Author

Manuela Dona

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Side Notes

MERMAIDS!
Christopher Columbus described mermaids as obese and ugly. Historians assume that he was referring to the manatee that was unknown at the time in Europe.

A KOALA BEAR’S fingerprints can only be differentiated from those of humans under a MICROSCOPE!

A mole can dig a TUNNEL UP TO 75 METRES LONG in one night.

MONA LISA does not have eyebrows.

There were 10 American presidents in Fidel Castro’s lifetime!

WOMEN’S HEARTS beat faster THAN MEN’S HEARTS.

HORSEPOWER refers to the power needed to lift 1 kg 75 centimetres in 1 second. An average horse manages approximately 24 hp.

Side Notes

There are only two square national flags in the world: 

The flags of Switzerland and the Vatican.

Helvetica, one of the most popular fonts in the world, was developed in 1957 by the graphic designer Max Miedinger in conjunction with Eduard Hoffmann, the managing director of the Haas Type Foundry in Münchenstein near Basel.

Helvetica, one of the most popular fonts in the world, was developed in 1957 in Münchenstein near Basel.

The highest peak in Switzerland, the Dufourspitze, lies 4634 metres above sea level. The lowest point in Switzerland is on Lago Maggiore, only 195 metres above sea level and only 70 kilometres from the Dufourspitze.

The 1000 franc bank note has the highest monetary note value in the world!

Swiss cannabis consumption is one of the highest in the world: 

It is estimated that approximately 60,000 potheads smoke around 100 tonnes of hashish and marijuana annually.  

Roughly 70%  of Switzerland consists of mountains. 208 of these are over 3000 metres high,  24  over 4000 metres.

Albert Einstein was working at the patent office in Bern, when he published his theory of relativity.

In 2012, 18 Swiss chocolate manufacturers produced 172,376 tonnes of chocolate. Apparently the average Swiss person makes their way through roughly ten kilos of chocolate per year; double that of the average American with 5.3 kilos.

The Dalai Lama owns the smallest vineyard in the world –La Vigne à Farinet in Wallis –, which is 1.67 square metres in size and has three vines.

Photos Copyrights: Manuela Dona, Shutterstock/billdayone

SUPERFOODS

Superfoods are foodstuffs with specific health benefits. They can have a positive influence on your health when consumed regularly and in sufficient quantities.

It is not easy for the non-nutritionists among us to recognise what a real superfood is and what has only been designated as such, because unfortunately the term „superfood“ is often  misused for advertising purposes. Almost all illnesses are accompanied by chronic inflammatory processes and an impairment in the body’s ability to detoxify and discharge toxins, i.e. through excessive oxidative stress. Superfoods counteract against this process.

However, it is not enough to consume one or two superfoods to make us fit and healthy. There is a lot more involved in the holistic treatment of every illness, because superfoods can only initiate the healing process in combination with an overall high-quality diet and in connection with a lifestyle that includes sufficient exercise, sleep, relaxation and fresh air. A superfood also only becomes truly effective when it is integrated regularly into the diet in relatively large amounts. Admittedly, they can then work true wonders and improve even severe illnesses or can influence the course of the condition.

Pomegranate

Highly effective fruit from paradise

Pomegranates are veritable all-rounders when it comes to health issues. The fruit can stabilize the blood sugar level, reduce the cholesterol level, inhibit inflammation, help with digestion problems and regular consumption can prevent diabetes.
Pomegranates contain, in addition to a number of vitamins and minerals, up to 20 different polyphenols (more than in any other foodstuff), which have an extremely positive effect on the body, as they act as antioxidants.
The healing effect of the pomegranate is becoming increasingly significant in the treatment of cancer, primarily prostate and breast cancer. Studies have shown that regular consumption of pomegranate juice can inhibit the growth of prostate carcinomas. The polyphenols prevent the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tumours in the body.

Use & effect

Prostate cancer, stomach, lung, bowel and breast cancer, constricted carotid artery, arthritis, inflammations, cholesterol.

Turmeric

The gold of Ayurvedic medicine

Turmeric is also called yellow ginger or yellow root and has been used in India for 4000 years. It is an ingredient in every curry mixture and ultimately also a medicinal plant. In Ayurvedic medicine, which is regarded as the oldest and most traditional art of healing in the world, turmeric is used as a cleansing remedy for the organism.
Inflammations form an essential part of our body’s resistance to pathogens. As proven in a number of studies, turmeric has the potential to relieve the symptoms of inflammation-associated illnesses and to support the recovery process. The reduction of inflammations is also presumed to produce cancer-inhibiting effects. Turmeric can repress bowel polyps and consequently prevent bowel cancer. It also promotes bone health and has been proven to reduce bone loss.

Use & effect

Arthritis, diverse types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol, Alzheimer’s disease.

Spirulina

Ancient seaweed – the power pack for the immune system

A intact immune system is the basis of health and well-being. If the immune system is intact, viruses and 
bacteria hardly stand a chance. Spirulina seaweed delivers a veritable power pack to all cells, benefiting the skin and the entire immune system. The Mayas and Aztecs knew about the powers of the ancient seaweed that makes you strong. Spirulina seaweed contains a cornucopia of nutrients and vital substances, countless enzymes, a high chlorophyll content and has an alkaline effect.
The composition of nutrients in spirulina and the high bioavailability of the individual nutrients and vial substances quickly and comprehensively supply the body with everything it needs to provide each cell with sufficient oxygen and nutrients, to strengthen the immune system and to rid the body of excess acids and toxins. Regular consumption of spirulina activates the body’s self-healing powers.

Use & effect

Immune system, skin, allergies, cholesterol, nutritional supplement for vegetarians and vegans.

Linseed oil

The cell energiser

Linseeds and linseed oil were used in Ancient Greece to treat physical complaints. Linseed oil, which is obtained from the seeds of flax, has a nut-like taste, should be cold pressed, not heated and always stored in a cool place.
Linseed oil has a high proportion of omega-3 fatty acids, which provide the cardiovascular system and the joints with a number of benefits. It also has a positive effect on the cholesterol level, helps depression, menopausal symptoms and allergies. It does not only have a positive effect on the nervous system but also protects against nerve damage in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or diabetes. Linseed oil can have an inhibiting effect on inflammatory illnesses, promote clotting and expand blood vessels protecting heart and blood vessels.

Use & effect

Cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, arthrosis, rheumatism, heart attack, stroke, blood pressure, digestion, menopause, depression, immune system.
 

Photos Copyrights: Depositphotos, Shutterstock,:  Shutterstock, Illustration Manuela Dona