Cristin Jones, Self magazine contributor and Registered Dietician came to Live with Regis and Kelly to give the top ten superfoods. Superfoods, she explains, are foods that are naturally healthy for you. They have good protein, carbohydrates as well as antioxidants and phytochemicals proven to fight and prevent long term diseases.
1. Eggs Typically known to not be good for you to eat if you are watching your cholesterol, but studies have shown it is safe to eat 1 egg a day without raising your cholesterol levels. It is important to eat the entire egg, as most of the nutrients are found in the yoke. Eggs are also good for eye health. You can have them scrambled for breakfast or as a frittata for dinner.
2.Oats Whole grain and loaded with fiber, oats are good for lowering your total cholesterol as well as removing the LDL or bad cholesterol from your body. People who eat a lot of oats have lower risks of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Good for breakfast mixed with strawberries or nuts on top. You can also mix them into your meatballs or meatloaf recipes.
3. Lentils Great low fat, cholesterol free source of protein, lentils can be substituted for meat. They have both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is good for keeping cholesterol low as well as weight management. They digest very slowly so they do not cause your insulin levels to go up and cause you to store abdominal fat. You can eat them in salads, soups or by themselves. They also lower your risk of heart disease.
4. Berries Loaded with antioxidants, they help against the development of cancer, as well as lower cholesterol. Some berries have beta-carotene which are good for eye health as well as protein to help fill you longer.
5. Wild Salmon Better for you because of having less pollutants or contaminants than farm raised salmon. You can eat it fresh, canned or out of the pouch. It has good healthy fats, Omega-3's that lower your cholesterol and reduce the rate of heart disease. It is also good for brain health.
6. Almonds High in fat, but it is good fat. Monounsaturated fat lowers your cholesterol, making it good for your heart. Also has Vitamin E that gets rid of free radicals from causing damage in your body. You can try almond butter on toast or with yogurt as a dip for vegetables.
7.Quinoa A whole grain loaded with fiber and lots of protein. It is filling and digests slowly helping with weight management as well as heart disease. There are different varieties including white and red. Can eat it as a salad with almonds and peppers.
8. Yogurt Has lots of protein and calcium as well as probiotics. It prevents bone disease, as well as helps with intestinal health and your overall immune system. Greek yogurt is highly recommended.
9. Olive Oil A healthy fat that lowers your cholesterol as well as risk of heart disease. Loaded with antioxidants. Can be used for cooking (should not be at high temperatures) or for drizzling on veggies.
10. Whole Grains/Wheat Loaded with fiber, lowers risks of heart disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes. At least half of your grains should be whole grains.
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