Tag: ally

Winter fruit as an ally of a good mood: which one to choose – Italian Cuisine

Some seasonal varieties are a real natural supplement of super substances to ensure energy for body and mind. Here are the most useful ones in this period to fight stress, fatigue, anxiety and irritability

In winter, drops in energy and lack of motivation are commonplace illnesses that risk affecting the days. "In this season, due to changes in weather and the reduction in exposure to sunlight, the body produces less wellness neurotransmitters which, in addition to making you feel more energized and in a good mood, are real" reducers "of 'agitation and stress,' says the nutritionist Valentina Schirò, specializing in food sciences. A food that can be an excellent ally to combat bad mood, sluggishness and nervousness is fruit. Inserted in a healthy and balanced diet and consumed in the right quantities (3 servings a day), it acts as a real natural supplement of energy and good mood. "Provides fructose and other simple sugars that make you feel instantly loaded and a whole host of vitamins, minerals and substances that support mind and body". But which varieties to choose? Here is the winter fruit ally for a good mood to bring to the table.

Apples and pears for nervousness

Do cold and rainy days make you nervous and susceptible? Don't miss out on apples and pears for breakfast. "Both of these fruits are rich in substances that counteract irritability. They are a good source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium, which are important for emotional well-being. They also provide essential vitamins for the production of good mood hormones such as the B complex vitamins. Finally, they provide fibers that promote the balance of the intestine, essential for the production of well-being neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine ".

Kiwi for stirring

Thanks to the richness of vitamin C, this fruit is an excellent ally for states of anxiety and agitation. "It counteracts the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and helps you feel more relaxed." It also boasts a whole range of calming minerals. "Kiwi in particular is rich in copper and zinc which play a very important role in regulating mood. Finally, it ensures tryptophan, an amino acid essential for the synthesis of serotonin .

Grapefruit for the slack

Grapefruit is a citrus fruit rich in soluble fiber. "Contains good amounts of pectin, which slows down the absorption of sugars, avoiding the fluctuations in blood sugar that favor drops in fatigue. This fiber is also useful for the balance of the intestinal bacterial flora, which contributes to the psychophysical well-being of the whole organism ". But its benefits are also others. "It provides many polyphenols, which protect the brain cells from oxidation. However, this fruit is not recommended if you take drugs including those to reduce pressure, antihistamines, antibiotics and anxiolytics .

Oranges for low energy

Red or blonde, oranges are a booster for energy and vitality. They are ideal as a snack because thanks to the richness of fibers and many other substances they give satiety and counteract the lack of concentration. "Blood oranges in particular are an excellent source of anthocyanins, flavonoids that fight free radicals and oxidative stress and help keep neurons young and in shape. The blond ones, on the other hand, have an excellent remineralizing effect. In addition, they provide a high amount of vitamin C which helps to counteract fatigue both physically and mentally. Combined within the same meal with foods that contain iron such as almonds, they facilitate assimilation, counteracting slack ".

A special ally – Italian Cuisine – Italian Cuisine

It is DolceAgro di Ponti, an exclusive recipe born from the centuries-old wisdom of the company, leader in the production of vinegar and condiments that give a gourmet touch to every dish

Since 1787 the Ponti family has been linked to the production of quality vinegar and, over nine generations, it has developed a unique ability and sensitivity in selecting and processing the best raw materials, so much so that today, all over the world, the name Ponti is synonymous with superior vinegar, always recognizable in taste and organoleptic characteristics. Thanks to the wisdom in choosing the most suitable wines, a wide and versatile range of vinegars has been created, capable of being the best ally of each recipe. To guarantee Ponti's seriousness and consumer protection, all production is fully traceable: for each bottle of Ponti vinegar it is in fact possible to trace the name of the individual wine supplier. In particular, the quality of aged wine vinegars and balsamic vinegar of Modena I.G.P. Ponti is guaranteed twice: by the Consortium Regulations and by the Ponti Quality System, even more stringent than the first and certified by SGS, the world leader in certifications.

The versatility of DolceAgro Classic Delicate Condiment

From Ponti's experience and the skilful combination of aromatic grape musts and fine Ponti Wine Vinegar, DolceAgro was born, a delicate condiment, an exclusive Ponti recipe, with a sweet and round taste, a scent of wisteria and low acidity. The DolceAgro Classic Delicate Condiment, also available in a spray or certified organic version, is a precious ally in the kitchen to flavor gourmet dishes based on fish, white meats and vegetables or to give an extra touch to classic preparations, such as caponata, risotto alla Parmigiana or Vegetable crudités. And it can become the ingredient to amaze your guests if you add a spoon to enhance the fragrance of fruit salads.

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High density for gourmet dishes

The DolceAgro line also includes some high-density references to the surprising flavors of Apple, Cherry and Truffle, to make your recipes even more special and create new combinations by giving a characteristic acid note to sauces, desserts and even cocktails. The high density that characterizes these products gives the vinegar harmony and persistence, making it the perfect ingredient to characterize any preparation.

DolceAgro of High Density Cherries is a gourmet condiment made with aromatic musts, Ponti apple vinegar and fragrant concentrated cherry juice. It has a soft and round taste, ideal with desserts, such as ice cream and panna cotta, but it also refines meats and adds a velvety sweet and sour touch to any dish.

DolceAgro di Mele High Density is a condiment based on Ponti Apple Vinegar and 100% Italian apple juice, aged with fine wood. Its lively, soft and fruity taste, in perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, goes well with cheeses and meats, but if you want to surprise your guests, mix it with a Prosecco Superiore and offer it as a refreshing cocktail before dinner.

To enhance the range, the DolceAgro with High Density Truffle, produced with cooked must and precious black truffle juice. Try it with eggs, creamy cheeses and first courses, to make even the simplest recipe a real gourmet dish.

Recipe

Risotto with radicchio in DolceAgro
Ingredients for 2 people

160 g Carnaroli rice
½ yellow onion
1 long or late radicchio head
2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon DolceAgro delicate dressing
Bridges
30 g Grana Padano cheese
20 g butter
40 g thinly sliced smoked scamorza cheese
350 ml vegetable broth
extra virgin olive oil

Brown the finely sliced onion in a saucepan with a drizzle of oil for a couple of minutes. Puff the radicchio, keeping the outer leaves aside, then cut the rest and add it to the onions, blending with DolceAgro Condimento Delicato Ponti. Add the rice and let it gently toast for 3-4 minutes. Add the broth and cook for 14-15 minutes. Cut the radicchio leaves kept aside and add them to the risotto. Stir in the butter, cheese and a teaspoon of DolceAgro Condimento Delicato Ponti. Spread the risotto on the plates, lay the smoked cheese on top and serve.

Lemon natural drug and ally of beauty – Italian Cuisine

Lemon is good for you. The doctors of ancient Greece had already discovered the benefits. But it was with the study of scurvy (a disease due to the deficiency of vitamin C), made in 1747 by James Lind, a Scottish doctor of the British navy, that his contribution became essential: stocks of lemons on the ships that sailed the oceans for long weeks they prevented the crews from getting sick.

It is precisely the high contribution of C vitamin which makes this fruit so important. But not only. Lemon is rich in flavonoids, substances that have an antioxidant and digestive action, improve circulation and protect the heart, eyes and eyesight.

Vitamin C (together with vitamin E) or ascorbic acid has several basic functions for the organism. Has strong antioxidant power, fights the free radicals responsible for aging, increases the bioavailability of iron. And most importantly, it helps boost the immune defenses that protect us from virus and bacteria.

The recommended dose of Vitamin C is 85 mg per day for women (rising to 100 in case of pregnancy) and 105 for men, an amount that can be quietly assimilate through nutrition and without the need for supplements. Also because an excessive dosage can be harmful for those who are subject to accumulations of oxalic acid and kidney stones.

Lemon is one of the best known sources of vitamin C and represents one good defense against the flu. A daily juice of an orange and two lemons defends against the symptoms of cooling. And the essential oils of the rind, infused with hot water and ginger, relieve respiratory problems.

Promotes digestion. The citric acid of the juice has an antacid effect in the stomach: a report prepared for the Consorzio Limone di Siracusa PGI reports the ancient Indian habit of mixing a pinch of salt and cayenne pepper with lemon juice. And, unlike what is often thought, lemon juice added to hot water promotes intestinal motility, because it stimulates the contractions of the walls of the intestine. It also has a disinfectant function against parasites, viruses and bacteria.

It is good for the skin. The vitamin C present in lemon juice is essential in the production of collagen, one of the most important proteins in the body. For this reason, lemon juice keeps the skin healthy. Thanks to the high percentage of α-hydroxy acids, which penetrate into the deep layers, it keeps the tissues firm, elastic and compact, leaving the face soft and hydrated. In addition, it has an antiseptic and purifying function for young and impure skin.

As Valeria Rizza, pharmacist, who has followed the research carried out for the Consortium of the lemon of Siracusa PGI, mixing in equal parts of water, lemon, honey and aloe obtains a detergent with which to wash your face daily. A jar of yogurt mixed with lemon juice and a spoonful of aloe is an excellent natural lightening mask: apply for 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a week, rinse with warm water and complete with a moisturizing cream; during the day the skin should be protected with a sunscreen.

In short, a small Mediterranean fruit, often forgotten at the bottom of the refrigerator, is actually a delicious treasure trove of virtue.

For other natural beauty remedies click here.

Livia Fagetti
October 8, 2014
updated in February 2020
by Barbara Roncarolo