SPECIAL OFFER: - Limited Time Only!
(The ad below will not display on your printed page)
Protect Your Breasts
Regularly including mangoes in your diet could help prevent cancer by warding off free-radical damage. Researchers at Texas A&M University in College Station found that mango extract contains various polyphenolics, compounds they think may inhibit the growth of an aggressive breast cancer cell.
Fresh idea: Combine sliced mango and jicama for a refreshing salad or sprinkle wedges with lime juice and chili powder.
Outrun Muscle Cramps
If you want to up your potassium intake, dig in to a sweet potato; one baked spud contains nearly 30 percent more of the nutrient than a banana. "Potassium is important to fitness because it helps ensure proper muscle movement and prevents cramping," says Elizabeth Ward, RD, author of The Pocket Idiot's Guide to the New Food Pyramids. Bonus: The veggie is a great source of muscle-building copper, too.
Fresh idea: Don't fry sweet potatoes. This cooking method reduces the amount of potassium they contain. Instead, mash or bake 'em.
Think Like a Genius
Pumpkins, and especially their seeds, pack a zinc punch. Scientists discovered that people who took a zinc supplement laced with other micronutrients performed better on memory, reasoning, and hand-eye-coordination tests than those who took the micronutrients alone. "Zinc is essential for proper brain function, including aiding in neurotransmissions, which help you think clearly," explains researcher Harold Sandstead, MD, professor emeritus at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Fresh idea: Whip up pumpkin muffins or pumpkin pancakes. Toss some roasted seeds onto a salad for a flavorful crunch.