoes and arugula recipe. Ideal for a festive table, as a light snack. In general, this is a Spanish salad called "Timbal". It looks beautiful, it cooks very quickly (you don’t need to cook or prepare anything in advance), and most importantly, it’s tasty and healthy! Save quickly so you don't forget!

 

Ingredients

 

Avocado (large) - 1 or 1.5 pcs.

Cherry tomatoes (the sweetest) - 10 pcs.

Canned tuna in oil - 1 can (170g)

Arugula - 1 bunch

Garlic - 1 clove

Lemon juice - 1-1.5 tsp

Olive oil - 1 tsp

Sea salt - to taste

Black pepper - to taste

 

How to cook tuna, avocado, tomato and arugula salad recipe step by step:

 

We cut the avocado in half, remove the stone, take out the pulp with a spoon and knead it with a fork / spoon in mashed potatoes. Add lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic clove. Salt, pepper and mix. ⠀ Cherry tomatoes cut into small cubes (you can also take ordinary large tomatoes, but they are less sweet and you will need to peel them, remove the hard core, seeds and drain the juice). We transfer the tuna to a plate and drain most of the oil (so that the salad does not float during assembly) and knead a little with a fork. I collected the salad in a serving ring, but it can also be served in portioned cups, here, as you like. Put a layer of mashed avocado on a dish, then spread a layer of cherry tomatoes, and on top - tuna. We take off the ring. Decorate with arugula leaves. ⠀

 

Black Bean and Corn Quesadilla

Quesadillas are especially popular in the southwestern United States. Here it is cooked like the traditional Mexican version, only sometimes local ingredients may be included. This recipe has a lot of vegetables and no meat. However, if desired, you can add, for example, cooked chicken. Sour cream sauce only enhances the pleasure of an already tasty quesadilla, which definitely cannot be called bland. If the dish seems too spicy, reduce the amount of dried red pepper. In any case, by preparing such a quesadilla, you can arrange a real feast for the taste buds.

 

Ingredients for the recipe:

 

Quesadilla

4 wheat tortillas with a diameter of 25 cm.

• 450 gr. black beans with spices, mashed
• 2 tbsp. l. olive oil, extra for grilling 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 3/4 st. corn kernels (about 1 ear)
• 2 tsp crushed dried red pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 st. chopped cilantro leaves
• 1 st. grated cheese

 

Sour cream with lime and cilantro

• 1/2 st. sour cream
• 1/4 st. chopped cilantro leaves
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• A pinch of salt

 

Recipe preparation:

 

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute bell peppers and onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add corn, dried red pepper flakes, cumin, salt and pepper to taste. Stir and sauté for 3 minutes. Move everything to a bowl and add cilantro. Heat a 2-burner long cast-iron grill or large skillet over medium heat. Lay 2 tortillas on a work surface and evenly coat them with the roasted black bean paste. Place the tortillas on the griddle, buttered side up (if using a saute pan, place one tortilla first). Cover evenly with the onion and pepper mixture, then sprinkle with cheese. Top with another tortilla, spread with black bean paste, and cook until cheese is melted, about 4 minutes. Turn the quesadillas over to fry them on the other side. Cut each into 8 triangles, sprinkle with cilantro and serve with sour cream sauce.

 

Who among us would refuse practical advice that is sometimes so necessary? Probably only the one who knows everything in the world and does not need hints, but there are probably only a few such people. Therefore, we want to share with you culinary life hacks that will surely come in handy if you decide to conjure in the kitchen.

 

Recommendations for rolling stuffed pita bread that you can fry and get yummy

 

If you have a man-shaped cookie cutter, then you also have a deer cookie cutter. Amazing, isn't it? Take a look at the photos below to understand how it works.

 

Use an apple slicer to cook chips

 

You can make grilled cheese in a waffle iron

 

Two frozen pizzas and one baking sheet? Not a problem!

  

Store grapes in the freezer to use as ice cubes in your wine. And when you're done drinking, you can eat wine grapes.

 

Just look at this!

 

When you've finished with a can of mustard, don't throw it away, but make a delicious salad dressing with just 4 ingredients: leftover mustard, apple bite, butter and jam (or berry mixture)

Cooking method:

1. In a mustard jar, add 15 ml of jam (preferably from sour berries).
2. Fill the jar 25% with apple cider vinegar.
3. And 75% vegetable oil.
4. Close the jar with a lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
5. Enjoy the delicious dressing that can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks!

 

If you really feel like making a homemade hot dog but don't have buns, baked potatoes can be a great alternative.

 

Empty ketchup bottles make great batter dispensers

  

Grind some white rice in the grinder to remove odors.

 

If you want your French toast to have a delicious golden crust, add a little brown sugar to the egg before dipping the bread in this mixture.

 

In the event that you like grilled fish, but you do not want to suffer, cleaning the grill, just make a lemon "pillow" by placing the fish on it

 

The case when the lid is too small for the pan

 

Use a spoon to secure the strainer

 

If you prefer to cook rice in bags, then this life hack will tell you how to let the water drain.

 

Use parchment paper to keep the meat from sliding out when you beat it

 

Cooking meatballs? Lubricate your hands liberally with oil. The meat will not stick to your hands, and you will get a smooth, uniform meatball texture

 

If you need to cook perfectly shaped scrambled eggs, then use onion rings

The most expensive spice in the world is also one of the most useful and versatile in taste. It is self-sufficient, its rich tart and slightly burning intense taste is highly valued, and saffron also gives dishes a beautiful warm yellow color. What kind of spice is saffron - find out in our interesting facts.

 

Facts about Saffron

 

This spice is dried stigmas of flowers.

 

Saffron is made from a special kind of crocus. To get 1 kg of spice, you need to collect about 100,000 flowers, which are processed by hand and then dried over the fire or in braziers, where even one mistake will lead to loss of the crop. Such a laborious process makes it the most expensive spice in the world.

 

 

The highest quality and most delicious saffron is considered to be from Spain and then India. Crocus fields here are located in south-central Spain and in Kashmir. Less fragrant but inexpensive, is considered a spice from Iran, Pakistan, Italy and France.

 

Saffron is included in the recipes of all major growing regions - they cook paella, biryani, soups, stew meat, and poultry, and prepare curry with it.

 

Despite the mild aroma, it has a very intense taste. For one dish, you can take only 3-4 stigmas. The taste contains deep spicy overtones, and the aroma is vaguely reminiscent of laurel and flowers.

 

Saffron is an excellent natural preservative. Food prepared with it can be stored for a long time without refrigeration.

 

Saffron price

Saffron is a costly spice and is usually bought in grams. The price for one kg fluctuates, but usually, it is not less than a few hundred dollars.

 

The average price per gram starts from 6 dollars and depends on its quality and country of production.

 

With regards to the price per kilogram - you can find a spice at a price of around 205 dollars.

 

Where to add saffron

In ground form, it can be added during the cooking process, especially for stewing and boiling recipes.

 

Saffron stigmas need to be soaked before use. 3-6 stigmas should be poured with 20-30 ml of hot water or boiling water and let it brew for at least 5 minutes. Add orange concentrated liquid to the dish you are preparing.

 

The spice also has medicinal properties. In folk medicine, saffron has been used for many centuries, it is included in hundreds of recipes for treatments. The most distinguished are its disinfecting properties, a beneficial effect on the skin and the normalization of metabolic processes in the body.

 

Saffron can be found in dietary supplements - for example, iHerb sells vegetable capsules with the saffron extract.

 

According to the information from the manufacturer, the vegetarian dietary supplement increases energy and mental activity, supports the nervous system (which is important for perpetually twitchy office workers), improves mood and eliminates stress.

 

However, we remind you that dietary supplements are not a universal and individual thing, and it is better to consult a doctor before taking them.

 

What can replace saffron

There is a much cheaper analogue of saffron - turmeric. It is quite budgetary, is available in any grocery store and gives the dishes a pleasant tart flavor and beautiful color.

 

With regards to taste, it is better to combine turmeric with other spices for a richer taste of the dish. Alternatively, take a curry seasoning that contains turmeric and a mixture of other spices.

 

If you are looking for a substitute for saffron in paella or pastries, take turmeric - you will not lose.

 

The history of Saffron

This is the most aristocratic seasoning, which is often worth its weight in gold. However, saffron also has a hidden history. It has been used for centuries as a coloring agent, a luxurious self-tanner, and even as a serotonin stimulant. And this is true - all of the above refers to those very fragile reddish threads that are removed from the center of the purple crocus flower. 

 

The origin of saffron is a mystery. Contradictory statements name various regions of a wide semi-desert belt as the original place of growth of this plant, ranging from Greece in the eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia. Today, the vast majority of saffron is still grown in this belt, with Iran being the largest producer in the world.

 

However, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the center of the "saffron universe" temporarily shifted from the sun-drenched Mediterranean to rainy, foggy England. One particular region of England has become world famous for its saffron. In fact, every autumn its entire territory was covered with a carpet of purple petals. This fame was so great that the local trading town of Cheping Walden was eventually renamed Saffron Walden.

 

However, by the beginning of the nineteenth century, the saffron fields in Britain were completely destroyed. Two hundred years later, the restless British geophysicist David Smale decided to try again to cultivate English saffron. Theatlantic.com correspondents met with him right in the field, located in one of the protected corners of Essex, to learn how saffron is grown, how it is harvested by hand and dried, as well as about the "battle" that Smale is leading to to revive the lost art of successfully growing saffron in the damp soils of England.

 

Smale also said that "crockers," as the locals called the saffron pickers, have to take breaks during packing to keep from laughing. "This plant has a special aroma," said Smale. scientific data, and an absolutely amazing story.

 

Saffron - How is it stored?

Saffron should be kept away from light and extreme temperatures, tightly closed, preferably in a glass container.

 

Saffron - How is it used?

As much as possible, add it towards the end of the preparation period to avoid destroying the flavor.

 

The smell of saffron brings fresh earth, accompanied by a pleasant and refreshing breeze. The stamens are wide at the base and sharp at the tip when dry.

 

Saffron - the intensity of the pigment

The International Organization for Standardization imposes parameters that measure the intensity of the filament pigment: the more intense, the more valuable. The value scale is worthy of consideration especially when counterfeiting methods are so vast.

 

Saffron consists of the three pistils of the crocus. They are delicate, similar to filaments, each 2.5 - 4 cm long. They have an intense reddish-orange color, which is uniform for good quality saffron. Saffron with white stripes or discolored spots is of inferior quality, and when white threads appear in the saffron powder, this is a sign of counterfeiting. The aroma is strong, similar to that of honey and the taste is strong, honey, slightly bitter.

 

The benefits of saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, a kilogram costing around 4,000 euros. About 150,000 flowers are needed to collect a kilogram of dried saffron. Luxury spice contains iron, volatile oils, proteins, sodium, potassium, vitamins B1 and B2, phytohormones. Here are some of the benefits of saffron:

 

1. Destroys cancer cells

According to The Telegraph, several substances found naturally in saffron have anti-cancer properties - inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

 

2. Inhibits fat deposits and lowers cholesterol

Curcumin can also stop the spread of fat cells in the body.

 

3. Helps the heart and neurons

Added to food, saffron has a tonic effect on the heart.

 

4. Prevents blindness in old age

Several studies have shown that saffron improves vision and prevents macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness, especially in the elderly.

 

 

5. Treat depression

Saffron tea has long been used to treat depression.

 

6. Improves blood circulation and regenerates the skin

In Chinese medicine, saffron is used to improve blood circulation.

 

7. Helps digestion

Saffron infusion facilitates digestion and is a good natural remedy for those suffering from bloating or constipation.

 

8. Healing in erectile dysfunction

The Greeks and Arabs used saffron as an aphrodisiac because it has hormone-like properties.

 

9. Anti-drunk medicine

10-15 g of saffron pistils, soaked for 3-4 hours in alcohol (50 ml) and administered on an empty stomach before a party prevent the onset of drunkenness and can induce repulsion to alcohol abuse.

 

Contraindications

 

Do not consume more than two grams of saffron a day. Saffron can also cause abortion, so pregnant women should avoid it.

 

We are constantly faced with allergic reactions and are no longer surprised by anything. Everyone knows that pollen and poplar fluff cause sneezing and coughing in spring, and new foods in your diet should be tried with caution. But besides the well-known allergens, there are rare and crazy ones that you may not even have heard of and which are hard to imagine as dangerous enemies.

 

Allergy to tattoos, buttons, exercise and other unusual manifestations of it

 

We have selected 40 of the strangest and most unusual allergies that have been recorded by the scientific community. You may be surprised, but such allergies really exist and cause a lot of inconvenience to their carriers, and sometimes they can lead to anaphylactic shock. Check if you have one of these allergic reactions. In any case, stay calm and take care of your health!

 

1. Patches

There is such a strange allergy - to adhesive plasters. If you have it, it will show up in a reaction with acrylate with methacrylate (the name of the chemicals always used on adhesive tapes to make them sticky). The two types of reactions to this allergy are irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

 

2. Everything vibrating

There are people who suffer from vibratory urticaria when they come into contact with anything that vibrates. For example, with a running lawn mower or a running motorcycle. They begin to itch, the body swells, vision becomes blurry and the head hurts.

 

3. Touch

This is called dermatography - when even a slight scratch appears a convex line of red color with concomitant swelling of the skin. About five percent of the people inhabiting the planet suffer from dermatography, but most of them prefer never to seek medical help.

 

4. Exit to the street

It is very reminiscent of vampires, but everything is much more serious. Some people have solar urticaria, or an allergy to sunlight. They take medication to control their symptoms, but if the condition is left untreated, sunlight causes everything from skin rashes to nausea. People with a reaction to sunlight have to go out from head to toe wrapped in protective clothing even in the heat.

 

5. Coins

A reaction to metallic money is nothing more than an allergy to nickel, and often it is associated not only with coins, but also with earrings or other low-quality jewelry. In addition, nickel is found in everyday objects such as fasteners and buckles, it is present in zippers, eyeglass frames, cosmetics and detergents. Even some electronic devices contain this metal, from mobile phones to laptops.

 

From contact with nickel, itchy scars appear on the skin. As a rule, they pass after the object with nickel in the composition disappears from view. A person can touch nickel for a short time, but wear jewelry or a belt with a buckle during the day is no longer within his power.

 

6. Tomatoes

There is a reaction to such a common product as tomatoes, which gives a person a lot of gastronomic suffering, in addition to the troubles from the disease itself.

 

Tomatoes are included in the recipe for many dishes of all national cuisines - just imagine how a person has to limit himself! The main clinical manifestations of tomato allergy are oral allergy syndrome (OSA), when there is redness and burning of the lips, mouth and palate, as well as urticaria, dermatitis, rhinitis, and sometimes anaphylaxis.

 

7. Books

Old second-hand bookstores and library halls have a peculiar, musty, papery smell that many consider pleasant and nostalgic - even perfumes with this scent are being created! But people who are allergic to dust, book blockages perceive as a source of serious problems.

 

Actually, the reaction is not caused by books, but by old book dust. The same thing happens in old attics, basements, pantries, and even when approaching stagnant bookshelves in a home. As a matter of fact, danger is everywhere where there is dust!

 

8. Woolen things

Some suffer from a type of allergy called textile or clothing dermatitis, which is nothing more than a form of contact dermatitis. Human skin has to react to the fibers of clothing, which causes itching. Wearing woolen clothes over your naked body can make you feel like thousands of microscopic living creatures are crawling over your skin and biting!

 

9. Wine

Have you seen how a person who sipped red wine suddenly turns bright red in the face, or have you experienced it yourself? It is believed that this is an allergy to wine, although in fact such people showed signs of an allergy to sulfites. Some begin to suffer even from the smell of wine.

 

Sulfites are chemical compounds found in wines and dark beers. They cause headaches, burning eyes, nasal congestion and redness of the skin.

 

10. Your own child

What a surprise! But there is also such a type of allergy as pemphigoid of pregnant women - an unpleasant

 

What a surprise! But there is also such a type of allergy as pregnancy pemphigoid - an unpleasant and painful skin reaction that is associated with pregnancy. Refers to autoimmune diseases and can cause itchy blisters and bumps on the skin of the abdomen, while they spread further through the body. Fortunately, this is quite rare, otherwise, probably, the human race would have died out long ago!

 

11. Taking a shower

Some people can't wash with plain water! People who get aquagenic urticaria have an attack of this ailment whenever they take a shower and their skin comes into contact with water. These symptoms are short-lived and disappear in an hour, but as soon as a person touches the water, everything starts again. Such people cannot even sweat in the heat or be in the rain - their body begins to itch insanely.

 

12. Meat steaks

There is a type of tick - Amblyomma americanum (called the Lone Star tick in Texas) - that can make a person allergic to red meat. These mites reward their victims with a reaction to alpha-halogen carbohydrates found in the meat of cows, pigs and wild animals. White-tailed deer are a common host, so a tick bite during hunting season can turn the enjoyment of a freshly grilled steak into itching, vomiting and diarrhea, reddening of the skin, and sometimes even causing anaphylactic shock.

 

13. Hot weather

Even a summer day or a bath can be dangerous for people with this type of allergy. When they are exposed to heat or sweat, they show symptoms of cholinergic urticaria on their body in the form of small but terribly itchy welts. An unpleasant allergy for those who were born and live in a warm climate, given that our planet is rapidly warming up!

 

14. Cold

This is a common but strange reaction that affects about one in a hundred people who are allergic to anything. The skin turns red in the cold, but not with a healthy blush, but with bright spots. And this is not a simple urticaria - a person can faint or anaphylactic shock with a fatal outcome.

 

15. Hypoallergenic dog breeds

If someone thinks that by getting a "hypoallergenic" dog, he will protect himself from allergies, then this is a mistake. Allergens in such breeds are in the same quantity as their long-haired fluffy counterparts, who constantly shed.

 

Before you decide to get a cute dog, you should conduct a thorough research of the breed. Although it is believed that the less shedding, the less allergies, but mostly allergies from dogs occur due to the protein in their saliva. Petting and petting your dog exposes you to allergens in their fur, so test with an adult dog of your chosen breed before buying.

 

16. Physical activity

Get to know exercise-induced anaphylaxis (AFA). This is a rare condition in which anaphylactic shock can occur after sports or other physical exertion. Alternatively, a person may have reddened skin, hives or nausea, they may begin to wheeze, and other symptoms of allergies and APA may also appear.

 

17. Washing powders

Often there is a reaction to dyes in washing powders or to odors, sometimes so pronounced that even if you put on a freshly washed shirt, it causes allergic manifestations. Therefore, it is preferable to wash with hypoallergenic detergents!

 

18. Vacuuming

Such an allergy also happens, but everything is explained simply. When you vacuum, dust and mold fragments clogged in the carpet rise and spread around the room. As a result, you will get an allergic reaction with all the ensuing consequences. This allergy is "treated" by more frequent cleaning and carpet cleaning.

 

19. Hot dogs

Fast food allergies are not uncommon. A hot dog is a highly processed product containing many types of food and nutritional supplements. An allergic reaction when eating street food can be caused by any of these ingredients. According to the generally accepted opinion, the main culprits here are nitrates and nitrites, which are found in vegetables, meat and meat products.

 

20. Allergy medications

 

Of course, when you take antihistamines for a long time, they themselves are quite capable of developing an allergic reaction. However, people who suffer from this type of allergy usually show sensitivity to the dye and additive group found in any medication, but this does not apply to the anti-allergic chemical itself.

 

21. Grass

The reaction to lawn grass is mainly accompanied by the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or thunderstorm asthma, which occur upon contact with pollen from flowers. The reaction to the herb can be manifested by allergic rhinitis, itchy eyes and sore throat, sneezing and runny nose.

 

Thunderstorm asthma is an acute attack that occurs after a thunderstorm, when plant pollen is crushed from moisture and easily penetrates into the bronchi. Sometimes such attacks end in the death of people.

 

22. Pants buttons

This is hardly a separate type of asthma, it's just the good old nickel again knocks you out, acting in this case from a piece of clothing. The button rivet on the waistband of jeans or other trousers is usually made of nickel, and fashionistas who prefer to wear low-rise underwear are at risk of allergies. This allergenic metal can be applied directly to unprotected skin, resulting in a small, rounded area of red rash.

 

Allergists write out a prescription - wear underpants under jeans, and everything will work out!

 

23. Tobacco

The plant can cause a severe allergic reaction in the form of a stuffy nose, burning eyes, wheezing and coughing. These manifestations of asthma symptoms and seasonal hay fever usually occur under the influence of the tobacco plant itself, but dry tobacco leaf can also cause a reaction.

 

24. Sperm

Although rare, it has been documented that women may experience an allergic reaction to their partner's semen, which may include red spots, burning, swelling, and itching in areas where the liquid has come into contact with their skin.

 

25. Pancake mix

Do you know that you are allergic to moldy foods? So, you need to be very careful if you are going to eat an expired pancake and hash brown mix or any outdated dry mixes.

 

According to the American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, which did the research on the topic, one man went into anaphylactic shock and died after making pancakes from expired dry mix and eating them. The product was made two years ago and the flour was contaminated with mold. So be wary of expired boxed products!

 

26. Tattoos

A study published in Contact Dermatitis found that tattoos are not at all harmless in terms of allergies. Four percent of tattooed people developed a short-term rash immediately after the procedure. Another six percent of those tattooed continued to experience skin problems for four months or longer after getting the tattoo.

 

27. Mango peel

A tropical fruit can cause skin itching if you touch its peel. Mango contains urushiol, an organic toxin. It is found in particularly high concentrations in the peel and the pulp just below the peel. Mostly those people who have encountered this fetus have experienced contact dermatitis.

 

28. Cockroaches

Almost every person is pissed off at the thought of the presence of cockroaches, only things can turn out much worse if you happen to be "lucky" with an allergy to them. Rather, the reaction concerns cockroach waste products that these stubborn insects can leave anywhere in a person's home.

 

29. Hairy caterpillars

The Scientific World Journal published an article that says that there is one kind of insect - a cute fluffy Pine Processionary caterpillar, which has the "gift" to cause a dermatological reaction in a person if he touches her skin-irritating hairs. So think thrice before petting these fluffy worms when you meet them on the branches of a tree!

 

30. Bean Bag

This interesting report was published by Annals of Allergy. Asthma & Immunology. It says that a six-year-old child who was allergic to soybeans suffered from mild respiratory distress for a long time - what do you think? The cause was a "bean bag" filled with dried soybeans.

 

Bean bags are small play bags or bean bags filled with dry beans or buckwheat husks. It turns out that an allergy to soy beans lies in wait where you don’t expect it!

 

31. Hair dyes

Allergic reactions to hair coloring are not very common: no more than one in 250 thousand people suffer from this type of allergy, but this does not mean that it is harmless. If it does occur, it could be a serious problem.

 

Swelling, itching, and redness are enough symptoms for allergy sufferers to be wary of a reaction when trying to change their natural hair color. Moreover, all this can affect not only the scalp, but also spread to the whole body. It is not for nothing that the manufacturer warns and insists on the test before staining on each package!

 

32. Makeup

Allergy to cosmetics manifests itself only on the area of ​​the skin where the irritating product was applied. When using eye shadow, for example, you can get irritated and swollen eyelids. Luckily, the symptoms will be localized and won't affect the rest of your body.

 

33. Acrylic nails

Not harmless are the products that are used in nail salons. An allergic attack can come from nail glue, polish, and acrylic nails themselves. All this can cause contact dermatitis and a corresponding rash.

 

34. Latex

Synthetic rubber can be found in many household and medical items, as well as in the intimate area. Allergy to latex is quite dangerous, it can manifest itself in swelling, eczema on the skin, blisters or cracks. There are manifestations of asthma and respiratory disorders. Characteristically, up to 80% of people with a latex allergy cannot eat avocados, bananas or kiwis, even tomatoes or potatoes can cause a reaction due to a cross-reaction with proteins.

 

35. Peppermint

Cases where mint caused a food or skin allergy are not so common. But maybe no one talks about these symptoms. If such a reaction has already occurred, then a person expects difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling of the throat and oral cavity.

 

36. Potato

It's probably just a disaster for those who suffer from it. After all, they can not taste the fried potatoes! People who are allergic to this fruit can have a reaction at all stages of contact with a potato - by simply touching the skin, while peeling it, or while eating potato salad. An allergy sufferer who is unlucky with potatoes will experience symptoms in the form of rhinitis, burning eyes, reddening of the skin and unpleasant itching.

 

37. Glitter - decorative sequins

The culprit of the allergy is mica, a representative of natural minerals, which is used in crushed form as glitter for handicrafts. However, it can also irritate the skin. Those who identify themselves with an allergy to mica should be wary of cosmetics - foundations and powders. In addition, mica is found in many other loose cosmetic products.

 

38. Blue food coloring

Able to cause a reaction blue food coloring Blue 2, which can be in dry form or gel. Found in a variety of foods, from baked goods and cereals to candies and ready-to-eat snacks. An allergy symptom is hypersensitivity to this synthetic substance.

 

39. Potted soil

Rather, the allergen is not the soil itself, but what is in its composition. The potting mix may contain mold spores, and mold spores often cause an allergic reaction. In this regard, care should be taken when transplanting your green leafy friends.

 

40. Humidifier

Some people may develop a type of allergy known as "humidifier fever". When this reaction occurs, symptoms very similar to pneumonia will appear. Perhaps due to the fact that the device is not cleaned regularly? High humidity, saturated with mold, can easily cause a similar allergic condition in people.

 

What strange types of allergies have you encountered in your life? Share, and we will add to the list of the most unusual allergic reactions in our article.