Beautiful carmine color of most fruit yogurts, jellies and beverages obtained by adding to them dye called Cochineal. But hardly anyone is aware of the fact that it comes from insects . Let’s start from the beginning – that is from a cactus.

Cochineal is a dye that is derived from the aphid of the same name. These insects feed on cacti from the genus Opuntia in the tropical regions of South and Central America. Aphid produces the dye to deter other insects. Carmine is the name of the dye and the chemical compound is carminic acid.

Cochineal is one of the few natural dyes that are soluble in water and in addition does not degrade over time, is also extremely resistant to light, heat and oxidation – more than some synthetic dyes – which is why it is so desired by food manufacturers.

This pigment was probably already known by the Maya and Aztecs, and was highly valued. Its value was compared with gold. Used for dyeing textiles and cosmetics and later used as a food additive. When I came to Europe went to the Vatican, where the clothes were stained with the Roman cardinals, and the UK where he gave the color of the British Army soldiers. Quickly broke into the European cuisine as food coloring. You could find it in products like – cakes, biscuits, soft drinks, jams, jellies, yogurt, chewing gum and others.

At the turn of the century this exotic dye trade almost ceased. The market was flooded with synthetic counterparts and demand for natural coloring, including cochineal, fell sharply. In recent years, however, this pigment back into favor – consumers prefer natural dyes, manufacturers respond to demand. However, this raises controversy among vegetarians – some believe that cochineal is unsuitable for them. How is this colored aphid goes into our yogurt?

The dye is obtained from abdomens and eggs of insects. Killed by dipping them in hot water and then they are dried. You can expose them to sunlight, steam or high temperature in the incubator. Depending on the method obtains a different color.

One kilogram of cochineal is obtained from about 155 000 insects!

And how does all this affect our health? According to research cochineal is not toxic or carcinogenic properties. Impurities in the preparation of dye can cause allergies in a small group of people and can lead to anaphylactic shock. Carminic acid is safe for health. Cochineal is often confused with the red cochineal , which is a synthetic dye nitric – E124.

Most consumers are unaware that the pigment in their yogurt comes from the aphid but that is precisely the secret of beautiful colors in our snacks.

Besides the summer – the time ” diet ” of fruits and vegetables that can cope with being overweight , but at the same time and supply vitamins . Just remember : to sit on the fruit and vegetable diet can be no more than 2-3 days . So the day of discharge can not be turned into a month.

Here are some tasty summer diets .

Malic . Duration – 3 days. Loss of weight – 2 kg . 1,5-2 kg of raw apples divided into five portions . There are apples can be in raw form and in the form of apple dishes. For example, the salad : 300 g of ripe , peeled and seeds of apples Grate , mix with chopped parsley root and celery, fill with lemon juice . Another recipe : salad with apples and onions. Two washed sour apples Grate and add head chopped onion, parsley and olive oil.

Watermelon . Duration – 2 days . Weight loss – 2-3 kg . About 1,5 kg of watermelon pulp per day and nothing more – a great way to lose weight .

Carrot . Duration – 3 days . Weight loss – up to 3,5 kg. At grater grate the carrots , lemon juice squeezed out there , you can add honey, so that in total a day receive no more than 1 tbsp . l . honey. This salad can be eaten in unlimited quantities. Each food intake , you can add a fruit : apple , kiwi , grapefruit, orange or garnet. Drink as much water or tea.

Strawberry . Duration – 1 day. Weight loss – 1,5-2 kg . You can eat a pound of strawberries, washed down with mineral water or green tea . However, bear strawberry unloading is not so simple. Light acidity inherent in strawberries , increases appetite.

Tomato . Duration – 2 days . Loss of weight – 2 kg. For one day in four steps need to eat 1.5 kg of fresh tomatoes, with , of course, no condiments like salt, sugar and pepper . On this diet, you can sit 2 days and during this time to reset the 2 kg .

Cabbage . Duration – 7 days. Loss of weight – 5 kg . Based diet – cabbage soup without potatoes , cooked in vegetable broth. They can be eaten without restriction. In addition to scham in each of 7 days is assumed a certain set of products . Thus, the first day you can treat yourself to any fruit (except bananas), the second – with green vegetables and a boiled potato with butter, on the third day you can eat any fruit and vegetables (excluding potatoes ), the fourth day of the supposed three banana and skimmed milk On the fifth – a portion of fish or chicken breast with tomatoes, at the sixth – boiled beef with green salad , and in the end – rice with vegetables .

Cucumber . Duration – 3 days . Losing weight – 3,5 kg. The basis of the diet of cucumber salad. Prepare this dish is a snap : Take 1 kg of cucumbers , coarsely chop and season with low-fat sour cream . A little salt . Salad divide into three stages . For dinner, you can also eat 50 grams of boiled meat or one egg . For breakfast you can treat yourself to toast with a small amount of butter, a cup of coffee or tea without sugar . Before going to bed eat a large apple , pear or banana .

• 1 ounce thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into ribbons
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 ounce) cans white beans, rinsed
• 1/3 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 8 cups arugula

Method:

1. Cook prosciutto in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
2. Add oil to the pan and place over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, being careful not to brown the garlic, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in beans and broth; cook until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Add lemon juice, parsley and pepper; stir to combine. place arugula in a large bowl. Add the bean mixture and toss to coat. Top with the prosciutto.