Foods

Kefir: Benefits, How to Make It and How to Consume It Properly IMPORTANT: Kefir is generally a safe and very well-tolerated food, but there are a few situations in which it should be consumed with caution. People with a severely compromised immune system (after organ transplants, during chemotherapy, with advanced AIDS) should talk to their doctor before consuming live fermented foods. Those with severe lactose intolerance may feel discomfort at first, although kefir contains far less lactose than fresh milk. People with autoimmune bowel conditions (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) in an acute flare should introduce kefir gradually and under supervision. If you are on important medication, keep in mind that fermented foods can influence the flora that metabolizes certain substances. Kefir does not replace medical treatment and does not cure diseases; it is a health-supporting food, not a medicine. ...

Sea Buckthorn: The Queen of Vitamin C, Benefits, Uses and How to Consume It IMPORTANT: Sea buckthorn is a generally safe and highly valuable food, but it is not a cure-all. The raw berries are intensely acidic and may irritate a sensitive stomach or aggravate gastritis, acid reflux, or an active ulcer. People with gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, or acute liver conditions should consume sea buckthorn cautiously and only after consulting a doctor, since it stimulates bile secretion. Pregnant or breastfeeding women may consume ordinary culinary amounts of sea buckthorn, but it is wise to avoid concentrated supplements and internal oil without medical advice. Sea buckthorn never replaces a prescribed treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical care in serious illness. If you take anticoagulants, blood pressure medication, or diabetes medication, talk to your doctor, as sea buckthorn may slightly influence blood pressure, blood sugar, and clotting. ...

Sesame Seeds: Benefits, a Source of Calcium and How to Eat Them IMPORTANT: Sesame seeds are a safe and nourishing food for most people, but they are one of the officially recognized food allergens. People allergic to sesame must avoid them entirely, including in the form of tahini, oil, or in baked goods. Because they are very high in fat and calories, sesame should be eaten in moderation by those watching their weight. People taking diabetes medication or anticoagulants, or who suffer from kidney stones (because of the oxalate content), should talk to their doctor before consuming large amounts. This information is educational and does not replace the advice of a doctor or a nutritionist. ...

Beetroot: Benefits for Blood Pressure, Liver and Natural Detox IMPORTANT: Beetroot is a safe food for most people, but it should be approached with care in certain situations. People prone to oxalate kidney stones should limit it, since beetroot is rich in oxalates. Those with diabetes should keep its natural sugar content in mind, especially in concentrated juice form. Anyone taking medication for blood pressure or blood thinners should talk to their doctor before consuming large amounts of beet juice, because its blood-pressure-lowering effect may stack with the medication. Do not be alarmed if your urine or stool takes on a pinkish-red tint after eating beetroot: this is a normal, harmless phenomenon called “beeturia.” Beetroot does not replace medical treatment for hypertension, anemia or liver disease — it is a dietary support, not a miracle cure. ...

Sunflower Seeds: Benefits, Vitamin E and How to Eat Them Right IMPORTANT: Sunflower seeds are a healthy and safe food for most people, but a few real precautions apply. They are very high in calories and fat, so anyone watching their weight should enjoy them in moderation. Commercial salted varieties add a significant amount of sodium, which is not suitable for people with high blood pressure or kidney problems. Seeds can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals, and excessive intake may irritate the digestive tract. Cracking in-shell seeds repeatedly with the teeth can wear down tooth enamel. They also contain phytates and, if stored improperly, can develop mold (watch for a bitter or rancid taste). People with kidney disease who need to limit phosphorus, potassium or magnesium should talk to their doctor before adding them regularly to their diet. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a doctor or nutritionist. ...

Quinoa: Benefits, Nutritional Value and How to Eat It Properly IMPORTANT: Although quinoa is a safe food that is very well tolerated by most people, it is wise to introduce it gradually into your diet, especially if you have a sensitive gut or are not used to high-fiber foods. People with kidney disease or those following a strict low-oxalate diet (for instance, those prone to kidney stones) should talk to their doctor, since quinoa contains a moderate amount of oxalates. Rinsing the grains before cooking is essential to remove saponin, a natural bitter compound that can irritate the stomach in sensitive individuals. Quinoa does not replace medical treatment for any condition; it is a food, not a medicine. If you have a chronic illness or are pregnant, keep balance and variety on your plate and seek advice from a nutrition specialist. ...

Lentils: Benefits, Uses and How to Eat This Powerhouse of Protein and Iron IMPORTANT: Although lentils are one of the healthiest and safest foods in the world, they must always be eaten cooked — never raw, since they contain lectins and trypsin inhibitors that can irritate the digestive tract. People who suffer from bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, or who are not used to legumes should introduce lentils gradually, in small amounts. Those with serious kidney disease or elevated uric acid levels (gout) should talk to their doctor before eating large amounts, because of the purine and protein content. Dried lentils should be rinsed well and checked for small stones. If you take medication or have a chronic condition, always seek your doctor’s advice before making major changes to your diet. ...

Chickpeas: Benefits, Nutrition and How to Eat Them IMPORTANT: Chickpeas are a safe and healthy food for most people. However, like all legumes, they contain oligosaccharides and fiber that can cause bloating, gas or intestinal discomfort in those unaccustomed to them. Introduce them gradually into your diet and stay well hydrated. People with severe irritable bowel syndrome, those following a low-FODMAP diet, or those who have had allergic reactions to legumes (rarely) should be cautious. Raw or undercooked chickpeas should not be eaten, as they contain lectins and other compounds that are hard to digest. If you are under medical treatment, have advanced kidney disease (watch your potassium and phosphorus intake), or are pregnant and have concerns, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. ...

Raw Honey: Benefits, Enzymes and How to Consume It Properly IMPORTANT: Raw honey, regardless of its quality, must NEVER be given to children under one year of age because of the risk of infant botulism. People with diabetes should consume honey cautiously and count it as a source of sugar. Those allergic to pollen, bee venom, or bee products may react to raw honey, which contains fine pollen particles. Honey is not a substitute for medical treatment, and in cases of illness, serious infection, or persistent symptoms, always consult a doctor. ...

Miso: Benefits, Uses and How to Consume This Fermented Paste IMPORTANT: Miso is a fermented food that is very high in salt, which is why people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart failure, or those following a low-sodium diet should consume it cautiously and in small amounts. Miso contains soy, a common allergen, and sometimes traces of gluten (depending on the grains used in fermentation), so people with a soy allergy or celiac disease must check the label. Being a living product, rich in enzymes and beneficial cultures, miso should not be boiled for long, so as not to destroy the friendly bacteria. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as people taking certain medications (especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors – MAOIs, because of the tyramine content in fermented foods) should talk to a doctor before including it in their daily diet. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the advice of a specialist. ...