Tag: immune

Cheese with holes strengthens the immune system – Italian Cuisine

According to the results of a research, Emmentaler Dop helps our defenses thanks to a fatty acid that is formed during its processing

Our health also passes by food since there are foods that act in a beneficial way on the body by helping the immune system. And one of them would be Emmentaler Dop, the Swiss cheese with holes. To prove this, a study recently published by Agroscope, the Swiss Confederation's Competence Center for Agronomic Research, affiliated with the Federal Office of Agriculture.

Because Emmenthaler Dop helps the immune system

Emmentaler AOP naturally contains a high percentage of propionic acid, a short-chain fatty acid that is formed during the cheese processing phase during which the typical “holes” are created. Now scientific research has shown that an increase in the content of short-chain fatty acids such as acetic acid, but also propionic or butyric acid, in the diet is an important factor for the purpose of reduce the risk of overreactions or deficient reactions of the immune system also acting as a kind of "Anti-inflammatory brake".

Short-term fatty acids are naturally produced during the fermentation of fibers in the large intestine. In a low-fiber Western diet, the consumption of natural foods with propionic acid fermentation such as Emmentaler PDO can help meet the daily requirement of propionic acid, the researchers write in a summary of the specialist article. Propionic acid bacteria can produce numerous biologically active compounds, such as vitamins of group B: vitamin B12, vitamin B2 or l'folic acid.

It is not the first time that we talk about the benefits to the immune response determined by the consumption of cheese: in the past a study published in "FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology" had proven its effects on improving all immune defenses, especially among the elderly. The conclusion now reached by the researchers is that the consumption of Emmentaler PDO helps to preserve a greater variety of intestinal flora and to also exercise a positive action on the regulation of metabolism of sugars and fats. Furthermore, being a raw milk cheese, protects against allergies and promotes health. And being without lactose, even those who are intolerant can consume it.

because it serves the immune system and where it is found – Italian Cuisine

It is an excellent ally of health at all ages. It increases the body's defenses and protects the bones. Here's how to stock up on the table

Always known as an ally of bones, vitamin D actually performs different functions within the body. According to the most recent studies it would also be involved in the modulation of the immune system. Its deficiency for example is associated with a greater predisposition to infections. Lately there has been a lot of talk about vitamin D in relation to Covid-19. "There is currently no scientific evidence, but only hypotheses that low levels of this vitamin may be associated with a higher virus mortality rate," he explains Giulia Vincenzo, nutritionist biologist. "In particular, a study conducted by a team of researchers from Northwestern University, still undergoing scientific validation, suggests that high levels of this vitamin would make symptoms less severe. However, these are hypotheses, "says the expert. Confirmation also comes from the Ministry of Health, which stated on the website that "there is currently no scientific evidence that vitamin D plays a role in protecting against new coronavirus infection". Vitamin D, however, is important for the general health of the body. «Participates in the regulation of the activities of the immune system. In addition, it promotes the absorption of calcium, essential for keeping bones strong and healthy at any age and preventing diseases such as osteoporosis ", says the expert who explains how to stock them here.

How to take it

Vitamin D is synthesized and stored by the body mainly thanks to exposure to the sun and partly thanks to the consumption of foods that contain it. However, the one present in food always needs sunlight to become active. "Exposure to sunlight is able to favor the synthesis of the hormones that precede it. The best time to expose yourself is in spring, summer and autumn when there are more UVB rays reaching the earth's surface. The best time to produce it is to expose between 10 and 15 when the rays are most effective for producing it. It takes 10-20 minutes twice a week to stock up on it . When you are exposed to the sun, however, it is good practice to avoid the central hours (11-15) especially in the summer months and apply sunscreen creams. "The use of sunscreen protects the skin from UVB damage (erythema, sunburn, redness, etc.) and does not totally prevent the production of vitamin D", says the expert.

When it is lacking

«The most frequent cause of vitamin D deficiency is poor sun exposure. Even an inadequate diet low in foods that contain it and the presence of certain diseases, particularly those affecting the kidneys and liver, can promote low levels of this vitamin. Both of these organs are in fact involved in the synthesis of the hormones that precursor them, "explains nutritionist Giulia Vincenzo. Even advancing age plays a fundamental role in the deficiency of vitamin D. "With aging, the ability to synthesize it in the skin decreases". Those suffering from vitamin D deficiency often ignore it because classic symptoms such as tiredness, muscle weakness and fragility of bones and joints appear when the levels are already very low. "To find out if you are deficient in this vitamin in the presence of specific risk conditions and on the instructions of your doctor, you simply need to undergo its measurement through a simple fasting blood sample," says the expert.

In what foods is it

"Vitamin D is present in small quantities in various foods of animal origin such as meat, liver, some fatty cheeses, fish and mushrooms. A spoonful of cod liver oil, for example, provides almost the entire adult vitamin D requirement, "says nutritionist Giulia Vincenzo. To facilitate their assimilation by the body, these foods must be associated with a source of fat in the same meal, such as extra virgin olive oil. "Vitamin D is in fact a fat soluble vitamin: it is more easily absorbed by the intestine thanks to the presence of lipids".

Discover in the gallery the foods that have the most vitamin D

Coronavirus: we help our immune system with food – Italian Cuisine

Afraid of getting sick? Is there anything we can do to make our immune systems more responsive?

In the meantime, it should be remembered that a rested and un stressed body is stronger than that of those with rhythms of life that do not allow you to recover your energy.

The stress, in fact, it stimulates the production of cortisol, a hormone that, if it reaches excessive levels, can cause weight gain, insomnia and above all immune system malfunctions.

So the first tip is to try and reduce stress.

Then an excellent help to strengthen the body certainly comes from a healthy, correct and, in extraordinary cases, even a little targeted diet.

[Coronavirus: i 10 comportamenti importanti da tenere. Leggi il pezzo di Starbene]

A varied diet

First of all, for a correct prevention and a prompt recovery, the diet. More nutrition varies Possible is the first tool we have to stock up on all the elements necessary to preserve our health. Nutrition can support ours natural defenses and favor the intestinal well-being, organ on which the well-being of the whole organism depends.

Fill up on antioxidants

One of the most important elements in this regard are antioxidants.
There vitamin C (all foods rich in Vitaina C), as the Vitamin E, it is very important for our body.
In particular it is capable of strengthen us against viruses and bacteria. It is present in many foods, such as rucola, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, peppers.
Vitamin E, even if it accumulates in the body and therefore its supply should not be a problem, is very unstable, so it is easily dispersed. This is why we must take this into account, as we do not miss dried fruit, vegetable oils, wholemeal flours.

Minerals and fibers

Minerals and fibers are also essential.
Selenium is zinc they are two very useful minerals. If it is more difficult for selenium to identify the foods that contain it, because much depends on the soil, for it zinc instead we can say that legumes, cereals, dried fruit, fish and meat they are excellent sources of supply.
The fibers instead they feed ours good bacteria and contribute to the well-being of our intestines. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables must always be present in our diet because they improve the intestinal bacterial flora, or our health.

Use the oldest remedies

A simple and ancient cure (a bit like lemon) that proves to be very effective against the normal evils of the season, such as cough, cold is sinusitis, without side effects.
Are the suffumigi, also called garments, or inhalations of hot vapors, which give immediate relief in situations of stuffy nose or parainfluenza symptoms. The reason is simple; breathe in the vapors of boiling water in fact it facilitates fluidization nasal secretions e clears the respiratory tracteven more if essences or medicinal medicinal plants are mixed with hot water, which amplify its effects, creating effective synergies.

The best known and most widespread combination is that with baking soda or with coarse salt, why decongest the respiratory tract, "disinfecting”The nasal mucosa. Boil a pot full of water and add two tablespoons of baking soda, breathing in the hot vapors for about 10/15 minutes, covered with a towel to prevent heat loss.
However, depending on the prevalent symptoms, the choice of specific plants it can be functional to counteract the most annoying problem and improve general health.

For example, if the sensation of nasal closure prevails, the dense secretions, sinusitis, eucalyptus may prove to be one of the most effective essences. In fact, it has remarkable properties expectorant, balsamic is antibacterial. It can be found easily in the pharmacy, in the form of vials or effervescent tablets to be dissolved in boiling water, for inhalations, often accompanied by other balsamic essential oils, such as pine, rosemary.

If, on the other hand, the most annoying symptom isinflammation, it can help to use plants with proven results anti-inflammatory action, such as the mallow or soothing, like the chamomile. Flowers can be used, to be mixed directly in the water, or a few drops of essential oil, at one's discretion. Finally, if it is the cough that disturbs the most, the thymus can be the ideal choice. It is an excellent antiseptic and an effective remedy to calm the cough and relieve congestion in the respiratory tract.

The positive aspect of the suffixes is that they do not present particular contraindications or undesirable effects, although it is always better to ask your doctor during pregnancy and if other medications are taken at the same time. But one must arm oneself with patience, because it is a gentle therapy in which it is through constancy that results are obtained. Two / three suffumigi per day are essential to "unlock" the situation.

Elisa Nata
January 2019
updated in February 2020
by Barbara Roncarolo