Eggs
The incredible edible egg! It is so wonderful that one of my most favorite foods has finally had the cholesterol stigma lifted. Even though the government announced that cholesterol was no longer a concern for heart disease and we were now free to eat as many eggs as desired, I never stopped eating them in the first place. My daughter Alison was raised on ‘eggies’ as she called them. Apparently eggs can raise good cholesterol (HDL), as well as, boost the size of LDL particles into a fluffier good size. Remember it is those nasty small dense LDL particles that can lodge in your arteries and cause heart attacks. Eggs are loaded with healthy B vitamins that help support the nervous system. Eggs also contain choline, an essential nutrient for cognitive function, in other words, eggs support your brain. Amino acids are essential to life, and the body needs 20 but can create only 11. Fortunately the amazing egg boasts of 9 amino acids which play a crucial role in protecting the health of the body such as; weakness, muscle wasting and decreased immunity. Lutein and zeaxathin are found only in the yolk of eggs, are two important antioxidants in their protection against macular degeneration and cataracts. Consuming these two antioxidants is vital in helping prevent blindness in the elderly. Sunshine is not the only way to get vitamin D, yes, I am saying that eggs are a source of vitamin D, which supports bones and teeth, and even aids in boosting metabolism. Foods high in protein help control appetite by keeping you satiated and feeling full. Studies have also found that phospholipids in eggs can help calm inflammation in the body, as well as, lowering risk of cardiovascular disease by assisting the body in breaking down fat. Who would have guessed that all this and more is packed into this oblong little goldmine known as the egg!
CHEESE
Cheese is a powerhouse loaded with the vital nutrient B-12 which aids the body in neurological function. Cheese is very high in protein as well as fat which leave the body feeling full and satiated. According to an article published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, cheese can have a positive effect on the body by lowering bad LDL cholesterol. Cheese also contains calcium which aids in building strong bones. Most are aware that cheese is loaded with bacteria, however, it is fermented which causes a healthy effect on the gut. Cheese not only affects the gut, but also the mouth due to a bacterium found in cheese called Lactobacillus rhamnosus that may protect against cavities. According to studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, risk of type 2 diabetes may be lower in daily consumption of cheese. Fermented dairy also contains Vitamin K2 may help the body from absorbing fat by moving it out of your gut. A study done in Sweden and also posted in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition followed over 900 French men for several years. The good news is that those who consumed 2 ounces of cheese daily lived the longest during the study. Cheese contains calcium which aids in building strong bones. Researchers believe high calcium in cheese may help lower blood pressure. Cheeses that are high in fat like sharp cheddar and Brie contain a fatty acid called conjugated linoleic acid, which is an anti-carcinogen, and may protect against heart disease. It looks like there are plenty of good reasons to make cheese a daily staple in your diet.
