The Top Ten

I recently had to come up my top 10 foods for a school project. I thought I would share with you what my picks are and why I choose them.

Broccoli: Broccoli is a well rounded vegetable and contains many useful nutrients. Indole-3 carbinol helps to protect DNA and increases the amount of "good" estrogen you have. Sulforphane increases phase-2 enzymes, which fight carcinogens. You can eat the stalk, head and leaves. I can see you turning up nose, but it really is quite tasty! It is also one of the least contaminated foods.
Kale: Kale is part of the cabbage family. It dose the best job of all vegetables of fighting free radicals. Like broccoli it contains sulforphane. My mother tells me that kale is used to feed cattle and that she doesn't want to eat it. Well, call me a cow because I love it!
Kiwi: Kiwi is the most nutrient dense fruit. It has the highest level of vitamin C and lots of magnesium. They contain more potassium than bananas. Kiwi can help to prevent oxidative damage and help to repair damage that has occurred. Kiwi has the ability to thin blood as aspirin does but without the harmful side affects. It is also one of the least contaminated foods.
Quinoa: Quinoa is a grain like seed. It has all of the essential amino acids and is a great source of protein. It has a low glycemic index, so it is ideal for diabetics.
Pomegranate: Pomegranate contains lots of antioxidants called flavonoids. The flavonoid level in a pomegranate is higher than green tea and wine. They help to combat cancer and heart disease. Pomegranate may also prevent LDL cholesterol from being oxidized.
Sardines: I know, I know. Sardines are yucky! Have you actually tried one? If not, they are edible and are tasty when served on toast. They contain omega-3 fats that are vital for heart health among other things. Because they are small you can eat the bones. This provides one with 25 to 38 percent of your daily calcium. They also contain significant amounts of selenium and B12. When buying Sardines pick ones package in their own oil, olive oil, tomato sauce or mustard. When packed in vegetable oil you will be consuming omega-6 fats that can cause inflammation.
Walnuts: Walnuts have the highest level of omega-3 oils of all nuts. The omega-3 oils can help to lower triglycerides and help to support brain function. When picking walnuts, I suggest picking the ones with white flesh. Yellow flesh indicates that the oil has gone rancid.
Garlic: Garlic has been used through the ages as a medicinal agent. The greatest of its qualities is its ability to help lower cholesterol, fight off bacteria, parasites and viruses, reduce hypertension, and has antioxidant qualities. I also think that garlic tastes great and keeps vampires at bay!
Ginger: Ginger is also used a medicinal aid. It can help to soothe upset stomachs and nausea. Ginger contains antioxidants that have been shown to help soothe inflammation and inhibit cancer cells from growing. It is possible that ginger may cause the body to absorb other drugs at an increased rate and can act as a blood thinner.
Lentils: Lentils are high in fiber. This fiber can help to reduce cholesterol and control ones blood sugar levels. They are easy to cook and taste great.

What Kate Ate 3/10/10

Orange
Oatmeal with raisins and almonds
Beans on toast
Spaghetti with tomato sauce and a salad with yummy sunflower seeds and cranberries
I also had green tea, Chai tea and immune system support tea. I think I like tea!