5 Ways Mexican Food Can Benefit Your Health

Posted on June 9, 2017 by Francis Pitt

In 2011 it was reported that there were about 38,000 restaurants across the US. That’s a whole lot of tacos, salsa, nd margaritas! Now 2017, one out of about every 10 restaurants offers some kind of Mexican delicacy, which make spicy, flavorful Mexican food the most popular international cuisine in America. How can you say no to a delicious enchilada, taco, or burrito! You simply cannot. It is also reported that three-quarters of consumers want to try new foods that bolder than the dishes they know and love. If you’re looking to take your taste buds for a delicious ride, you need to hit some local Mexican restaurants!

However, there are other perks to eating Mexican food other than just its robust flavor. Here are the nutritional benefits of Mexican food!

1. Beans for iron and protein
Bean burritos are actually incredibly healthy for you, as is any dish tat uses beans, even your favorite burrito bowls! Beans help lower cholesterol, keep you full, and are also full of protein and iron.

2. Tomatillos for a better immune system

These babies might be in your salsa, and they are packed with vitamins. Eating these fruits, which are very close to tomatoes, are filled with vitamin C and K. Vitamin C is great for boosting your immunity and keeping you from getting a cold or the flu, and vitamin K can prevent blood clots.

3. Avocados for heart health

These fruits deliver monounsaturated fats which are great for your health. They are cool, creamy, and delicious, and can be put on top of burrito bowls, tacos, and eaten with chips in guacamole.

4. Tortillas for different nutrients

Tortillas can be filled with protein, fiber, b-vitamins, and iron. Corn tortillas, as well as rice tortillas, can be used in a gluten-free diet. This is the main difference between flour and corn tortillas. They are a great foundation for burritos and other foods where fresh produce, meats, and other healthy and filling ingredients can be added. They are used in burritos, which many Mexican restaurants sell. In fact, there are 67,391 restaurants in the US that serve up burritos.

Convinced to add more Mexican food to your diet yet? Comment with your favorite Mexican dish!

Have You Ever Eaten a Crystallized Rose Petal?

Posted on June 6, 2017 by Francis Pitt

Everyone has their different passions. And in today’s day and age, there is such an intriguing, wide variety of hobbies and interests. One of these passions can be found in the food industry. People build entire careers on being a chef or a foodie or some other aspect related to the preparation and consumption of food. And, of course, as with any huge industry, there are trends that appear and grow to prominence, like, for example, the use of organic microgreens.

Have you ever eaten crystallized rose petal?

It has been estimated that there are around 100 kinds of common flowers that are not only edible, but that also taste delicious as well! There have been several points in time during the development and advancement of our species that food was merely for surviving. By now, in many places, food and the enjoyment that it brings are more about delight than simply getting by. Surely there were times in history that our ancestors ate several different kinds of plants, and there have always had to be moments of experimentation. But at this point, eating a crystallized rose petal is quite a bit more decadent than many of the plant choices in the past.

Edible flowers and plants for a better meal

Yes, we’ve always been told to eat our vegetables. But why not make it exciting? With all of the types of edible flowers, and the ability to enjoy beautiful creations like crystallized rose petals, there are so many options available to those who seek a higher level of dining experiences. Foodies who constantly crave the next bold taste are thrilled at the use of things like microgreens. While they have been used for as many as three decades already, they are still a relatively new addition to the menu, when all things are considered. They are also not very easy to grow and maintain in a common garden.

Restaurants that offer dishes with microgreens, and the places that sell them, would likely be able to attest to the fact that growing them takes a lot of hard work and attention to detail. There are very specific qualifications, such as the rating scale that they must measure up to. A rating of 1 is poor, while a 5 is the best. Anything less than a 3 will likely not be sold.

Adding a little flavor and flair to the plate is always a good option. Microgreens bring in the perfect combination.

Recent Industry News for Wine Connoisseurs

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Francis Pitt

Whether you prefer drinking craft beer or wine and spirits, you probably have a favorite local liquor store where you purchase these beverages. If you’re an oenophile, or wine connoisseur, however, chances are that you may only shop at special wine stores. In addition to purchasing your favorite bottle at local wine stores to serve at home, you may also enjoy going out for cocktails, appetizers, and meals with family and friends.

Since you’d like to learn more about the wine industry, you’ll probably be interested in a 2013 report from Impact Databank. They found that the United States consumed over 329 million cases of wine during that year alone. As a result, the United States was considered to be the largest wine-consuming nation during that time period.

In 2014, Nielsen scan data showed that Americans tend to prefer red over white wine. When considering the dollar volume sold, red wine came in at 51%, while white wine came in at 46% with an increase of 6%.

Millennial-aged wine lovers alone consumed 159.6 million cases of wine in 2015. This comprised 42% of the wine sold in the United States that year. On average, Millennials will enjoy drinking 3.1 glasses of wine at a time, while Gen Xers will have 2.4 glasses. Baby Boomers will usually just have 1.9 glasses. While the younger crowd may appear to be thirstier than their older oenophile counterparts, chances are that they just really enjoy exploring and tasting different types of wine.

Millennials also appear to be purchasing more expensive wine than other generations, including Baby Boomers. Within the past month, for example, 17% of Millennials purchased a bottle that cost over $20.00. This is compared with only 5% of Baby Boomers and 10% of other generations.

The good news for oenophiles is that the United States is the home to over 7,700 wineries. Whether you prefer white or red, you may be interested to know the most popular varietals:

Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Grigio
Merlot
Pinot Noir

Whether you have 1 or more glasses of your favorite wine at a time, you may want to expand your discerning palate with a new varietal. The next time you stop by your favorite wine store, be sure to inquire about their new wines. Even though you may decide to be loyal to your usual Cabernet Sauvignon, wine always makes a wonderful gift for family and friends.

Reasons Why Golf Is More Complicated Than You Think

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Francis Pitt

Golf is the chosen past time of many professionals both because it’s relaxing to play, and the mental aspects that are associated with it. Doctors, businessmen, lawyers, and more, they’re all out at the driving range testing their equipment, or on the green basking in a warm sunny day as they strive to get their best drives. America is covered in golf courses, golf clubs, and golf club events. It’s one of the favorite leisure activities available to a working professional.

It’s also both one of the most complicated games, and the quickest to ease into.

That’s not to say that just anyone can play golf and play it well! At the upper levels of the sport, golf is one of the most complex games around, and the truly best tend to stand out. There’s a difference between playing in a golf tournament and driving on your local 18-hole golf courses. A big difference.

A professional, or even a seasoned player, can learn to adapt to changes in their environment quickly. Wind, terrain, the amount of dampness on the green, how much power to put into a swing and what angle to hit. There’s math, and lots of it, in golf. It’s not just line up the shot and swing! You need to account for so many factors.

Not to mention all the equipment that a player needs to have, and understand the uses for.

A golf player can have, at most, 14 clubs in their bag at any given time. Each one with a specific purpose, and a specific terrain or situation the work best in. A pro can use each one of them with maximum efficiency, and make the most out of every shot. They’re rather expensive on the higher end, which is why the sport has so many working professionals playing, individuals like doctors and lawyers. The best clubs and equipment costs more, but the results are noticeable.

They’re also rather heavy and make great exercise tool if you’re carrying them yourself.

An average sized man can burn 460 calories if they carry their clubs one hour of play. On a nine-hole course, they can end up having to walk nearly 2.5 miles. On 18-hole golf courses, that of course doubles. It’s why they have golf carts.

When you drive a ball 200 or more yards, it’s a pain in the rear to walk after it. Read this website for more information.

Worried About Foodborne Illness In Your Meat? Try Grass Fed Beef Or Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon Instead

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Francis Pitt

How healthy is your diet? This is a question many Americans are asking themselves as of late with so much new data being brought to their attention concerning the current standards of the meat industry. Foodborne illness, reduced minerals and environmentally unstable breeding environments are just a few of the concerns the meat industry has concerning their output and it’s something consumers are starting to feel every time they go to the grocery store or shop online. How can you get the best of both worlds while still providing for your family as well as your environment at large? Grass fed beef is fast becoming the answer, proven to have more vitamins than grain fed counterparts while putting less strain on industry and consumer alike.

Beef

Grass fed beef is quickly becoming the eco-friendly and health-conscious option for consumers across the country. Why? Let’s start with the basics. Grass fed beef has been found to have seven times the beta carotene of grain fed cows, giving consumers healthier amounts of vitamin A they’re simply not getting from the average grocer. Beef from grass fed cows also has higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids, commonly thought to be more easily found in fish, and can keep you healthier than conventional choices. Unfortunately, grass fed beef only accounts for less than 3% of all beef sales. When you buy grass fed, you do your body and your industry a huge favor!

Pork

Perhaps grass fed beef is not your go-to. If you’re more of a pork fan, you’re in good hands. Pasture pigs have been found to produce a stunning 300% more vitamin E as well as 75% more selenium in their milk. This is perfect for creating healthy litters of pigs, to boot, and encourages a much healthier industry than many current meat models are promoting. For those that want to be as environmentally conscious as they are financial, seeking out pasture pigs is truly the way to go. The average American eats 66 pounds of beef every year as well as 90 pounds of chicken. But what about fish?

Fish

Fish is a fantastic option for those who want to watch their calories while still gleaning every last essential vitamin they can out of a meal. Farmed salmon has more than three times the saturated fat as wild salmon does, with a wild salmon half filet only having 13 grams of fat compared to farmed salmons’ 27. If that sounds like quite a bargain, don’t stop reading yet. Wild salmon also has 32% less calories according to data provided by the National Nutritional Database and may even be safer to eat on the whole.

Illness

Foodborne illness can leave many hesitant to seek out their favorite meat options. A 2001 study saw up to 80% of antibiotics produced in the United States given to livestock feed. Another study published by Clinical Infectious Diseases estimated at least 47% of meat and poultry will possess Staph bacteria. Much of this is caused by harmful breeding and housing enclosures, that of which is circumvented by grass fed, pasture bred and wild caught meat options.

Creating A Healthy Diet

Sustainable meat options are simply the way of the future. Wild caught Alaskan salmon has less calories, less saturated fat and more vitamins than their farmed counterparts, ideal for those trying to lose weight and stay healthy all in one bite. Grass fed beef gains a noticeable boost in essential omega fatty acids and pasture bred chicken and pork have a reduced risk of harmful illness than convention. Even better? You can find grass fed steaks online alongside plenty of healthy and quick recipes to bring out the very best in your own personal diet. Go down the road less traveled and set a trend. Try wild caught and grass fed options and see the difference they make.

A Few Types of Food Contamination to be Aware of

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Francis Pitt

It’s no secret that food can get contaminated. But did you know that there are different ways in which food can become contaminated? That’s right, there are countless contaminants out there that could potentially get into food. This is, in part, why food packaging equipment needs to be so precise. Here are a few of the most common forms of food contamination that you need to be aware of.
Biological Contamination
Biological contamination includes almost everything under the sun. Bacteria and other toxins can enter food through bodily contact, dust, pets or pests, and even from a food handler’s clothing. This is most often the cause of food poisoning, as harmful bacteria can actually spoil food or make it poisonous to eat. Some bacteria, like salmonella, staphylococcus, and listeria, can be extremely harmful to humans. Seafood, cooked pasta, and dairy products are all considered extremely susceptible to these kinds of harmful bacteria.
Chemical Contamination
When food is exposed to chemicals such as those present in kitchen cleaning agents, pesticides, non-safe plastics, pest-control products, and cleaning agents used in heavy equipment cleaning. So the solution used to clean an x-ray food inspection machine could actually be harming the food being inspected. All of these chemical solutions could potentially contaminate food and lead to chemical poisoning if that food is ingested. This is one of the most important reasons why health experts recommend washing all of your produce before eating any of it. The chemicals used to protect it could actually end up harming you.
Physical Contamination
Physical contamination happens when and object makes its way into the food. Things such as bones, fingernails, hair, glass or metal, and even pests can make their way into food, contaminating it and potentially harming someone who consumes it. This is one of the most important reasons behind x-ray food inspections and food metal detectors. If there’s something in food that shouldn’t be there, these machines can find it and dispose of that food appropriately.
Food is an important part of life; it’s what keeps us alive. But if you’re not careful, your food could end up doing more harm than good.

16 Events When People Love A Scoop Of Ice Cream

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Francis Pitt

We all love our ice cream. Having a nice ice cream cup can make most of our days. The sweet and creamy dessert can pick us up and also be a great center piece for a social event. To hit that point home, here are 16 occasions in life when an ice cream cup is the best.

On A Hot Day
This example is obvious. A nice cold scoop of creamy ice cream on a hot, sweltering day? That just sounds like heaven. Who wouldn’t want to cool down with a bit of vanilla or chocolate?
Next To The Pool
With that, having a scoop while chilling out by the pool is pretty great. You’ve got the water and you’ve got the dessert to help you relax on a bright and hot summer day.
At the Beach
Or, if you want to go further outside, the beach is a great vacation. When you’re not in the water or making a sand castle, enjoy the sweet relief of an ice cream cup.
As An After School Snack
Next, it’s great to have a gelato cup right after you get out from school. Kids love having something sweet and a happy kid is a happy home.
At An Ice Cream Party
Or, maybe you want to have a festive party. Consider hosting an ice cream party for you and your friends and see everyone enjoy your themed event.
Birthday Party
Of course, one of the most important parties in existence is greatly improved by having some ice cream there. A birthday party isn’t complete without some cake and ice cream on the side, so make sure to get some for your event.
After A Breakup
This event is sadly not a happy one. If you’re feeling down because you’re significant other dumped you, know that there’s always a delicious treat waiting to comfort you.
On Movie Night
Not only can you get a cool bite sized ice cream snack at a theater, but you can also prepare ahead of time and have some ice cream ready when you’re just watching a video at home. Both are great.
When Hanging Out With Friends
You and your friends get each other. Sometimes, it’s like you’re the same person. As such, it’s great when you guys can sit down and enjoy a nice sweet treat together.
When Studying For An Exam
Another great time to enjoy an ice cream snack would be as a sweet moment of relief during exam season. Have the snack next to you to help you get through a night of study.
As A Reward After An Exam
Then, when exam season is over you deserve something to celebrate. Have an ice cream cup as a reward for all the hard work you put into studying.
Date Night
In addition, something sweet is always nice when you’re out with the one you love. Have a romantic dinner and then a nice cup of ice cream to celebrate being together.
After A Hard Day At Work
Just like your kids when they get off of school, you can enjoy a scoop or two when you’ve gotten off of work. This is especially good when you’ve had an especially hard day.
Some Sweet After Clubbing
Another time that ice cream is great is when you’ve got gotten home from a night out. Late night excursions are often fun but tiring, have a scoop of ice cream to help you wind down from all that.
On Cheat Day
Then, when you’re trying to be healthier and keep a tight body, it might be hard to have ice cream. That said, everyone deserves a nice, sweet treat and cheat day’s a great time for you to have what you deserve.
As A Nice Surprise
All of these events are great, but the one that’s possibly the best is when you’re not expecting the dessert. Say your parent, friend, or lover gets you ice cream as a surprise. That is a great way to uplift your day.

Ice cream is a wonderful treat. Most of us love them and there are many ways that it comes into out lives. All of these events are just some on a long list of ice cream induced happiness. So, raise your ice cream cups and have a scoop on me. You deserve it.

Organic Food Benefits

live happily, healthily and deliciously in the fast food nation

Author Archives: Francis Pitt