INSIDE EDITION's Deborah Norville speaks to Food Network star Ellie Krieger about seven superfoods that she says are essential to healthy living.
Having trouble seeing? Try some kale. Low on energy? Pop some almonds.
These are just some of the seven superfoods registered dietician Ellie Krieger says we can't live without.
"All of these seven are incredibly packed with antioxidants," said Krieger.
As Krieger, a Food Network star and author of the So Easy cookbook, rattles off the benefits, it almost sounds too good to be true.
Superfood #1: Kale
"Kale is great for your eyes because it has lutein that can help your eyes and prevent damage from aging," said Krieger.
Sauté it or throw it in a salad.
Superfood #2: Dried cherries
"Especially tart cherries. Interestingly, they contain melatonin which has been shown to help regulate sleep patterns," said Krieger.
Norville asked, "If you eat enough cherries and you've been having sleep disruption, this will help?"
"It could potentially help, yes," said Krieger.
They're great as a snack or toss them in a salad, pancakes or muffins.
Superfood #3: Salmon which is loaded with omega-3 fats.
Krieger explained, "Omega-3 fats reduces the inflammation in the body. So inflammation is thought to be at the root of many diseases, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, even cancers."
"Everybody knows salmon is healthy for you, but frankly salmon is really expensive," said Norville.
"Fresh salmon costs about $20 per pound. You can get a can of salmon which will run you about $4 per pound and it has all the omega fats," said Krieger.
Superfood #4: Mangoes
"Mangoes are great for your immune system. They have aobut 80% of your Vitamin C requirement in just one cup," said Krieger.
Superfood #5: Pinto beans
Norville said, "I am really surprised to see dry beans up here."
"Pinto beans are one of the highest antioxidant contents of any beans, and you know what? They cost .13 cents a cup," said Krieger.
Superfood #6: Sweet potatoes
Krieger said, "Sweet potatoes, great for your skin. The orange in them, the thing that makes them orange is beta-carotene, which is a form of Vitamin A, and this powerful antioxidant vitamin targets the skin. So it specifically can help prevent damage from the sun, which causes wrinkling and so on."
Superfood #7: Almonds
"They have protein, healthy fat, and fiber. Those things combined can help keep your energy up all afternoon," said Krieger.
None of these are expensive or hard to prepare.
To get the Avacado Mango Salad, click on the Download a PDF button at the top of the story.
For more recipes, go to www.EllieKrieger.com.
