Skip to main content
Search Results for “vitamin C,”

Now it’s Wild Garlic Season

Written by Sabine Häberlein on . Posted in Culture.

Spring has finally arrived, and a number of herbs are already stretching out towards the sun’s rays. In light forests we can now perceive a fine scent that comes from the green wild garlic fields. The time has come to harvest this versatile herb! The wild garlic smell is reminiscent of garlic, chives and onions and testifies to their relationship. They all belong to the amaryllis family and the leek subfamily. Wild garlic allegedly got its name from bears who, after hibernating, were said to have eaten this herb in large quantities to stimulate their digestive tract. This herb with the garlic-like taste not only enriches our spring menu. It also provides valuable ingredients such as potassium, iron and vitamin C as well as various secondary plant substances that are responsible for the healing properties of the leek plant. Similar to garlic, wild garlic has an antihypertensive, digestive, detoxifying and diverting effect. It probably even prevents atherosclerosis. Bear’s garlic contains the sulfur-containing amino acid Allin. When the plant is cut or rubbed, enzymes convert this protein component into leek oil (allicin), which has an antibiotic effect. On the wild garlic hunt The best time to hunt wild garlic is between March and May. You can also harvest it when it is already in bloom. But before flowering, all the power of the plant is in the leaves and it tastes best. When harvesting, one should be careful and harvest individual leaves without a stem with a ceramic knife. Only a few plants have to be cut off from a single spot in order to preserve the stand. Very important: take a good look at the harvested crop and rule out any mix-ups. Because autumn crocus, lilies of the valley and arum are poisonous look-alikes that sometimes sneak into the wild garlic carpet. However, if you are careful you can easily tell them apart. Relying only on the smell doesn’t help. If you have picked up some wild garlic leaves, everything smells like garlic. So it’s better to pay attention to the clear characteristics: With wild garlic, each leaf comes out of the ground with its own petiole. It is matte on the back and has a distinct vein of leaves and parallel leaf veins. The leaf of the arum also has its own petiole, but the leaf veins run like a network. The leaves are more rounded. The autumn crocus develops a shoot with several leaves on a stem – without a distinct petiole.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Collagen Capsules and Powder from Glow25

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

It is always said that true beauty comes from within. And when it comes to smooth skin and firm connective tissue, collagen plays an important role. After all, it is the most abundant protein in the human body. The amino acids not only give it elasticity, stability and resilience, but also bind moisture.This in turn makes the skin appear plump and smooth. Last but not least, collagen ensures full hair and strong nails. Unfortunately, the body’s own production decreases from the age of 25. But can capsules and powders really catch that? Stir and swallow I ordered both from Glow25. I should add 1-2 tablespoons of the collagen hydrolyzate (from controlled cattle farming) to shakes, smoothies or soups every day. Some also stir it into their coffee. But I don’t want to spoil the taste. Better my green smoothie is now enriched with the powder every day in the morning, because you can hardly taste it. In addition, I take two capsules at noon and in the evening and drink a large glass of water with them. The capsules are enriched with hyaluronic acid, pomegranate extract and vitamin C. Studies show that the body needs enough vitamin C so that it can use the collagen it supplies. It is a so-called cofactor to incorporate the individual collagen building blocks into the complex structures. More power with yoga Nothing happens for the first few weeks. But after four weeks I notice that my skin on the face and body looks smoother and, above all, dry areas have disappeared. The nails are also much stronger. What strikes me especially after another two weeks of taking collagen is that I am more flexible when doing yoga. I can easily manage the “crow” now. Even after a long, strenuous tour on foot or by bike, my muscles and joints recover much faster. Nothing cracks anymore. Collagen Power (460 Gramm) und Collagen Capsule (180 Stück) from Glow25, each 29.99 Euro… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Secret du Dragon Lip Serum“ from Okoko Cosmétiques 

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Lips to kiss – that was the announcement of the press agency, which sent me the “Dragon’s Blood” lip serum to try out. And then a blue pencil twists out of the pure white case. I am sure nobody wants to kiss blue lips. So, to be on the safe side, I first tested the colour on the side of my hand. Not a hint of blue! But where does the blue color of the stick come from? All natural, confirms the manufacturer. No artificial coloring. It owes its bright blue appearance to the blue tansy in combination with blue spirulina algae, whose job it is to regenerate dry, chapped lips. The highly concentrated lip serum contains other repair substances such as dragon blood extract, oribga oils, moisturizing extracts of tomato, prickly pear and broccoli. Pure nature lip serum I find the term serum a bit misleading because it is used to imagine something liquid. The pen is just the opposite. Rather hard to apply, especially in colder outside temperatures. A natural product! But this is not uncomfortable because it stimulates the blood circulation in the skin of the lips. Slightly warmed, the texture becomes supple and leaves a pleasant, well-groomed feeling on the lips without shining penetratingly. In times of Corona and FFP2, I am grateful for that. „Secret du Dragon Lip Serum“ from Okoko Cosmétiques, 4 ml, 45 Euro. Order via GenuineSelection… weiterlesen

Fasting Is Not Only Good For Your Figure

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Especially in times of the coronavirus it is important to strengthen the immune system. And here it helps, in addition to vitamins, coenzymes, etc., to repeatedly insert phases in which food intake is reduced. In addition to new power for the immune system, you also lose a few pounds and the anti-aging process is set in motion. Nobody has to fast in the classic way and completely do without any food. Interval fasting or sham fasting are ideal methods that can be easily integrated into everyday life. The president of the German Society of Anti-Aging Medicine (GSAAM) Prof. Bernd Kleine-Gunk explains how they work. Right now it’s especially important to stay healthy. What can I do to strengthen my immune system? We are currently going through a difficult situation. The lockdown does not have a positive effect on our immune system. Many of us work in the Homeoffice, sports studios and swimming pools are closed. You can’t fly to the Canary Islands quickly to soak up the sun. This means that, for example, the vitamin D level, which is extremely important for our immune system, drops. But it also means that we spend more in closed rooms than outside in fresh air. The heating air lets our mucous membranes dry out; viruses have an easy time. Many experts nowaday recommend fasting This is actually the case and we can now also prove through studies that fasting phases stimulate the regeneration processes in the body. In this so-called autophagy cell waste is broken down. This means that old or damaged cells are finally disposed of. This not only strengthens the immune system, but also sets anti-aging mechanisms in motion, and by the way, a few pounds drop off. How exactly does it work? There are basically three factors that make fasting so positive for us. First of all, the gastrointestinal tract is extremely important for our immune system. It is a dangerous barrier for us, because whateverfood we eat gets into our body – also germs, viruses, bacteria, fungi, toxins etc. If you fast, the intestine – and thus a large part of the immune system – is relieved of its task. You also have to know that a large army of immune cells and red blood cells are constantly needed on the intestinal wall to ensure that nothing goes wrong there. However, if these are not needed there, for example because no food is being consumed, they can work in other places, such as in the lungs.… weiterlesen

Für Sie getestet: „Long Lashes“ von Dr. Massing

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Ich verwende öfter mal ein Wimpernserum, wenn ich finde, dass meine Wimpern wieder mal einen Push gebrauchen können. Ich habe auch schon mehrere Produkte getestet. Die meisten waren Flops, und die, die gewirkt haben, enthielten Bimatoprost aus der Gruppe der Prostaglandine, also ein Gewebshormon, das zur Glaukom-Behandlung (Grüner Star) eingesetzt wird. Das Wimpernwachstum war dabei ein Nebeneffekt. So kam die Kosmetik-Industrie überhaupt auf die Idee, daraus ein Wimpernserum zu entwickelt. Das nur nebenbei. Jedenfalls wollte ich es diesmal mit einer pflanzlichen Alternative versuchen. „Long Lashes“ von Dr. Massing fiel mir auf, weil es hormonfrei und vegan ist. Enthalten sind Arginine (Aminosäuren), verschiedene Peptide, Milchsäure, Hyaluronsäure, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Biotin (Vitamin H), Extrakte von Silberzwiebel, Gartenerbsen, Sumpf-Helmkraut, Lärchen, Soja- und Weizenkeim. Und das soll meine Wimpern auf Trab bringen? Na schön… Let it grow Ich beginne mit der Anwendung zweimal am Tag und trage das Serum entlang des oberen Lidrands auf. Den dünnen Pinsel gut abstreichen von beiden Seiten, dann reicht die Menge für beide Augen. Morgens wende ich es fünf Minuten bevor ich meine Wimpern tusche an und abends 15 Minuten vor dem Zubettgehen, so dass es genügend Zeit zum Einwirken hat. Zum Abschminken verzichte ich wie empfohlen auf Entferner, die Öle oder Silikone enthalten, um die Wirkung des Wachstum-Boosters nicht zu beeinträchtigen. Nach 14 Tagen sollen bereits Ergebnisse sichtbar sein. Bei mir Fehlanzeige. Doch ich bleibe dran, vielleicht befinden sich die meisten meiner Wimpern gerade in der Ruhephase. Tatsächlich, nach vier Wochen sprießen immer mehr längere Härchen. Vorerst nach sternförmig vereinzelt. Nach acht Wochen ist der Wimpernkranz gefüllt und deutlich länger. Trotzdem sieht es immer noch natürlich aus und gar nicht puppig. Ich habe auch das Gefühl, dass die einzelnen Härchen kräftiger sind und die Wimpern mehr Volumen haben, heißt, dass weniger gleichzeitig ausfallen. Das Serum reicht bis zu sechs Monaten. In letzter Zeit trage ich es nur noch einmal täglich auf, um das schöne Ergebnis zu erhalten. „Long Lash“ von Dr. Massing, 3 ml, ca 50 Euro… weiterlesen

Tested for You: “Revitalising body milk” from LediBelle

Written by Corinna von Bassewitz on . Posted in #me.

As with many women, my skin is sensitive in winter due to dry air inside or cold temperatures outside. Especially on the shins it scales and itches. You can of course get an ointment prescribed by your dermatologist. Or you can get a special care product that is available for sale. In my search for a product that could solve my winter problem, I came across the LediBelle brand. The natural cosmetics with the main active ingredients goat’s whey and Jacob’s spring water are manufactured in the Swiss canton of Appenzell, where goat’s whey has been a remedy for skin health for centuries. In the past – I did some research – the by-product of cheese production was used in Appenzell in healing baths. The lactic acid it contains, as the old people knew, has a slightly acidic PH value, which helps to regenerate the skin and strengthen the protective acid barrier. In addition goat’s whey contains a number of important vitamins, which benefit the skin and natural coenzyme Q10, which is known to support cell growth and cell renewal. Will I smell like goat’s cheese? Well then, I’ll try that, I thought and went to the perfumery to get the LediBelle body milk. But what also went through my mind: Hopefully I won’t smell like goat’s cheese after using it. Lesson number one: The lotion smells pleasantly – watch out for the cliché! – like freshly washed laundry dried in crisp mountain air. Finding number two: After only three applications, the scaly areas disappeared and the skin became velvety soft and supple. Lesson number three: all LediBelle products contain goat’s whey from animals from sustainable pasture farming, the tubes and pump dispensers are made of recycled plastic and comply 100% with the PET standard, and FSC-certified paper is used for the outer packaging. Healthy skin without guilty conscience, what more is there to desire? “Revitalising body milk” from LediBelle, 200ml, approx. 19 Euro… weiterlesen

Fit and Fabulous in 2021: 
Transforming Your Wellness Goals

Written by Ms Brown on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Trying times can wreak havoc on our physical and emotional health, and this can take a toll on our quality of life, making us feel older than our true age. Fortunately, we have the ability to make changes in our lives to improve our overall wellness. We can effectively transform our health and fitness through research-based methods and create lasting results. Culture and Cream offers the following guidance on how to stay fit and fabulous. Benefits of Fitness Exercise and healthy eating can have dramatic effects on how your body feels and functions. Some experts have said that exercise alone can act as a fountain of youth by restoring our bodies’ ability to rejuvenate cells. The key is frequency and variety; people who routinely treat their bodies to exercise and healthy foods have better long-term outcomes than those who engage sporadically. The Four Components of Exercise The National Institute on Aging advises that your exercise routine consists of movements that will build on the areas of endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. Engaging in activities that promote these four areas of fitness improve a variety of health outcomes that bode well for a long, healthy life. Endurance and strength-building exercises ensure greater systems-functioning (digestion, circulatory and cardiovascular). Incorporating balance and flexibility movements increases body stability and agility. Food and Wellness There is no doubt about the importance of nutrition for a healthy mind and body. Our bodies require basic nutrients to survive, but if we wish to thrive, we should pay attention to the quality of the foods we consume. Foods with a greater nutritional value offer our bodies more to work with; we use nutrients to fight off infection and keep our systems working optimally. Micro and Macronutrients Our bodies need foods from six categories: carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, fats, minerals and water. These categories offer micro and macronutrients that our bodies require for basic tasks of survival, and when we make healthy food choices in these varying categories, our bodies often yield the best results, including balanced blood sugar, healthy weight range, improved cardiac function and better energy levels. Ready, Set, Goals! Goal setting is a critical aspect of improving health outcomes. We may start out with a vague idea about wanting to be healthier, but we are more likely to follow through when we make a specific written commitment to do so. As you set health and fitness goals, ask yourself a key question before you write anything down such as “Why do I want to get healthier?”.… weiterlesen

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT…AND SO IS YOUR SKIN

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

THE GOOD It probably won’t surprise you that foods considered healthy for your body are also beneficial for your skin. Fresh fruits and vegetables, and certain fats in fish, nuts, and seeds will go a long way towards a glowing complexion. Here’s the lowdown on the must-eat nutrients & foods to eat for healthy skin: FRUITS AND VEGGIES A key part of creating your own best diet for skin health, is consuming enough fruit and vegetables. Fruit and veggies contain many vitamins and minerals essential in nutrition for healthy skin. Here are some of the key nutrients & what they do, along with what foods to eat for good skin: Skin benefits of Vitamin A: There are many Vitamin A benefits for skin, such as:– Heals damaged skin– Moderates oil production and moisture levels– Improves hyperpigmentation– Stimulates collagen production– Prevents breakouts– Reduces the chance of certain kinds of skin cancer. Skin benefits of Vitamin C: Also known as ascorbic acid, there are many vitamin c benefits for skin contained in this powerful antioxidant:– Neutralizes free radicals– Repairs damaged skin cells (including UV damage)– Improves skin tone two ways: lightens hyperpigmentation and inhibits melanin production Red peppers: lots of Vitamin C Brussels sprouts: Vitamin C & antioxidantsBlueberries: Vitamin C and antioxidantsMangoes: Vitamins A, C, and B6, which is said to reduce excess oilCarrots: Beta carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in your liverTomatoes: Lycopene, an antioxidant that helps fight UV damageSweet potatoes (with skin on): Beta carotene, magnesium (has anti-inflammatory agents) and fiber GOOD FATS (OILS, SEEDS, AND NUTS) Certain fatty acids are the building blocks of our body–including our skin. Good fats also help your body absorb essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, E and K. MONOUNSATURATED FATS What they do: Some monounsaturated fat benefits include helping the water level in the epidermis, and supply the ceramides (fatty acid compounds) that keep skin healthy and intact.There are many foods high in monounsaturated fat, and some excellent sources of monounsaturated fats include:Peanut oilCanola oilAvocadosMost nutsHigh-oleic safflower & sunflower oils.Olive oil is the king of the monounsaturated fat family–it also contains antioxidants, and modest amounts of Vitamins E and K.Studies show that women who eat more vegetables and olive oil have better skin protection against damage from UV exposure.  POLYUNSATURATED FATS There are two main types of polyunsaturated fats: omega-3 and omega-6. Many people are familiar with omega 3 benefits and the many fish oil benefits for health and skin.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Hillinger Cosmetics „Sauvignon Masque“

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

The name raises expectations. But anyone who thinks that the typical fruity note of a Sauvignon Blanc rises into their noses with the cream mask on their face will be disappointed. You better grab a bottle of Sauvignon from the famous Austrian winemaker Leo Hillinger. Incidentally, he is exactly who is behind the new organic cosmetic line (www. whenvinaturals.com/en). To do this, he not only processes the grapes themselves, but also everything that the vine provides in terms of goodies – from the buds to the pips to the grape water. From the texture of the mask you can only smell a slightly sour wine note with imagination. But the smell is ultimately not decisive for such a product, the effect is much more important. The most important ingredient is resveratrol, a polyphenol from the skin of red grapes, which stimulates cells and has a firming effect. It is supported by other polyphenols such as oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), which are considered to be one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. In addition, organic grape seed oil and water, grape seed and bud extract. So smooth The mask is light and creamy on the skin. After just a few minutes, my skin “swallowed” them in various places on the cheeks and the forehead where the skin is especially dry. After 15 minutes it is almost completely absorbed. My skin is obviously very thirsty. I remove the few remaining cream residues with a paper towel. The mirror check: the complexion looks well supplied with blood and looks plump. The finger check: the skin feels soft and nourished thanks to care and moisturizing substances such as natural hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, evening primrose oil, vitamins E and C. „Sauvignon Masque“ von Hillinger Cosmetics, 75ml, ca. 20 Euro… weiterlesen

Tested for you: M.Asam „Retinol Intense Bakuchiol Oil Gel Mask“

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Ever heard of Bakuchiol? It is THE trendy ingredient in skin care and the herbal alternative to retinol. As a reminder: Retinol, the pure vitamin A acid, is considered by dermatologists to be one of the most effective active ingredients. In a way, it is a miracle weapon for the complexion. It smoothes and refines the skin, strengthens the tissue structure and helps with pigment spots. Bakuchiol is the gentle alternative from nature. It is also said to have a high antioxidant effect, which protects the skin from free radicals that promote premature skin aging. The active ingredient is obtained from the seeds of the Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia). Ayurveda and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) have been using them for centuries as natural remedies for numerous skin problems. Bakuchiol is also becoming increasingly popular with us. It is also the main active ingredient in the “oil-gel mask”. An unfamiliar texture for a face mask. A very special texture When opening the jar, I have some difficulties because the protective film sits tight and is only removable in bits and pieces. Then it is finally exposed, the golden yellow gel texture. Kind of reminds me of honey, but it doesn’t stick. It is also firm enough that it does not melt when you pick it up with a spatula. The rich texture is easy to spread on the face, neck and décolleté, which has been naturally cleaned beforehand. I leave the eye area free. A slight feeling of warmth spreads across the skin. Not uncomfortable, but clearly noticeable. The ideal winter product! I leave the oil mask on for 10 minutes while I do a quick manicure. Works well because the oil-gel texture doesn’t drip from the face. When removed with lukewarm water, it turns into a milky cream. The skin that appears underneath is rosy – not to say slightly reddened. But that goes away quickly. The complexion looks plump and smooth like after an intensive treatment at the beautician. Lines and wrinkles appear minimized. However, a slight feeling of tension soon becomes noticeable on my skin. Time for serum and cream. However, I do not use another product with retinol, as it is in my night cream. It could become too much for my skin. M.Asam „Retinol Intense Bakuchiol Oil Gel Mask“ , 100 ml, ca 30 Euro Aufmacherphoto: Anna Gorbacheva@iStock… weiterlesen