Super Chefs on Super Foods
Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay's reputation is built upon his goal of culinary perfection -- and his bloody hot temper.
But the British chef does have a soft spot in his heart -- for seasonal vegetables - radishes and watercress in April, asparagus, spinach and spring onions in May and artichokes, carrots, eggplant and beans in June.
"I don't want to see asparagus in the middle of December, I want to see it home grown," he says. Seasonal veggies deliver the most flavor and the most nutrition. That's why April and May are prime time for his watercress, asparagus soup and his signature Sweet Potato Spinach Feta Frittata.
See what essential nutrients seasonal spinach delivers.
Rick Bayless
Rick Bayless, a culinary star in the world of upscale Mexican cuisine, is also a fanatic for fresh, local ingredients.
One of the founding members of Chef's Collective, Bayless supports environmentally sound agricultural practices and through his Frontera Foundation he funds local agriculture.
One of his farms in Michigan grows the blueberries he uses in his blueberry-tequila ice cream.
Bayless often chooses fruits rich in flavor and antioxidants, just as this one that's been creamed, spiked and sits atop his Veracruz fresh corn cakes.
Learn about other tasty health benefits of blueberries.
Rachael Ray
It's not all EVOO (that's extra virgin olive oil) with Rachael Ray. She tells a good fish tale too - particularly her honey-glazed salmon recipe.
"If your doctor says you need to be eating seafood," she advises, "make it salmon. Not only is it light, but it also has vital omega-3s. "
The omega-3 fatty acids come in three forms: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Wild salmon is packed with DHA and EPA, which keep you brain smart and sexually responsive, for starters. Watch to see what else the super fats of salmon can do.
Paula Deen
Paula Deen's recipes are about more than her heart-stopping romance with butter, bacon, butter, mayo and more butter.
The southern chef can actually do a thing or two with heart-friendly oats, and make them tasty, while keeping the whole grain's integrity intact.
Deen's oatmeal raisin cookies pack a protein punch. Oat protein is nearly equivalent in nutritional quality to protein found in meat, milk, and eggs. Aside from protein, oats pack a type of fiber called beta-glucan, which has been found to provide outstanding benefits for diabetics.
Alton Brown
Alton Brown, the chef and TV personality, knows a thing or two about what's Good Eats and what's not.
That's why Brown has a short list of foods that he makes sure he eats every day: fruits, whole grains, leafy greens, nuts and green tea.
Green tea has been used as a beverage and a traditional medicine in most of Asia. It's thought to help control bleeding, and heal wounds, promote digestion and regulate body temperature and blood sugar.
See why this antioxidant-packed tea deserves a place on Brown's list of got-to-have-foods
Check out more super food tips:
Test Your Food IQ: Do You Know These Facts?
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Super Foods: Garlic
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Super Foods: Spices