The treasure of every land is the history of its products

Food well being

De gusto e benessere - Good fats and bad fats

We know that fats are commonly divided into "good" fats and "bad" fats. From a chemical point of view, we are talking about lipids, i.e. macromolecules which, together with proteins and carbohydrates, are one of the three essential nutrients in the human diet. They can provide the body with a lot of energy: 1 gram of fat contains 9 kilocalories, twice as much as other macronutrients. Precisely because of their calorie content, we tend to eliminate them from our diet. On the contrary, however, it is important to maintain the right amount of them for their important functions, but it is equally[Segue]

De gusto e benessere - Rosa di Gorizia - Rose Millefeuille

A renowned Friulian delicacy, Rosa di Gorizia is a highly prized variety of radicchio grown mainly in a small area of the province of Gorizia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and derives its name from the shape of its leaves, which are typically pink to bright red in colour with white veins, reminiscent of the common rose. It is a highly prized vegetable sought after by the world's most famous chefs for its organoleptic characteristics, being slightly sweeter than the more common Radicchio di Treviso from which it derives, and for its particular cultivation techniques. Nutritionally, like most leafy vegetables, it is[Segue]

De gusto e benessere - Junk food: should it be avoided completely or can we sometimes indulge in something?

Junk food refers to all foods that are high in calories but very low in nutritional value. Foods rich in sugars, carbohydrates and saturated and hydrogenated fats (the highly dangerous trans fats) are often made from poor-quality raw materials and enriched with colourings, thickeners, preservatives and other chemicals that make them very palatable, to the point of creating addiction. Junk food has low satiating power because it is low in fibre and high in fats and sugars, which are quickly absorbed by the body, causing it to crave more and more. For this reason, the risk is to ingest large quantities[Segue]

De gusto e benessere - Endurance sports and nutrition - the perfect balance between energy, recovery and Friulian tradition

When it comes to endurance sports – whether running, cycling, trail running, cross-country skiing or triathlon – the combination of training and nutrition is essential. An athlete's body is a complex machine that needs the right fuel to function at its best. But talking about “the right fuel” doesn't just mean thinking about calories or macronutrients: it also means considering the quality, origin and balance of foods. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, a land of authentic products and rural traditions, sports nutrition can blend naturally with the local cuisine, rich in energy and flavour. In endurance sports, carbohydrates are the main source of[Segue]

De gusto e benessere - Medicinal mushrooms

Autumn is mushroom season, excellent vegetables with various nutritional and beneficial properties: they are rich in vitamins (especially B vitamins, but also vitamin D when exposed to sunlight), minerals such as potassium, copper and selenium, and fiber, which promotes intestinal well-being and satiety. They also provide protein, are low in calories and contain antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and support the health of the immune and cardiovascular systems. In particular, we are talking about mycotherapy, those mushrooms that are used as supplements especially in traditional Chinese medicine. Medicinal mushrooms support the body's general well-being thanks to their properties, which include: strengthening the immune[Segue]

De gusto e benessere - High cholesterol and diet

Cholesterol is a fat molecule found in our blood, most of which is produced by the body itself, but a percentage of it is absorbed through our daily diet (10-20%). Cholesterol is essential for our body as it is present in all cell membranes, is fundamental for the synthesis of vitamin D and bile, and acts as a precursor for the formation of steroid hormones, such as sex hormones (e.g. testosterone and oestrogen) and corticoid hormones (e.g. cortisol). Cholesterol is present in the blood in various forms. In order to be transported in the blood, it is bound to proteins: LDL cholesterol,[Segue]

De gusto e benessere - Persimmons - Sicilian Memory

"You either love this product or you hate it!" What are we talking about? Persimmons! The persimmon (Diospyros kaki), a tree in the Ebenaceae family, is widespread in temperate climates, particularly in Asia and North America, but also widely grown in northern Italy. The persimmon fruit is eaten when it finishes ripening in the first half of autumn, contributing its pale orange color to the warm palette of this season. The tree is defined as the plant with seven virtues: it stands out for its longevity; in summer, its large green leaves offer welcome shelter from the sun; it is resistant to pests; it[Segue]

De gusto e Benessere - Nutrition for hair

Hair loss can have very different causes, including genetic, hormonal, stress-related, disease-related, drug-related treatments, or nutritional deficits. When hair loss is associated with unbalanced feeding or deficiencies of certain nutrients, the hair may weaken, growth slow, the lifespan of the hair shaft may be shortened, or the follicle may not receive enough support to produce strong hair. In these cases, intervening with a balanced diet rich in targeted micronutrients can slow down hair loss and make hair stronger, shinier and more resistant. Adequate levels of vitamin D, iron and zinc are associated with lower hair loss, while high sugar and[Segue]

De gusto e Benessere - Stretching and nutrition: the winning combination for relaxed muscles and faster recovery

Muscle well-being doesn't just depend on training or the amount of hours of rest: stretching and nutrition play a fundamental role in keeping muscles elastic, preventing injuries and promoting effective recovery. Stretching, practiced regularly, helps to: Improve the flexibility and elasticity of muscle fibers, promoting the maintenance of mobile joints. Reduce muscle tension and stiffness: with a short post-workout protocol it reduces the feeling of soreness and muscle fatigue. Promote more efficient blood flow circulation, which brings nutrients and oxygen to tired muscles. Prevent injuries as the more elastic and well-oxygenated muscles react better to sudden efforts. Practical advice? Alternate static stretching exercises (after training) with[Segue]

De gusto e Benessere - Types of potatoes, how many are there?

Potatoes are among the most consumed foods in the world: versatile, economical, nutritious and appreciated by all ages! But behind the apparent simplicity of this tuber lies a great variety of different types, colors, textures, and nutritional properties. The common potato (Solanum tuberosum) is native to South America and is now cultivated throughout the world. In addition to the more common white and yellow varieties, there are also red, purple and sweet potatoes, each with unique characteristics. Let's look at them more closely, comparing their nutritional values and seeing which one may be best suited to different dietary needs. 1. White-fleshed potatoes They are[Segue]