Category: Nutrition

MUSHROOMS ARE TRUE SUPER FOOD

Freak of Natural Staff

  Solid are the foundations and evidence that mushrooms are real all round cure, a real super food capable of benefiting those who consume them regularly in various ways. There is however something to consider carefully. Mushrooms absorb very easily the elements present in the environment in which they grow through soil, air and humidity. This characteristic determines that mushrooms grown in soils polluted by heavy metals, or in particularly polluted areas, fill them with substances that are harmful to us, counteracting the numerous nutritional benefits that they would have…

SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS COUNTLESS PROPERTIES

Freak of Natural Staff

  Shiitake mushrooms are native to Japan. These medium-sized mushrooms have a soft consistency and a pleasant and delicate taste that recalls that of the Porcino mushrooms. They have always been used in the millenary oriental tradition for their countless properties. They are widely used in traditional oriental medicine and there are numerous publications in which the antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of these mushrooms, sometimes also referred to as a natural “viagra”, are recognized and discussed. Shiitake are today among the most cultivated, consumed and appreciated mushrooms in the…

HOW TO MAKE SEITAN: The Ultimate Recipe

Freak of Natural Staff

  Seitan is also called wheat meat or gluten meat and is considered by some to be an incredibly versatile and protein-rich alternative to meat. Personally I prefer to think of Seitan as a food in its own, in fact it could also be integrated in preparations that are not necessarily vegan. The proteins of which it is rich derive from gluten. Gluten is a complex protein that appears in foods processed from wheat and related species, including barley and rye. Wheat gluten is not digestible at its raw state,…

PROBIOTICS vs. PREBIOTICS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Freak of Natural Staff

  The idea that bacteria can be beneficial for our body can be difficult for someone to assimilate. Especially in this period, where we are increasingly pushed to take antibiotics, sterilize surfaces and hands with antibacterial gels and lotions, wear masks, etc. The truth is that there are millions of bacteria in our bodies, even more than our own cells. It is therefore necessary to make a distinction without generalizing, since if it is undeniable that some bacteria can create serious problems for us, some of them that we will…

STEVIA: Your Own Calorie-Free Natural Sweetener

Freak of Natural Staff

  Family: Asteraceae Genus: Stevia Common Name: Stevia Rabaudiana, Sugar leaf, Candy leaf   Stevia is a perennial herb that reaches up to 50-80 cm  in height. The oblong aromatic leaves are times sweeter than traditional white sugar, containing neither calories nor carbohydrates. CULTIVATION Germination from seed is difficult, comparing to other aromatic plants; reason why most plants are grown from cuttings rather then from seeds. The plant requires rich well-drained soil and thrives in warm humid climates. Once established, Stevia is a low water, low maintenance plant, but tender young…

VEGAN PANNA COTTA RECIPE WITH AGAR-AGAR

Freak of Natural Staff

  Most of us have already enjoyed “panna cotta” dessert at least once in our lives. A Northern Italian recipe based on fresh cream and a few other ingredients that gently blend into a delicate and delicious dessert. Today we invite you to try a variant of this vegan dessert made with coconut milk and the addition of Agar Agar, a thickening agent of vegetable origin instead the common jelly of animal origin. If you are not familiar with this product extracted from certain red seaweeds, I invite you to …

13 FERMENTED FOOD WITH PROBIOTICS

Freak of Natural Staff

  In a healthy person, beneficial bacteria are considered those that don’t allow pathogenic bacteria to form colonies. Consuming probiotic foods on a daily base is the simple and safer way to introduce beneficial organisms into our system. By doing so we improve to our digestion while boosting the entire immune system. If you are interested in learning more about how probiotic foods help your health, I invite you to continue reading this article where you will find information that can guide you. Here is a list of 13 super healthy…

AGAR-AGAR: What is it, Uses and Benefits

Freak of Natural Staff

WHAT IS AGAR AGAR? Agar is a type of vegetable gelatin created from various species of seaweed, which offers many health benefits, in addition to being a great ally for vegans. The handling of this food began hundreds of years ago with the Japanese. Nowadays, it’s still being used by conscious consumers and more. So, let’s get to know a little more about this product, its different uses and benefits for consumption! Agar-agar is a gelatin that some type of red seaweed contain in their cells. It can be extracted from…

EDIBLE SEAWEEDS: Species, Properties and Benefits

Freak of Natural Staff

  Eating sushi you may have wondered which seaweed were eating and what edible seaweeds are used around the world. The species of edible seaweeds are more than one might think, as well as the nutritional benefits that characterize them. Although seaweeds are known  for being an integral part of Chinese and Japanese traditional coastal cuisine, their use in gastronomy has evolved to make it a very popular ingredient these days. Each species of edible seaweed is rich in specific nutrients such as antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and fibers. Many also…

TYPES OF PROBIOTICS AND HEALTH BENEFITS

Freak of Natural Staff

  Research on probiotics has increased significantly in recent years, so much that today the therapeutic action of probiotics is a very widely studied and documented topic. Some of the bacteria in our gut are capable of producing vitamin K and short-chain fatty acids, which are the main source of nutrients for the cells that line the colon. These cells promote a strong intestinal barrier that helps keep out harmful substances, viruses and other unwanted bacteria. They are also believed to have positive effects on modulating the immune system and…

COLEUS FORSKOLHII: Properties and Benefits

Freak of Natural Staff

  Family: Lamiaceae Species: Plectranthus barbatus Common Name: Forskolhii, Indian Coleus, Coleus Forskolhii, Coleus Barbatus   Coleus Forskolhii is a genus of perennial plants native to sub-tropical areas, they grow best in well-drained soil and warm climates exposed to sun. Their aroma’s similar to camphor and it’s extremely fragrant due to large amount of essential oils present. Leaves are ovate in shape and the spiked flowers are typical of the mint family. Unlike its ornamental relatives, Coleus forskohlii lacks the spectacular colored leaves. It has plain, bright green leaves and…