Nutrition and health are the perfect symbiosis of functional food products. These, if combined and used in the right way, create physical and aesthetic well-being and mental.
When we speak of functional food products, we often refer to foods or drinks that contain nutritional and healthy substances capable of offering benefits for our body and consequently, for the our well-being. In particular, it refers to all those products enriched with nutrients to fill any deficiencies in the diet; garlic food supplements which are able to provide additional nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants or essential fatty acids in the form of pills or drinks and which are often used to supplement the daily diet. Finally, we refer to herbal teas often combined with the honey to promote general well-being.
These food items are designed to satisfy specific needs for those who use it and offer advantages For health, to support the body and also for physical performance.
Herbal teas
The use of herbs and herbal teas has a long history in many cultures around the world. They have often been part of cultural and family traditions, passed down through generations. They have always been used as natural alternative to very common nuisances.
Today using herbal teas is considered a moment dedicated to yourself, an opportunity to slow down and take care of your well-being or even a chance to practice the mindfulness that is, self-awareness. An increasingly widespread practice which, above all, helps people feel better about their bodies and in a natural way.
There are numerous herbs that can be used to create herbal teas that are beneficial for the body and mind.
Every herb has a story to tell, a reason why it is known and gods benefits which it can provide with proper use.
Here you are some of the herbs most common used to prepare functional food products:
Melissa
Lemon balm, known as melissa officinalis or balsamita, is an aromatic herbaceous plant with lemon-scented leaves. It is often used for its property calming, which can help reduce anxiety, stress and promote relaxation. Furthermore, it can be very useful for relieving digestive disorders such as the swelling and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Mint
Mint or Mentha, is an aromatic plant commonly used for its fresh scent and is known for its carminative properties, which can help reduce swelling, stomach ache and help irritable bowel. Has a energizing effect and stimulating, it helps reduce mental tiredness and increase energy.
Meadowsweet spirea
Spirea ulmaria, also known as “meadowsweet” or “meadowsweet,” is a plant that grows in humid areas. Spirea ulmaria contains compounds that may have properties anti-inflammatory and analgesic and is traditionally used to aid digestion and reduce heartburn and acidity. It has a light diuretic effect useful for reduce water retention.
Fennel
Fennel is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, and is known scientifically as Foeniculum vulgare. It has a long history of healing use. Fennel is known for its carminative properties, which help reduce intestinal gas and promote a good digestion. It can be useful in treating conditions such as abdominal bloating, flatulence and stomach cramps.
The essential oil present in fennel contains components with calming and relaxing properties. It can help reduce anxiety, stress and promote a feeling of well-being. It has a light diuretic effect, which can promoteelimination of liquids excess from the body and help fight water retention.
Fennel is a good one source of vitamins (such as vitamin C and vitamin K) and minerals (such as potassium and calcium). Contributes to overall health by providing essential nutrients. It contains antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids and essential oils, which can help fight free radicals in the body and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Linden
Linden grass, also known as common lime or Tilia, is a tree plant native to Europe and Asia. In ancient times it was considered a sacred plant and used for its calming properties. In traditional European medicine, lime has been used to treat sleep disorders, anxiety, colds and fevers. Linden flowers are used to prepare relaxing drinks and hot or cold herbal teas. Linden extracts have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It acts as a diuretic and for detoxification of the organism.
Dandelion
Dandelion, known scientifically as Taraxacum officinale, is a herbaceous plant that is part of the Asteraceae family. It is associated with various popular traditions around the world. For example, blow dandelion seeds and see where they fly it is considered a sign of good luck or a game to predict the weather. Dandelion has a diuretic effect and can promote the elimination of toxins.
Dandelion roots can stimulate bile production and aid digestion. Dandelion can also act as a mild natural laxative to aid intestinal transit. Rich in antioxidants, such as C vitamin and polyphenols, which help fight free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage, dandelion contains substances that can help strengthen the immune system and promote overall health.
Functional food products, herbs and honey
Herbal and honey herbal teas are a hot or cold drink that combines the beneficial effects of herbs with the sweet taste of honey. The herbs used can vary according to personal preferences and the desired purposes. Other herbs that are often used to prepare herbal teas are chamomile known for its calming and relaxing properties; the ginger for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties; there lavender for its calming and relaxing properties; there Rosehip rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
These are just to name a few of the functional substances and food herbs.
