5 Delicious Ways to FEEL UNSTOPPABLE
Your easy key for a healthy, happy summer: Enjoy these superfoods. They deliver a payload of nutrients proven to outsmart the side effects of too much fun in the sun
1 LEMONS WARD OFF SUN-TRIGGERED STRESS
Exposure to heat amps up the body’s production of stress hormones, but a daily glass of fresh lemonade works to ward off a mood meltdown. According to Stanford University researchers, breathing in the drink’s citrus aroma calms the nervous system to lower cortisol output within 60 seconds while lemon’s vitamin C regulates stress-hormone production long-term.
2 BEANS NIX HEAT HEADACHES
The tasty way to cut the risk of throbbing head pain by 60 percent, according to researchers at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn: Nibble on ⁄2 cup of beans (hummus
1 counts!) every day. These gems are a great source of magnesium — a muscle-relaxing, headache soothing mineral that is rapidly depleted through increased perspiration at this time of year.
4 BEEF BANISHES TIREDNESS
The risk of tiredness-triggering iron and folic acid shortfalls doubles during summer since the body uses these nutrients to adapt to the heat and humidity. But Harvard researchers say eating 4 oz. of beef daily delivers the iron and folic acid needed to cut the risk off shortfalls in half — and the effect is so powerful, it can provide an instant shot of pep if you’re already feeling worn-down.
3 OLIVE OIL DAMPENS ACHES
To ease the weekend warrior aches that can come with fun in the sun, drizzle at least 3 tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil onto meals each day, suggest scientists at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Wash. This oil contains a compound that switches off inflammation- and pain-triggering enzymes as effectively as ibuprofen, dialing back discomfort by 25 percent or more.
5 BERRIES PROTECT AGAINST SUNBURN
These sweet gems are rich in ellagic acid — a powerful natural sunscreen that has been shown to block 26 percent of the sun’s damaging UV rays. An added perk: According to UCLA researchers, ellagic acid also boosts the production of collagen and elastin to promote younger-looking skin. To get the benefits, enjoy ⁄2 cup of (fresh or
1 frozen) berries daily.
“Sometimes I’ll still crave a soda, but instead, I’ll treat myself to sparkling water and add a packet of Crystal Light. This makes me feel like I’m having a soda. ”
—Kristin Chenoweth, 48