Tag: Health

Onion water: what it is for and how to prepare it – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

There is never a shortage of onion at home: it is used raw and cooked, in sautés, in salads, to prepare omelettes, savory pies and also for onion water. It is a very ancient, but still very widespread, natural remedy that exploits the antihistaminic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of this bulbous plant, rich in group B and C vitamins and mineral salts. In particular, onion water is highly appreciated for its detox effect, thanks to an active ingredient – allicin – which helps the body reduce the absorption of sugars, lower cholesterol levels and therefore get rid of toxic substances that prevent the liver and kidneys from functioning properly.

What is onion water used for?

In the absence of drugs and supplements, there were once many who drank onion water just to free themselves in case of temporary constipation. Not infrequently, however, due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties it was also exploited for soothe the effects of seasonal ailments and muscle pain.

How to prepare onion water

Preparing it is very simple: just cut the onion into slices, then put it in a container full of water and let it rest for a whole night or, in any case, about 12 hours. The proportion is one medium onion to one glass. Once the “rest” period has passed, the bulb is removed and the onion water can be drunk like this, when needed, at room temperature. The taste is sweetish and not particularly annoying, as is the smell, which almost completely evaporates after 12 hours. The sulfur oxide which determines the strong smell of the onion, and which also causes “tears” when we cut it, is in fact destroyed by water (which is why it is always advisable to cut onions under running water or with a knife wet).

What is onion herbal tea used for?

It is just as simple to prepare it onion herbal tea, which is another way of drinking it, hot indeed. It is peeled, cut, immersed in water and then boiled for about 15 minutes, before filtering and drinking. Generally two or three times a day and always as needed and with common sense, also because onion herbal tea (or water) – obviously – is not at all miraculous. It can be an extra help as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, a bit like lemon water, first of all because it is a way to drink more water. Among other things, precisely because it contains saponins and glucosides which reduce cholesterol contractions and lower blood sugar levels, it is not recommended if you suffer from pathologies affecting the intestinal system, from colitis to reflux.

The onion, water and colds

With these exceptions removed, it is good to know that, in the case of herbal tea, the properties of the onion are amplified by the heat of the water, with a mix that is particularly useful in case of colds, especially if the antiseptic action of the plant is combined with that of honey.

How to use onion water for hair

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, onion is also used as a natural beauty remedy for hair and scalp. Two ways. The first is to sprinkle your hair with onion water after having already wet it, then pat it dry with a towel and wash it again after half an hour with normal shampoo. The second is to make onion juice (chopping the onion and extracting the juice), and put it on your hair, leaving it on for 30 minutes before washing. A very popular remedy also thanks to American rapper Cardi B who in a post on Instagram some time ago said that her long and thick hair is thanks to onion water compresses. In fact there are several cosmetic products, oils in particular, which exploit the properties of the bulb. Perhaps even more practical and more fragrant.

15 delicious and simple vegetable protein recipes | The Italian kitchen – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

Quinoa (cooked)

Total protein: 8 grams per cup

Quinoa is a herbaceous plant belonging to the same family as spinach and beetroot, and is native to South America.
This popular health food is rich in protein, fibre, antioxidants and minerals, cooks in just 15 minutes and is great as a base for salads enriched with vegetables and avocado, or for making into veggie burgers or soups.

Pistachios

Total protein: 20.27 grams per 100 grams.
Pistachios are seeds of the pistachio plant with antioxidant properties and in addition to proteins they guarantee the intake of precious mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium and iron and vitamins E, B1 and B6.
Excellent to taste, they lend themselves to sweet recipes such as cakes, pastries or spreads, but also savory in the form of sauces for first courses or in grains for second courses of meat or fish. Also excellent in salads.

Almonds

Total protein: 21.22 grams per 100 grams.
The almonds they are delicious and nutritious seeds and in addition to being an excellent source of protein, they contain healthy fats, vitamin E and antioxidants. To obtain as many nutrients as possible from these elements, it is best to eat them with the peel intact.
Mainly used as an ingredient for desserts, they can however also accompany many savory dishes or be eaten alone as a snack.

Brussels sprouts (raw)

Total protein: 4.2 grams per 100 grams.
Brussels sprouts or sprouts are a slightly bitter vegetable and for this reason little loved by children, but with high nutritional power. They can be eaten roasted, steamed or even chopped in salads.

Chia seeds (raw dried)

Total protein: 16.5 grams per 100 grams.
These tiny black seeds are part of the superfood family because even in small quantities they contain lots of protein, fiber, Omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients. Excellent for breakfast together with yogurt or as a base for porridge, they can also be used to make healthy desserts such as puddings or added to salads or second courses.

Potatoes (raw)

Total protein: 2 grams per 100 grams.
Potatoes are a key element of Mediterranean diet precisely because of their highly beneficial properties. Excellent source of protein, they also contain vitamins C and B-6 and potassium. There are many recipes that can be made with this tuber, all very tasty and healthy, with the exception of the fried ones.

Broccoli (raw)

Total protein: 3 grams per 100 grams.
Broccoli is a panacea for health and in addition to proteins, it provides the body with fibre, vitamins K and C and many other nutrients. They can be eaten boiled with a drizzle of olive oil, or as a condiment for first courses or, blended, in the form of cream soup.

Our 15 vegetable protein recipes

Of our 15 vegetable protein-based recipes, 4 have vegetable protein as the main ingredient, together with the addition of animal products (eggs, cheese…) to thicken. The other 11, however, are entirely plant-based.

Is water and lemon in the morning good for you? The word to the doctor – Italian cuisine reinvented by Gordon Ramsay

In recent years, many have gotten into the habit of drink lemon water in the morning, as soon as you wake up and just before having breakfast. Why? There are those who do it with the belief that they can help eliminate toxins and waste substances, purify oneself and for this reason lose weightwho instead thinks that this drink can anyway benefit the Health, so much so that it becomes a real daily ritual of well-being. Certainly taking care of your hydration starting in the morning is essential. Water plays a key role in the functioning of the organism, being involved in many processes and promoting its efficiency. But is drinking water and lemon in the morning really good for you? To find out more, we asked an expert for advice.

Is drinking lemon water in the morning good for you? The doctor’s word

Sometimes losing weight and getting back into shape seems to be the most difficult thing and often we are willing to try anything to do it, even relying on practices that promise miraculous results, but which in reality have very little scientific value and which often distance even of time are actually harmful. Drinking lemon water in the morning is beneficial really as you often think or not?

Does water and lemon make you lose weight?

«To date we have no certain data on whether this practice can really bring benefits nor scientific data to recommend it as a daily habit, says the doctor Michela Carola Speciani, medical surgeon expert in applied nutrition. «At the moment we know that the consumption of low pH foods and drinks, such as lemon juice, is a risk factor for example fordental erosion and that lemon and some of its extracts are rich in vitamins and antioxidants including flavanones, which have reported some positive data from a metabolic point of view in animal studies, the results of which however cannot be generalized to humans lightly”, says the expert.

Does lemon lower blood sugar?

«In some studies on humans, and therefore more reliable, it has been seen that the intake of acidic substances such as the combined water and lemon before the meal reduces the glycemic response to the intake of starches, carbohydrates present for example in pasta, rice and bread, but not in sugar. The mechanisms are not yet fully known, nor, however, are the long-term effects of this practice. This is why we currently do not have enough data to suggest it for improving your figure or health, while there are habits that we know for certain to be supportive in this sense”, says the expert. In essence, there are studies that support this thesis but at the moment we have little evidence available in the scientific literature and therefore insufficient to say that lemon actually lowers blood sugar, as nutritionist Valentina Schirò also says in this article of ours: ” THEDoes lemon lower blood sugar? The word to the nutritionist”.

“So, much better to include some protein in your breakfast such as eggs, oil seeds, soy-based protein preparations, fish, meat or high-protein dairy products such as cheese or Greek yogurt, a habit that is often rarely practiced; or it would be good reduce the consumption of simple sugars – biscuits, snacks, croissants, croissants – and sweeteners, which unfortunately tend to be present from the morning onwards.”

For those who are not recommended to drink water and lemon

There are some contraindications real facts about the consumption of the mix based on water and lemon? Who should avoid it? «Certainly those who are particularly predisposed todental erosion. The suggestion is to ask your dentist for confirmation and to rinse your mouth with a little water (without lemon) after any consumption to limit the negative effect that the acidity of lemon can have on the health of your teeth.”

Gordon Ramsay Recipes