Though the recipe for a latte follows the same formula—X ingredient(s), plus dairy or non-dairy milk alternative, and of course, espresso—the combinations to create the perfect latte are endless. What’s coming down the pike are superfood lattes, or the milk of choice mixed with a superfood ingredient that offers specific health benefits. You might have stumbled upon some of the more popular or visually arresting sensations; if you haven’t yet, check them out on Instagram because you will be seeing more of them. During a three-month period at the end of 2017, #roselatte occurrences grew just over 11 percent; #tarolatte, 12 […]
As you probably know from history, North America was discovered by Columbus’ expedition in the 15th century because Europe wanted to find a shortcut to India, with whom they had been trading in valuable spices. Back then, spices were mostly used to help preserve food in the days before refrigeration and to mask the off flavor of food starting to spoil. In general, herbs are the fresh leaves of a plant, such as sage, oregano and basil. Spices are usually considered the seed, berry, bark, root or rhizome (creeping root) of a plant. In common practice, once fresh herbs are […]
Give your peepers some attention! In addition to wearing protective sunglasses while outside, getting annual eye checkups and supplementing wisely, fill your plate with vision-supporting foods. KALE, SPINACH AND TURNIP GREENS We love these verdant veggies for their eye-fortifying nutrients: lutein and zeaxanthin—antioxidants that reduce risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision impairment. Lutein and zeaxanthin are particularly special because they filter out blue-wavelength light emitted from smartphones and computers. For effortless nutrition, add chopped kale, spinach or turnip greens into stews or pasta sauce. SALMON, TUNA AND MACKEREL Yes, seafood does help you see, […]
The idea for this guacamole recipe came from a very talented Mexican chef who owns an upscale restaurant in Santa Barbara. The pomegranate seeds add a spectacular, tart crunch to this otherwise mild dip. I serve this dip with blue corn chips, which add a splash of color and are higher in antioxidants than yellow chips. BENEFITS: Avocados are full of monounsaturated fats, which help protect the skin from the aging effects of the sun. The anthocyanins in pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects and have been linked to helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and cancer. Blue corn chips provide […]
For such a delicate-looking and innocuous herb, cilantro, which is the leaves of the coriander plant, is a little bit controversial. People seem to either love it or hate it. Cilantro looks like flat leaf parsley, but it has a tangy, almost citrusy flavor. Long used in Asian, Indian, Caribbean and Latin American cooking, cilantro gives a bright taste to salads, salsas, meat, chicken and fish. I think it’s the secret ingredient to summer dishes, though you can find it fresh in supermarkets all year round. Given the chance, even the most skeptical can acquire a taste for cilantro. But […]
You may have noticed food trend hibiscus popping up on local restaurant menus in the past couple of years. From hot and cold tea and infused beverages to being added to salads and even quesadillas and desserts, this beautiful purple edible flower also promises some interesting health benefits. You’ll commonly encounter hibiscus in warmer climates as it is native to Central and West Africa, India and Southeast Asia and the West Indies. Medicinally, hibiscus is used for: cardiovascular disease high blood pressure high cholesterol diabetes anxiety loss of appetite colds and upper respiratory tract infection urinary tract infections (UTIs) kidney […]
Drinking water is essential. It balances body fluids. Your body is composed of about 60 percent water and performs vital functions such as protecting your organs and tissues, regulating your body temperature and carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells—essentially it keeps your body running like a well-oiled machine. It keeps skin looking healthy. Water moisturizes your skin and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss (think free anti-aging cream). In addition, it can keep your skin fresh and smooth. It boosts the immune system. Those who guzzle water are at a lower risk of getting sick. This crystal-clear concoction […]
Whether you want to sleep better, work out more or lose some weight, most people are ultimately after one outcome from making health changes: more energy. Food is the fuel that provides us that get-up-and-go feeling so we can accomplish everything we want to tackle. From a light dose of caffeine to hydrating foods and those naturally packed with B-vitamins, protein, carbohydrates, or fat for fuel here is the ultimate FoodTrients® list of the top 50 foods that help boost your energy to live your best life. 1. ALMONDS Aside from the natural energy in almonds – protein and healthy […]
The Caribbean is blessed in so many ways. There is the famous weather, which is warm and sunny during the winter when most of North America is shivering, and the gorgeous turquoise water and sugary white (or sometimes pink!) sands with Calypso music wafting. What I love about the Caribbean is the blend of cultures, which gives richness to the language, traditions and especially the food. There are influences from every civilization, East and West, that ever set foot on these island gems — from the indigenous Amerindian people, who were followed by British, Spanish, French and Dutch explorers, to […]
When you think of hops you may think first of beer – a main reason that we grow this crop. But these climbing vines native to Eurasia and North America have a rich history of medicinal use as well. In fact, hops are related to the cannabis plant; they even have some similarities in flavor and aroma. Famous for treating sleep disorders, research on this medicinal plant continues to gain traction (outside the brewing industry!). Medicinally, hops are used for: Anxiety Sleep disorders including insomnia Tension, nervousness, irritability and excitability Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) To stimulate the appetite and treat […]