News
Health Benefits of Chia Seeds November 25 2015
With busy holidays ahead of you, keep your body fueled with La Flor’s all natural chia seeds! ICYMI - they are one of the healthiest foods on the planet and are loaded with necessary nutrients that have important benefits to both your brain and body.
Chia Seeds Are High in Nutrients and Low in Calories
Even though they are tiny, chia seeds are packed with nutrients. They are loaded with fiber, Omega- 3 fatty acids and various other micronutrients. They are also a whole grain food, are non GMO and are gluten free.
Chia Seeds Are High in Quality Protein
Protein is the most weight friendly macronutrient and can drastically reduce your appetite and cravings. Chia seeds are higher in quality protein than most plant foods - which is especially good for those who eat little to no meat.
Chia Seeds Are Essential for Bone Health
If you don't consume much dairy, chia seeds are an excellent source of calcium (18% of the RDA in a single ounce). These seeds are also high in phosphorus, magnesium, and protein which are all essential nutrients for bone health.
Chia Seeds Can Cause Major Improvements in Type 2 Diabetics
In a study of type 2 diabetic patients, researchers found that the group given 37 grams of chia seeds for 12 weeks saw improvements in several important health markers than the group given 37 grams of wheat bran for the same length. The results showed that chia seeds could significantly lower blood pressure and a marker for inflammation.
Chia Seeds Are Easy to Incorporate into Your Diet
Not exactly a health benefit but still important to point out! The seeds themselves have a bland taste which makes them easy to add to practically anything. They can be eaten raw, soaked in juice, added to oatmeal or pudding, and even added to baked goods. Boost your meal's nutritional value just be garnishing with some chia seeds!
For more information about the health benefits of chia seeds, check out Authority Nutrition.
Taste La Flor’s newest addition of power foods today. Chia Seeds contain more calcium than milk and even more potassium than protein and can be added to anything and everything to get the nutritional meal that you were trying for!#WellnessWednesday - Which Spices are Good for Your Health? October 28 2015
Spices and herbs have been used for thousands of years to add flavor and aromas to food as well as for medicinal purposes. See below to learn what your pantry staples can do for improving your overall health:
- Sage - The chilly weather is on its way which means the coughing season will tag along with it. Sipping on tea paired with some sage has been recommended to help soothe sore throats and upset stomachs. In other studies, the enzymes found in sage have been linked to improved brain functionality, memory, and moods.
- Rosemary - Similar to sage, rosemary has also been linked to improved memory and alertness. When cooking with rosemary, most people will use it to season their meats before cooking. Studies have shown that meats that have been seasoned with rosemary extracts will produce less heterocyclic amines - a cancer causing compound produced when meats are grilled, broiled, and fried.
- Turmeric - Turmeric is another spice that can help soothe a cold and breathing issues. It’s anti-inflammatory effects are what make turmeric so popular. Pain from injuries and arthritis can be relieved by ingesting turmeric because of the compound curcumin. Curcumin has been studied more in recent years because of its connection with slowing down the growth of tumor and cancer cells.
- Parsley - The most used garnish in the kitchen has made the list, and for good reasons. Not only does parsley make a dish complete with its signature look, but it has been linked to slow down the growth of breast cancer cells. Apigenin is a compound found in parsley that helps raise your tolerance against developing tumors. Garnishing your meals used to be for show, but now they’re for health!
While spices haven’t been proven to be a miracle cure for serious diseases, they have been known to help relieve certain pains or symptoms. Start spicing up your diet and reap the benefits the above herbs and spices have to offer.
When taste is everything, La Flor is all you need to transform your everyday meal into an extraordinary culinary delight. Shop our selection of spices, herbs, and blends on the web - keep it spicy America!