Clean Up Your Diet For 2016 February 09 2016

Can you believe we’re already about a month and a half into 2016? That means it’s time to check up on your New Year's Resolutions and see how they’re holding up. In case you've already missed a handful of days in the gym or you just want to clean up your diet this year, we’ve got a few tricks to help you stay on track.

For The Sweet Tooth: instead of grabbing a handful of candy, choose your favorite fruits instead. Even though some fruits contain high amounts of sugar, it’s a more natural option than candy and fruits have a plethora of additional benefits that candy doesn’t have.

For The Salt Lover: too much salt can lead to dehydration along with a number of other unhealthy side effects. This is especially bad if you’re keeping up with your daily gym regimen. Herbs and spices will likely satisfy your desire for salt and they can make your meals much more tasty. Don’t forget to check out La Flor’s vast collection - we’ve got everything you need!

For The Butter Hound: put down the butter and slice open an avocado. Try it on toast, with eggs or use its oil to “grease” up the frying pan.

For The Carboholics: instead of eating bread and pasta, try mixing it up with a banana. Bananas contain tryptophan which can regulate your moods, help you relax and make you feel happier.

Even if you can’t get to the gym as often as you’d like, you can still make a great choices when it comes to your diet. We’re not saying you have to cut out the pizza and ice cream for the rest of your life, simply try to make a few healthier choices each week - you’ll thank us later!

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.

6 Spices for Detoxing November 12 2015

During the holidays there are so many delicious treats abound, it’s no wonder that people start their diets after the holiday season ends. But, you can get your body back to where it once was, now, with..... spices!

Not only do spices and herbs transform your dish into a culinary delight but many pack some surprising detox benefits:

Cilantro helps with mercury detoxification, typically due to consuming too much fish. This herb is filled with minerals as well as vitamins A and K and is also proven to be an anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiseptic. 

Cayenne seasoning encourages digestion and muscle movement in your intestines and helps your body absorb nutrients. It is both an antioxidant as well as an anticoagulant that helps clean the blood from unwanted toxins. 

Turmeric helps in detoxing your liver because of its active ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin stimulates the production of bile in your gall bladder that is needed to eliminate toxins as well as rejuvenates liver cells that break down harmful compounds.

Cinnamon paired with honey can help in preventing the accumulation of certain fats as well as reduce inflammation in the body. Cinnamon is a good dietary fiber and an excellent source of manganese, calcium, iron and vitamin K.

Rosemary, according to a study, can protect the liver and stomach against carcinogenic and toxic ingredients. It contains phenolic antioxidant rosmarinic and essential oils which are known to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiseptic properties.

Ginger is a great source of sulfur which is important when excreting toxic substances from your body during phase two of the detoxification process. This spicy root also helps in cleansing our system, digesting and settling your stomach. 

Everyday we ingest unwanted chemicals and additives without even realizing, so it’s important to filter them out regularly. Help your body bounce back this holiday season and rid any unwanted toxins by adding the above spices to your cooking!

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!

#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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!

#FoodieFriday - Ways to Eat (& Drink) Turmeric! August 28 2015

This isn’t the first time we’ve touched on the benefits of turmeric in your diet. This highly anti-inflammatory herb has an infinite number of beneficial properties. Aiding in functions of vital organs, turmeric is said to provide defense against degenerative diseases and cancers while also promoting the absorption of antioxidants.

Commonly used in Indian cuisine, it’s certainly not limited to just that! See below for some simple ways to start including it in your everyday cooking:

1. Add it to scrambles and frittatas. New to turmeric? This is the best place to start! Take a pinch and add to your scrambled eggs, frittatas, or tofu scrambles. The color will be familiar and the flavor is subtle. Try this Scrambled Eggs with Turmeric and Black Pepper Recipe!
2. Toss it with veggies. Cauliflower, potatoes, and other root vegetables go especially well with turmeric’s slightly warm and peppery flavor. Sprinkle some turmeric on your next batch of roasted veggies or infuse half a cup of olive oil with a teaspoon of turmeric to brush onto corn on the cob in lieu of butter! Try this Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger, Turmeric, and Cumin recipe!
3. Blend it into your morning smoothies. While fresh turmeric root is especially good for fresh juices and smoothies, you will find adding some of the ground spice into your favorite smoothie will work as well. Its flavor is typically masked well in smoothies, you won’t even notice it’s there! Try this Anti-Inflammatory Frozen Watermelon Pineapple Smoothie Recipe!

Herbs and Spices that Can Save Your Skin August 26 2015

Want to make your skin glow? If so, incorporate more spices into your diet! It will give your skincare regimen a boost while making your food taste delicious. Talk about a win-win situation!  From antioxidants to anti-inflammatory agents, the herbs and spices below have everything your skin needs to be healthy:

Chamomile to calm razor burn: A natural anti-inflammatory, chamomile has the power to reduce redness, itchiness, and swelling that can come along with beard burn. Simply steep chamomile tea in boiling water for 2-3 minutes so the anti-inflammatory enzymes can release, then place the tea bag in the fridge to cool before applying it to irritated skin.

Cinnamon for a bright complexion: Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants that fight skin damage. Feel free to add half of teaspoon to your coffee grounds before brewing for an easy antioxidant boost!

Hot peppers to fight wrinkles: Cayenne, paprika, and chili pepper do more than just heat up your taste buds. Vitamins A and C help combat free radicals - plus as we learned in our previous blog, peppers contain capsaicin which has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties. Try adding some cayenne to your guacamole, chili pepper in curry sauce, or make a rub for your meat with paprika.

Turmeric to reduce inflammation: This herb has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits due to its high concentration of curcumin. Studies have shown that curcumin may fight melanoma if applied topically. This substance inhibits angiogenesis - which is the growth of blood vessels. A lot of cancer research has been done showing curcumin to be a potent inhibitor of tumor activity. Sprinkle some into your pasta salads or soups!

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!

Reasons You Should Eat More Spicy Food August 18 2015

Spice enthusiasts rejoice - in addition to rousing your taste buds, spicy foods may also lead to a longer life according to a recent seven-year study.

Observing nearly half a million people across China, a study published in BMJ found those who consumed spicy foods (mainly in form of chili peppers), once or twice a week had a 10 percent reduced risk of death compared with those who ate spicy meals less than once a week. 

What about spicy food is so special? The study points to the benefits of capsaicin, the spicy chemical in peppers, which has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-fighting properties.

So if you’re not a fan of the hot stuff, it may be time you gave it a shot. Give it a go with some of the below recipes, using your trusted La Flor Spices:

• Honeydew with Sweet-Heat Lime Sauce: Mix together some lime juice, honey, chopped mint, and cayenne pepper. Then skewer some bite-sized honeydew melon pieces and serve. (Recipe here ») 
• Grilled Fish Tacos: Instead of deep-frying the fish for these tacos, coat your summer catch in a flavor-packed chile rub and grill it instead! (Recipe here »)
• Bean Burgers with Spicy Guacamole: Sure to please even the most devoted of carnivores - the cornmeal coating gives a pleasant crunch and paprika, cumin, cilantro, and guac add some Southwestern flavor! (Recipe here ») 

• Mediterranean Style Stuffed Peppers: Artichoke hearts, feta cheese, chickpeas - oh my! This Mediterranean Style stuffed peppers recipe creates a flavor unlike anything else. (Recipe here »)

Any spice fanatics have some recipes to share? Post them to our Facebook page for the rest of the La Flor community to see!

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!

5 Miracle Spices with Huge Health Benefits August 06 2015

Spices not only are key in transforming a bland meal into a flavorful dish - but many are known to pack in some unexpected health perks as well. From protection against some of the deadliest chronic conditions to simply helping to relieve stress - see below for five miracle spices with huge health benefits:

Turmeric - A distant relative of ginger, turmeric is a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine. Curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, may help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Sprinkle turmeric on your egg salad, add some to chicken or seafood casseroles, or try it in a traditional curry dish.

Thyme - Popular in stews, soups, and sauces - people use thyme to treat bronchitis, whooping cough, arthritis, high blood pressure, as well as various types of cancer. The essential oil of thyme contains thymol - a naturally occurring compound that can destroy harmful organisms such as MRSA infections as studies have shown.

Ginger - Aside from helping to settle an upset stomach, this spice can also lessen muscle soreness. Gingerol, a chemical in ginger, is thought to reduce inflammation and block nerve pathways that process pain. Try using ginger in a stir fry, add some to your meat, or grate some fresh ginger over veggies or noodles.

Basil - With strong antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties, basil can help with cardiovascular health. The essential oils in basil have been shown to lower blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. It also contains phytochemicals which studies suggest may lower cortisol - a hormone secreted when tense. Next time you’re feeling frazzled, add this herb to your tea.
 
Cinnamon - Known to bring out and warm up the flavors in the foods it’s paired with, cinnamon also works to keep your arteries healthy, manage blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol. Studies have shown that eating half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily defuses risk factors for diabetes and heart disease within 6 weeks! Sprinkle some in your coffee, oatmeal, or peanut butter!

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!