Skip to main content
Search Results for “vitamin C,

Polyphenols, The Secret Power Of Olives

Everyone always talks about vitamins, minerals and trace elements when it comes to health and healthy nutrition. But polyphenols, i.e. secondary plant compounds, have much more power. What hardly anyone knows is that they are particularly abundant in olive press water, whose health aspect was only researched a few years ago. Secondary plant compounds, as the name suggests, are found exclusively in plants. Polyphenols are the most important group. They are mainly found in the marginal layers of fruits, vegetables and grains, where they provide the color and flavor of the food. But that is by no means all. These bioactive substances mainly serve as a defense against pests and insects and offer the plant protection against UV light. Whole grains, vegetables and many fruits, including olives or berries, are particularly abundant in polyphenols. “Under the term polyphenols, scientists summarize a variety of substances,” explains Sabine Häberlein, graduate nutritionist (Dipl. oec. troph.) and herbal expert (essen-einfach-anders.de) in Munich. “Common to them is a chemical structure: the phenol ring. To these secondary plant materials count for example also the Flavanoid Quercetin (particularly much contained in yellow onions and in kale). the flavanoids anthocyanins (red fruits and vegetables), phenolic acids (kale, whole wheat), hydroxycinnamic acid caffeic acid (coffee, potato, lemon balm), curcumin (turmeric), capsaicin (chili), coumarins (woodruff, cassia cinnamon) and phytoestrogens (soybeans, cereals, red clover).” Acqua mora as the Italians call it However, it is not the olive itself that contains the largest proportion of the power substance, but the vegetation water that is produced during pressing or oil production. In the past, it was disposed of as a waste product. Gianni from the Lo Franco family, who founded the Fattoria La Vialla near Arezzo and thus introduced biodynamic farming to Italy, says: “Our most important discovery was that the otherwise unnoticed vegetation water of the olives is not a waste product of oil production, but a valuable, very healthy by-product. Our great-grandmother Caterina always knew that. She liked to tell how good the olive water did her, the dark and bitter ‘acqua mora’ as it is called in Italy.” Bitter elixir of health Every year from mid-October to early December, the oil mill at the Fattoria never stands still. Day and night the freshly harvested olives are pressed within 6-12 hours. For some years now, the vegetation water from the olives and their pit is collected during pressing. A centrifuge separates it from the oil.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Brand new! Lipsticks from IKA

Normally lipsticks are in black, gold or silver tubes. IKA, the new lipsticks from the Netherlands surprise already by their appearance: They are a real eye-catcher, bright yellow outside and exclusively red inside! They come in three cool red shades and a Glow Balm. And all products are vegan. “CALL THE SHOTS” is a fiery cherry red. With “YOU GOT THIS” you get the ultimate, classic red and “LEVEL UP” shows itself as a strong brick red. IKA founder Kristina Cueva says, “IKA wants to help you have the courage to stand by yourself and your beauty. With the right lipstick, you can shine all day, every day. More than any other color, red can make you feel invincible.“ Why the 39-year-old Filipina, who studied Biomedical Sciences at Maastricht University, has focused exclusively on red lips with her brand IKA is rooted in her own story: “I myself have experienced what a red lipstick can do to you and I want to share this experience with the women of the world.” Lipstick: red suits every woman Depending on your mood at the moment, you decide on your red from the IKA line. You don’t have to puzzle for a long time whether the chosen shade suits you, because all red shades are designed to suit every woman and every skin type. The lipsticks are highly pigmented yet nourishing thanks to botanical oil and vitamin E, which also has an antioxidant effect. Bidens pilosa extract supports the elasticity of the lips, while hyaluronic acid provides the moisturizing effect. In fact, the light and comfortable cream formula glides smoothly over the lips, leaving a satiny, creamy finish of good durability, The color on the lips feels light and comfortable. A lip balm as it should be If I ever need a break from red or my lips are calling for a particularly intensive care unit, I use the Glow Balm from IKA in the color Selfcare. This is a lightly tinted old pink, which supports the own lip color. The balm is a successful mixture of serum and tinted balm, which give the lips a natural rosy glow. The ingredients of the bam are 90% natural origin and focused exclusively on care, nourish and moisturize as the Nutrimoist Complex with its carefully selected oils. Shea Butter, which has an additional barrier-boosting effect. Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) stimulates collagen production. And last but not least, vitamin E and avocado oil unfold a skin-protecting antioxidant effect.… weiterlesen

Is A Gastric Balloon The Solution For A Dream Body?

What you should know about a gastric balloon? A large part of society in affluent countries suffers from an almost undeniable excess weight. At the same time, many households have already tried various diets and exercise programs – usually with moderate success. Who looks for assistance, lands therefore often with the stomach balloon. A gastric balloon has the effect of contributing to a faster feeling of satiety during eating. “However, it should not be seen as a panacea,” says nutrition coach Jan Bahmann. Because as popular as this therapy may be, it rarely leads to lasting success. In this article, the weight loss coach explains the opportunities and risks of the procedure. This is how the gastric balloon helps Those who decide to have a gastric balloon inserted should be aware of the following: they are choosing a minor surgical procedure that often costs between 3,000 and 4,000 euros. The choice should therefore be well thought out from a financial point of view. Many of those affected hope that this measure will enable them to achieve a feeling of satiety more quickly in the future and thus eat less. In fact, the plastic ball inserted in the stomach ensures that the volume of the stomach is significantly reduced. Food intake is then only possible in small quantities. In this way, a calorie deficit is created, which causes excess pounds to melt away. Important nutrients get lost Usually, the first successes are achieved relatively quickly, and the desired weight loss can be seen on the scales. But beware: the reduced amount of food eaten usually also means that the daily requirement for vitamins, trace elements and minerals is barely covered. Because if you eat less, you are always deleting vital building blocks from your diet. The first symptoms of a nutrient deficit can take the form of fatigue, lack of energy or headaches and dizziness. They must not be ignored, otherwise they will actually result in damage to health. Progress is followed by a step backward Initial progress is followed by rapid regression. Regardless of the nutrients, many sufferers experience a new sense of life in the first few weeks when their body weight drops. If the inserted plastic balloon is then removed from the stomach again after six months because it is not resistant to stomach acid, most of those affected gain weight again. The reason: Many people with a gastric balloon have relied on its help with eating for too long.… weiterlesen

Glycation: Don’t Let Yourself Get Sugared Up!

Scientists call glycation the “saccharification” of tissue components. In the skin, collagen and elastin are particularly affected. Stiffened fibers mean that the skin visibly loses tone and elasticity, especially in the areas of the cheeks and chin, and ages more quickly overall. An effective means of reversing this process does not yet exist – although some cosmetics manufacturers promise it. One small consolation: prevention can prevent worse. Glycation? How does it actually occur? Chemically, the body reacts with proteins or lipids and forms so-called AGEs (Advanced Glycation Endproducts). We don’t even have to constantly snack on sweets to do this. We absorb the glycation end products mainly via glucose and fructose, but also in fried, grilled, roasted or baked food. The AGEs are mainly contained in the brown outer layer that forms when food is heated, such as roast skin or bread crust. Even with burnt milk, a reaction of protein and fat molecules with sugar molecules, i.e. glycation, takes place. This was proven by the French biochemist Louis Maillard in 1912. The same process takes place in our organism when excessive amounts of sugar enter the bloodstream. The only difference is that it happens much more slowly than in an overheated milk pot, because our body temperature is also lower. The fact that blood sugar shoots up during an overload of sweets is due to the fact that this excess cannot be excreted via the kidneys. Glycation damages the organism AGEs not only cause the skin to age faster. Hyperglycemia triggers a wide variety of diseases. It promotes cardiovascular disease by clogging the arteries. It is also involved in diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis and chronic kidney disease. Increased AGE concentrations have even been detected in cataracts and in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. But back to the skin. There, the sugar-protein compounds coat the collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, these structural proteins stiffen and lose their ability to form healthy, new cells. As a result, fine lines and wrinkles remain visible because the skin can no longer compensate for them naturally and also stores less moisture. It looks sallower and overall older, less firm and elastic. The dreaded sagging also sets in much earlier than biologically intended. Check for the glycemic index The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends a daily sugar ration for adults that does not exceed five percent of the total calories. This corresponds, for example, to two apples, or one apple plus 100 grams of berries, 200 grams of whole grain rice.… weiterlesen

Osteoarthritis – These Foods Prevent Diseases

Diseases such as osteoarthritis and diabetes are not only occurring much more frequently, they are also affecting younger and younger people. Among other things, this can be attributed to an increasingly unhealthy lifestyle. Certain foods can protect the body from diseases. You can find out what these are here. He is not only an expert of osteoarthritis. Daniel Harbs is a doctor who specializes in good nutrition. He is sure that you can not only support your own body with the right diet, but even prevent diseases. He also proves this in his book “Immune, fit and healthy – without medication”. He says: “There are not only foods that can trigger diseases. Other foods, for example, have an anti-inflammatory effect and thus provide relief from osteoarthritis.“ Osteoarthritis – definition and physiological causes Our joints wear out over time: The cartilage in the joints, which cushions movements and prevents bones from rubbing against each other, declines with age, while the production of synovial fluid decreases. If the wear and tear progresses too quickly, this has painful consequences – osteoarthritis develops. Such wear and tear is associated with a limited range of motion and pain during certain movements of the joint. If this is not counteracted in time, the effectiveness of non-surgical treatment options declines until a joint prosthesis is the last option. But this can be prevented by proper nutrition and the intake of important vitamins and minerals. Relief and prevention through substances that occur naturally in the body Although the wear and tear of the joints cannot be prevented entirely, everyone can slow it down considerably by taking certain measures. It doesn’t always have to be the dreaded “drug cudgel”. Rather, natural, endogenous substances can provide relief and prevent the development of symptoms. Hyaluronic acid plays a key role in this process. It is part of the synovial fluid and is normally produced in the cartilage and synovial membrane. If production decreases, hyaluronic acid can be injected into the joint or ingested via food and dietary supplements. Medical preparations against arthrosis – what to consider In such products, hyaluronic acid is usually offered in combination with other active ingredients such as chondroitin and glucosamine, which also counteract osteoarthritis. For example, chondroitin promotes collagen synthesis and the formation of the body’s own hyaluronic acid, while glucosamine regulates inflammatory processes and prevents cartilage recession. To ensure that these substances reach the joint in the best possible way, they should be taken as sulfate compounds.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: New trend – lip oil „Huile à lèvres“ from Typlogy

I want to be honest: colored lip oils have never been my thing. Either I use lipstick or I use lip care. And when I wear lipstick, I want to have color on my lips that lasts longer than half an hour, if possible. That’s why I don’t wear lip gloss. When I do use lip care, it’s usually in the evening when I go to bed, and I don’t need color there. Why I test the lip oil “Huile à lèvres” from Typology anyway? Because all the world is now suddenly raving about colored lip oil (even Lady Gaga to promote her own), and I already find the tinted serum of the young French cosmetics company good. As a Red Lips Addict, I test of course the color “Ruby Red”. And here is my lip oil test. Sure, with a normal lipstick the oil can not keep up. But the color shimmers beautifully transparent. You do not look as if you had eaten too much of the jam. The result is particularly beautiful if you contour the lips beforehand – I always do this in a neutral lip tone that traces the contour but does not stand out. What I like right away: Unlike lip gloss, the oil does not feel sticky. It spreads delicately and does not look fluffy. But shines beautifully. And even after some time, the lips still feel nice and supple, not soggy-oily – thanks to nourishing active ingredients such as jojoba oil (a wax), squalane and vitamin E. Of course, you also sometimes lick over it, and even then it is not unpleasantly oily in the mouth. My bottom line. I am more the “bold lips” type – BUT: The lip oil has surprised me positively. And I use it, for example, to let my lipstick shine even better. It also works to intensify “chewed off” lip color in between again. Or: If you press on a tissue briefly after application, a gentle, matte hint of color remains on the lips. Also nice. „Huile à lèvres“ from Typlogy, US$ 23,90 (in four colors and one colorless)… weiterlesen

Rosacea: When the cheeks unintentionally redden…

With blush we make up rosy cheeks or use it for contouring. But if the cheeks already look red when no makeup is on, this is rather undesirable. Then the redness of the skin is a freak of nature that cannot be wiped away as easily as makeup. Doctors call it rosacea. If you search for #rosazea on Instagram, 7.3 thousand entries pop up, and under the other spelling #rosacea, there are even 596 thousand. However, that is only a fraction of sufferers, and the bravest at that. Because many women would never flaunt their rosacea in public. They heavily use a covering foundation or BB cream, just so that the rosacea is not visible. You could call it a widespread disease if you look at the official figures: In Germany, about 10 million people suffer from it, worldwide there are about 415 million. The chronic skin disease is almost exclusively limited to the face with emphasis on the nose, cheeks and chin. Typical of rosacea are sudden skin reddenings, so-called flushes, which can also be persistent. In addition, poplars (inflamed nodules) and pustules (pus-filled pimples) may appear. Later, skin thickening may also develop, leading to a bulbous nose, as well as inflamed eyes (ocular rosacea). A developed rosacea could almost be mistaken for acne. “The big difference to acne, however, is that rosacea does not cause blackheads,” explains Munich dermatologist Dr. Timm Golueke. “A very slight rosacea can sometimes already start with couperosis or the mere tendency to turn red. One speaks then of rosacea grade 1, if later papules and pustules are added, it has reached grade 2.“ What differ couperosis from rosacea? Experts are still debating whether couperosis and rosacea are two different skin diseases or whether they have the same causes. However, the majority of researchers refer to couperosis as a precursor or early stage of rosacea and not as a disease in its own right. No matter how you judge it, the symptoms are the same at the beginning: dilated veins on the face, a visible redness of the cheeks. They are most common in lighter skin types with blond or reddish hair (Celtic skin type). More women than men are affected, and then often from the age of 30. But what are the causes? A hereditary predisposition is suspected, combined with a weakness of the connective tissue. Therefore, it is hardly possible to prevent couperose, unless you want to limit your lifestyle as a preventive measure.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Exfoliation „Masque Exfoliant Enzymatique“ from Sisley

Exfoliation – In my opinion, an indispensable step in the skin care routine. It is known that the epidermis regenerates according to a cell renewal cycle that lasts an average of 28 days. The keratinocytes that reside in the epidermis gradually migrate to the surface of the skin to the horny layer. There they become dead cells, the so-called corneocytes, and give the complexion a sallow and dull appearance. The natural degradation process can be accelerated by exfoliation and clarifies the skin’s appearance. Therefore, once or twice a week should be peeling time after the usual facial cleansing. Now I am not a friend of aggressive rubbing grains. I prefer it soft, but intense. That’s why an enzymatic peeling is just right for me. The skin is freed from dead skin flakes just by the power of the enzymes contained. Exfoliation deluxe The “Masque Exfoliant Enzymatique” is, as the name suggests, something very special. It comes in the form of a fine, lightweight, white powder that turns into a creamy mass only upon contact with water. Its key ingredient is papain, an enzyme that occurs naturally in high concentrations in the still greenish skin and seeds of the fruit papaya, from which it is extracted. It has a natural exfoliating effect on the skin by breaking down the bonds between the dead skin cells that have accumulated on the surface. In this way, the dead horny flakes are removed immediately. Added to this are surfactants, also of plant origin, obtained from glycine and coconut. They cause the powder to turn into a foaming, cleansing cream when water is added. In addition, vitamin B3 frees the skin from the unsightly gray haze and makes it visibly radiant. One minute reaction time In a minute to a more radiant complexion – that suites my impatient mind very much. I take a teaspoon-sized amount of the white powder from the round bottle and sprinkle it directly into my palm. Then I add some water and mix it with my fingertips until I get a creamy mask. Don’t use too much water the first time. Rather add more if necessary, because otherwise the texture will be too liquid. Then I apply a thin but closed layer on the face and neck, leaving the eye area free. I use a wide mask brush for this because I like the delicate feel on the skin, but you can work just as well with your fingers.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Face Mist „Radiant Protection Mist“ from Royal Fern

I use a facial spray all year round because it’s a good moisture booster and settles makeup. But especially in summer, I’m especially grateful to have a small bottle handy in my handbag. At the moment, I like to reach for “Radiant Protection Mist” by Royal Fern. It promises not only more glow, but also protection against environmental pollution and the Blue Light from computer and smartphone. A face mist for all occasions I have been using the new spray for quite some time in the morning over my day care, on hot days in between, on the plane or before a Zoom meeting when the complexion needs an update. It is a facemist that not only promises glow, protection and moisture for the skin, but also keeps its promise. And this is what Dr. Timm Golueke, founder of Royal Fern Anti-Aging Skincare, says. „”You can also still incorporate the face mist into your skincare routine: Used between your different skincare steps, the spray maximizes the effectiveness of your skincare products. Especially if you use products with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, they can penetrate better into the skin.“ Like the Munich dermatologist’s entire herbal skin care line, the face mist contains Royal Fern Complex. It has an antioxidant effect, reduces inflammation and contributes to overall healthy skin. Other potent active ingredients include Centella Asiatica, a powerful antioxidant and a rich source of amino acids. For protection against Blue Light provides butterfly ginger and hyaluronic acid moisturizes the skin and visually reduces fine lines and wrinkles. As an additional moisturizer, polyglutamic acid lays on the upper layer of the skin, replenishes and locks in cell moisture. The skin texture appears smoother and more even. „Radiant Protection Mist“ from Royal Fern, 30 ml, 54 $ lead photo by blackday @shutterstock… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Eye Patches“ von Hydeep

Microneedling is an extremely popular anti-aging treatment to smooth wrinkles. It involves treating the skin with a small, needle-pointed dermaroller. However, it should be done very carefully on the eye. The “Eye Patches” from Hydeep are different. They are specially designed for the eye area and provide an anti-fatigue effect. The patches are studded with 900 tiny, self-dissolving microneedles and filled with 17 mg of highly effective power ingredients. Through the tiny needles, these substances are delivered directly into the epidermis to deeply nourish the skin. The treatment is supposed to be painless. But needles and painless. Is that even possible? I want to experience it on my own eye area. Eye patches with 900 microneedles First I clean the eye area and pat dry, then I tear open the pink outer packaging. Inside is a transparent cassette with the two eye patches. They measure about 5.4 cm x 2.2 cm each. I open them and carefully remove the white protective stickers without touching or even hurting the microstructure with the “needles”. These are virtually invisible to the naked eye. No wonder, because each of the microneedles measures only about 90 micrometers and is thus as thin as a human hair. I carefully hold the patches between two fingertips and place them with the narrower side facing inward just below the lower lash line. For two minutes, I’m supposed to apply gentle pressure to the patches to activate the needles so they release their active ingredients. It doesn’t hurt, but until the microneedles dissolve, I feel a tingling sensation under the patches. Meanwhile, the six power ingredients such as pure and cross-linked hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, niacinamide (vitamin B3), caffeine and the anti-wrinkle peptide AHP-8 are released and delivered deep into the skin. Anti-fatigue effect The patches are supposed to work for about four hours. I use them during the day while sitting at the computer. But you can also leave them on overnight. Twice a week is recommended. When I peel off the thin sheets after four hours, I notice that the skin underneath looks smoother and more rested. After several applications, the effect even lasts a few days. By the way, the patches are cruelty free, free of fragrances, parabens and mineral oil. Once used can not use them again, because the microstructures dissolve completely in the skin when used correctly and thus are no longer effective afterwards. “Eye Patches” by Hydeep, package for 4 applications, 59,95 Euro… weiterlesen