Bold & Healthy Flavors in Florida
29 Jun 2022
Healthy food gets a bad rap, often because it’s dull or flavorless, especially compared to all of the fat-, salt- and sugar-laden menu options out there. But it doesn’t have to be that way—bold flavors have spiced up global cuisine for millennia. And many of these seasonings, including garlic, ginger and cilantro, are also packed with health benefits.
GARLIC
Pungent, popular garlic contains allicin and sulfur compounds, which are responsible for its smell. Allicin is also an antioxidant, with anti-inflammatory benefits for the heart and the entire circulatory system. Surprisingly, raw garlic is a treatment for athlete’s foot—just rub it on the affected area.
GINGER
Ginger has been used for centuries to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold. In fact, many women consume ginger to help ease morning sickness. Thanks to gingerol (the main bioactive ingredient in ginger), it also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
CILANTRO
Cilantro, the leaves of the coriander plant, are very dense in polyphenols, which help lower blood sugar, improve insulin production and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. This fresh herb is also chock full of antioxidants that help prevent cell damage associated with premature aging. Eat it if you enjoy it—somewhere between 4 and 14% of people have a gene that makes it taste soapy.
Want a big bold bite of bright veggies and healthy proteins awash with layers of authentic flavors? Flavors such as garlic, ginger and cilantro that are also loaded with antioxidants? Check out the Chef-Inspired Bols at Bolay featuring mouthwatering ingredients in Thai, Cuban, Japanese and other globally inspired meals.
References
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-surprising-ways-garlic-boosts-your-health/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger
https://www.health.com/nutrition/cilantro-benefits
https://www.allrecipes.com/article/why-does-cilantro-taste-like-soap/