Delicious Ways to TURN BACK THE CLOCK
These superfoods are loaded with nutrients that have been study-proven to increase vitality and alertness in as little as 2 minutes, so you can enjoy a burst of youthful energy
1 MINT POWERS UP ENERGIZING BRAIN WAVES
The distinctive flavor and aroma of peppermint instantly activate the brain’s emotional switchboard, increasing the output of beta waves to fire up alertness and focus in 3 minutes. For a delicious sip, steep a peppermint tea bag (like Alvita Peppermint, $6, vitacost.com) in hot water for 3 minutes. Let cool, then serve over ice garnished with lemon and fresh mint, if desired.
2 HOT PEPPERS BOOST ENDORPHINS
Spicing up meals with ⁄4 cup of salsa or 1 1 tbsp. of hot sauce or hot peppers can chase away a blue mood and fatigue in as little as 2 minutes, report researchers at the University of Texas at Austin. Credit goes to a compound (called capsaicin) in peppers that stimulates a rush of feelgood endorphins in the brain to leave you feeling sunny and invigorated.
4 CABBAGE EASES TOXIN FATIGUE
Plant compounds in cabbage activate key detoxification enzymes in the liver. Canadian researchers report that these enzymes convert fatsoluble toxins into water-soluble molecules that can be easily flushed from the body. The effect is so powerful that noshing on just 1 cup of cabbage four times each week can alleviate toxin-triggered fatigue in as little as seven days.
3 BEEF CONVERTS FAT INTO FUEL
A great reason to enjoy that burger: Eating 4 oz. of red meat three times per week can trigger a 39 percent spike in energy, according to Australian scientists. That’s because beef’s amino acids and zinc activate the rapid conversion of body fat into energizing fuel. And as a feel-great bonus, amino acids in beef also steady blood sugar to cut tiredness in half.
5 STRAWBERRIES ENERGIZE MUSCLES
Juicy strawberries can give you extra pep to power through your to-do’s, say Michigan State University researchers. Plant compounds (called anthocyanins) in the gems stimulate activity of energy engines within muscle and brain cells to boost stamina by 33 percent. Fresh strawberries contain four times more anthocyanins than older fruit, so pick up berries at the farmers market if possible.