FLAVORS FOR LIFE

EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS

Voice overs have been recorded by awesome Flavors For Life Volunteers!

Cruciferous vegetables are Native to Europe and the Mediterranean, and the temperate regions of Asia. These vegetables have a widespread popularity and are n...
Pre-biotics are non digestible fiber compounds that are degraded by gut microbiota. Pro-biotics are live bacteria that line your digestive tract and support ...
Processed foods are foods that have undergone some type of change before it is ready to eat. this can range from processed meats or produce that have simply ...
There are over 100 herbs and spices that can be consumed or use topically for healing. These natural foods possess a number of beneficial properties and work...
Seeds are a versatile ingredient that can be used to add a quick pop of texture and nutrition to nearly any meal. The official seeds definition is a type of ...
Although there's no set criteria as to what defines a superfood, these are foods that are jam-packed with nutrients and can help provide your body with the v...

Osteoarthritis is a progressive disorder that attacks the body’s cartilage, which is the hard tissue that covers up the end of bones and meets the joints, allowing bones to move. You can develop osteoarthritis symptoms all over your body, in any joints, but it usually affects the spine (upper and lower back), neck, hips, knees and hands.

Phytonutrients are chemicals produced by plants; they use them to stay healthy. When we eat phytonutrients, our bodies absorb them, therefore we get bad brea...
Your body can make most of the fatty acids it needs from other fats. However, there are two types of fatty acids that your body is unable to synthesize: lino...

Consider adding these foods to your diet to stimulate hair growth, strengthen your hair follicles, and improve the overall quality and health of your tresses.

A condiment is "something used to enhance the flavor of food." Condiments include everything from vinegars to various herbs, spices, and seasonings. Some of ...
Each of us has an internal complex ecosystem of bacteria located within our bodies that we call the microbiome. The microbiome is defined as "community of mi...
While there is no official functional foods definition, most consider functional foods to be foods that provide health benefits beyond their basic nutrients,...
Root vegetables, also called tubers or starchy vegetables, are considered all veggies that grow underground. Root vegetables are truly natural, unadulterated sources of complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, and important nutrients. Plus, they tend to be lower in calories and have a lower glycemic index load.
Your heart plays a crucial role in your health. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body to supply your tissues with important nutrients and oxygen, and it works tirelessly 24/7 to keep you going. What you eat directly influences the health of your heart and incorporating a few heart-healthy foods into your diet is key to providing it with the nutrients that it needs.
Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that affects the integrity of the gut lining, which normally serves as the barrier of the intestines. It occurs when the gut wall becomes damaged, allowing compounds to enter and become absorbed into the bloodstream that normally should not.
Citrus fruits are derived from flowering citrus trees and shrubs, they are notable for their thick rind and unique flavor, which can range from sour to sweet. They are typically high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

When it comes to foods that taste great and are good for you, it is hard to beat the berries. Berries of all kinds are rich in antioxidants — substances found in certain foods that help fight cell damage. Also, berries count among the most delicious and most versatile sources of phytonutrients (plant-based chemical compounds).

Microgreens are made from greens that have been harvested before maturation, just seven to 14 days after germination. The result is a much smaller green, typically between one to three inches tall, with a more intense flavor and highly concentrated nutrient profile. All the vitamins and minerals you would find naturally in the full-grown plant or herb is packed into these tiny versions.

Metabolic Syndrome affects 40 percent of people over the age of 60, it increases your risk for some concerning and possibly deadly health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Some of the best ways to avoid metabolic syndrome include maintaining a healthy weight, regularly exercising, and eating a plant rich diet, while avoiding metabolism death foods.

Omega-3s are “essential” fatty acids because the body is not capable of producing them on its own. Therefore, we must rely on omega-3 foods in our diets to supply these extremely beneficial compounds.

Glutathione (GSH) is a peptide consisting of three key amino acids that plays several vital roles in the body. Longevity researchers believe that it is so pivotal to our health that the level of GSH in our cells is becoming a predictor of how long we will live! Every cell in our body produces GSH, it is the body’s most important antioxidant because it is within the cell.

How do the French people eat more fat, sugar, and rich foods, plus drink more wine, but still have less heart health issues? It is believed to be due to a higher intake of a specific phytonutrient called resveratrol, found naturally in red wine, dark berries, red grapes, and dark chocolate. Like other antioxidants and phytonutrients, resveratrol is a powerful compound that regenerates the body all the way at the cellular level.

This essential micronutrient is not just found in vegetables, it can also be found in certain types of fruit, meat, dairy, and fermented foods and is even produced inside your own body by your good gut bacteria. Getting enough of this key vitamin is integral to health, and a deficiency can result in a long list of health problems.

Most adults achieve their peak muscle mass sometime during their late 30s to early 40s. After that point, a gradual loss of muscle mass begins and can continue a steady, downhill course into old age. This age-related loss of muscle mass, strength and function is known as sarcopenia.

When we talk about stress hormones, cortisol is on the top of the list, it is called the primary stress hormone. It is released when we are under pressure and triggers the fight or flight survival response. However, cortisol is not the only stress hormone, and it may not even be the most important of the stress hormones.

It is believed that approximately 350 million people worldwide have arthritis, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 54 million in the U.S. alone suffer from arthritis symptoms. That equates to one in five people over 18 having some form of arthritis!

A low glycemic index diet is likely to be beneficial in several ways, reducing your intake of high glycemic foods can definitely open up more room in your diet for the types of foods you really need in order to get all of the essential nutrients you require.

Adrenal fatigue is a condition in which the body and adrenal glands can’t keep up with the tremendous amount of daily stress many people experience.

Triglycerides are a type of lipid, or fat, in your blood. Any calories that aren’t needed when you eat are converted into triglycerides and stored in your fat cells. Then your hormones release triglycerides for energy in between meals. This cycle only becomes problematic when you eat more calories than you burn, which leads to high triglycerides.

Diverticulitis occurs when you have one or more pouches, or sacs, in the wall of your colon that have become inflamed. When the pouches form, this is called diverticulosis, which usually doesn’t cause any symptoms or problems. But when the pouches become inflamed or infected, this can lead to serious complications and hospitalization.

Many spicy foods, such as cayenne and chili pepper, contain compounds called capsaicinoids, including the most researched and beneficial type: capsaicin. Capsaicinoids are known to have anti-inflammatory and metabolic-boosting properties.

Polyphenols are a type of micronutrient that contain health-promoting properties and can be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Plant polyphenols are rich in antioxidants, which can help fight off harmful free radicals and prevent damage to cells while lowering the risk of chronic disease.

Ensuring the best nutrition for our kids can affect their growth and development, their bone formation, their immune health, their cognitive function, their ...
Whole grains are considered the entire seed or kernel of a plant. The seed contains 3 distinctive parts: The Bran, The Germ, and the Endosperm. The bran is t...

Osteoporosis is defined as “a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both.” It’s estimated that about one in two women (50 percent) and up to one in four men (25 percent) over the age of 50 will break a bone at some point due to osteoporosis.

5 STEPS TO FOLLOW THE ANTI-CANCER DIET 1. EAT CANCER-FIGHTING FOODS 2. BOOST DETOXIFICATION 3. AVOID PROCESSED FOODS AND ADDED SUGAR 4. DRINK CLEAN WATER 5. ...
A nut is a type of fruit made up of a hard shell with an edible seed inside. Nuts can be classified as either true botanical nuts or culinary nuts. In fact, ...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological and behavior-related condition that causes difficulty in concentrating, impulsiveness, and ...
We use measurements of macronutrients in different foods to describe how many calories they provide, while we use measurements of micronutrients to describe ...
MSG, also known as monosodium glutamate, is a common ingredient and food additive used to boost the flavor of processed, canned and frozen foods. Despite being ...
The digestive system is one of 11 major human body systems. It is a group of organs that work together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients that f...
An alkaline diet is one that is intended to help balance the blood pH level of the fluids in your body, including your blood and urine. Alkaline diets have b...
Flatulence is caused by the internal buildup of gases that are formed during the process of digestion and respiration. The causes and how its developed withi...
Fiber is a part of the structure of plants that helps build plant molecules, including cellulose, lignans, and pectin. Fiber contains zero calories since it ...
A drupe, also known as stone fruit, is a type of fruit that contains a large stone (or pit) in the center and tend to have a thin skin with soft flesh. Drupes stop ripening right after being picked, meaning that their season is somewhat narrow.
There is a direct link between what we eat and how we feel. There are foods that can help make you feel awesome. These foods infuse your body with nutrients, allowing the brain to produce neurotransmitters like serotonin that help us relax, and dopamine that can help us feel more focused. The next time you are craving a comfort food, turn to these proven mood-boosters.
Fermentation is a process that is used to produce some of the world’s favorite foods and beverages. Throughout history, fermenting foods gave our ancestors the option of prolonging the freshness of grains, vegetables and milk that were available to them during different seasons.

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that is about the size of a chestnut. It surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder and above the muscles of the pelvic floor.

Energy drinks are defined as “beverages that contain high levels of stimulant ingredients, usually caffeine, as well as sugar and often supplements, such as vitamins or carnitine, that are promoted as products capable of enhancing mental alertness and physical performance.”

The gallbladder is a little pear-shaped pouch tucked behind the lobes of the liver. Its main job is to store up the cholesterol-rich bile that is secreted by the liver, which then helps the body digest fats and lipids within the diet.

Slowing down the aging process and delaying the onset of age-related conditions may be possible by blocking pathways that lead to inflammation. Your best chance to live an active and long life is to avoid unhealthy foods that cause inflammation and learn about which foods provide proper nutrition and antioxidants to help fight disease.

You have probably used the phrases: “I have butterflies in my stomach, “or “I have a gut feeling about this,” Have you ever wondered why so many of these sayings involve our brains and tummies? The answer is the gut-brain connection. Your nervous stomach is not such a coincidence, the more we learn about the human gut, or our gut microbiome, the more it is clear that it really is our “second brain.”

CoQ10 (short for Coenzyme Q10) is an essential element for many daily functions and is required by every single cell in the body. Although the body creates Coenzyme Q10, it does not always do so consistently. CoQ10’s antioxidative capacity is what makes it one of the most popular anti-aging supplements in the world.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, only a fraction of U.S. adults currently gets the recommended daily intake of all B vitamins from their diets alone. “Vitamin B” refers to more than one vitamin since there are eight different B vitamins in total. If you take a supplement that contains all eight of the B vitamins, this is referred to as a “vitamin B complex.”

Magnesium is an element and mineral found throughout nature and one of the body’s electrolytes. About 99 percent of your body’s total magnesium is stored in your bones, muscles, and soft tissues, while only about 1 percent is concentrated in the blood. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in our bodies.

The lymphatic system is the body’s inner “drainage system,” a network of blood vessels and lymph nodes that carry fluids from tissues around the body into the blood and vice versa. Its primary role is of protecting the body against outside threats — such as infections, bacteria, and cancer cells, while helping keep fluid levels in balance. The best way to protect the lymphatic system is to eat a healing diet, exercise, and detoxify the body naturally.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant in the body. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin E is essential to health. Getting enough vitamin E in your diet is crucial to overall health. Fortunately, vitamin E is abundant throughout the food supply, making it easy to meet your needs through your diet.

Your baby depends on the foods you eat to receive his calories, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fluids. Your diet affects many aspects of your baby’s health, including the following:

Fast food may be quick, easy, and cheap, but unfortunately, eating fast food today comes with a many hidden risks and side effects. Here is a roundup of some of the most terrible and unexpected health effects of the fast-food industry.

IBS is a very common disorder that affects digestion, especially by interfering with normal functions of the large intestine. IBS is not a single disease but rather a “symptom cluster resulting from diverse pathologies.” This means that each person with IBS can struggle with different symptoms and have their own unique triggers.

Lectins are a large family of proteins that are found throughout the food supply but are especially common in grains, legumes, and nightshade vegetables. The lectins in food bind to carbohydrates, forming glycoproteins. These glycoproteins perform many functions within the body, from regulating the immune system to keeping protein levels in the blood under control.

Selecting which cooking oil is the best fit when it comes to your recipe can be challenging. With so many factors to consider — from smoke point, to flavor, to nutritional content, and beyond, it can be incredibly overwhelming.

Zinc deficiency is now known to be a major malnutrition problem worldwide, and inadequate intake of zinc is one of the main causes. According to the World Health Organization, millions of people throughout the world may have inadequate levels of zinc in their diets.

WATER HELPS YOU DIGEST YOUR FOOD, IT HELPS YOU STAY FOCUSED, WILL HELP YOUR KIDNEYS FLUSH TOXINS, WILL PREVENT YOU FOR BEING DEHYDRATED, WILL HELP YOU BURN F...

A GMO is a genetically modified organism. These living organisms contain genetic material that has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering.

Brain foods rich in antioxidants. good fats, vitamins, and minerals provide energy and aid in protecting against brain diseases...
Hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline, and insulin, are extremely important chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your overall healt...

Kombucha is a fermented beverage consisting of black tea and sugar (from various sources, including cane sugar, fruit, or honey) that’s used as a functional, probiotic food.

Legumes include any fruits or seeds of plants in the Fabaceae family, which includes around 19,500 different species and 751 genera of plants. Top 10 Best Le...
Gluten is a type of protein found in grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye, that is responsible for giving foods elasticity and providing a chewy texture. I...
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It's found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons. In simplest terms, coll...
As we investigate the anti-inflammatory components of certain foods and herbs, we can see how this kind of diet is linked with lowered inflammation. The evid...
The nightshade family contains over 2,000 varieties of plants, but very few of them are eaten as a food. Many health professionals encourage you to eat night...
PERHAPS MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN OUR LIVES, THE FOOD WE REGULARLY EAT HELPS DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT WE WILL BECOME ILL OR REMAIN HEALTHY INTO OLDER AGE. N...
It's estimated that the average American consumes around 57 pounds of added sugar each year. Many people are not only eating and drinking way too much sugar,...
Vegans are vegetarians that take things one step further, avoiding all animal products, including eggs, dairy, and honey in their diets.
Nutrient density refers to the amount of beneficial nutrients in a food in proportion to how many calories it has. According to the National Institute of Health and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “nutrient-dense foods” are those that provide a high amount of nutrients but have relatively few calories.
In the U.S., it’s estimated that fatty liver disease affects 20 to 40 percent of the population. The good news is that the liver is highly regenerative — in fact, it is the only organ that can regenerate itself. With the right diet, you may be able to improve the state of your liver.
Alkaline water is a type of water with a higher pH than regular water and the best type is naturally alkaline spring water. A low pH level indicates a more acidic substance while a higher pH is more alkaline. There is no known disease that can survive in an alkaline state.

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, and Curcumin is the active ingredient responsible for so many of its benefits. Curcumin is what makes turmeric a “functional food,” defined by the Mayo Clinic as “foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition.”

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant and plays a role in maintaining the health of the body’s connective tissue. Because your body does not store vitamin C or make it on its own, it is vital to include plenty of vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.

The best supplements for you will depend on factors like your gender, age, medical history, genetics, level of physical activity, and diet. For example, adult men and women may benefit from taking different supplements, vegetarians/vegans can use more of certain nutrients like vitamin B12, and people living in cooler climates may need more vitamin D.

The kidneys are bean-shaped, fist-sized, small organs that sit in the middle of your back below your rib cage. They are important organs for draining waste, excess fluids, and urine from the body. The kidneys connect to the urinary tract, including the two ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes daily persistent heartburn, also called acid reflux, in nearly 1 in 5 American adults. This chronic condition, caused by inflammation and dysfunctions of the stomach, leads to tissue damage that erodes the esophagus.

Constipation is an uncomfortable and inconvenient problem for millions of people. It is estimated that constipation now accounts for over 2.5 million doctors’ visits every year, often affecting more adult woman than any other population. While it is normal to have trouble going to the bathroom every now and then, especially when stressed or traveling, it is another thing to experience a decrease in quality of life due to poor bathroom “performance.”

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that has immune-enhancing, antioxidant properties, meaning it helps reduce free radical damage or oxidative stress. Vitamin A and other fat-soluble vitamins can travel through fat and be stored inside body fat or organs, including the liver.

Did you know the average 100-year-old Okinawan male has much higher levels of testosterone than the average American male who is 30 years younger? And that today, low testosterone in males is rapidly growing?

There are several factors that can affect lung health, including physical activity levels, genetics, and environmental conditions. Diet also plays a key role in respiratory health and incorporating a few of the best foods for your lungs into your diet is a simple strategy that can decrease inflammation, improve pulmonary function, and help heal your respiratory tract.

Quercetin is a type of flavonoid antioxidant that’s found in plant foods, including leafy greens, tomatoes, berries, and broccoli. It’s technically considered a “plant pigment,” which is exactly why it’s found in deeply colored, nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a central role in many components of health. It stands out from other vitamins because your body can make most of what you need through exposure to sunlight, which is why it’s often called the “sunshine vitamin.”

Carotenoids are types of natural chemical compounds created by plants that help give them their bright yellow, orange, or red pigments.

They’re fat-soluble nutrients, which means we absorb them best when we eat them along with a source of fat, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, coconut, or avocado.

Olives are a main component in the nutritious Mediterranean diet, which puts good fats at the forefront and encourages olive oil as the primary source of dietary fat. The diet doesn’t encourage reducing fats, but rather replacing unhealthy fats with healthy ones like monounsaturated fats, which are found in olives.

The MIND diet was first introduced in 2016. It is based on principles of both the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. The DASH diet and Mediterranean diet have both been named at one time the “#1 best overall diet” in the United States by U.S. News and World Report.

According to the American Thyroid Association, an estimated 20 million Americans have a form of thyroid disease and as many as 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are not even aware that they have a problem! In addition, women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.