Recharge with spring gems
Feel your best with these in-season picks
ACHE ENDER
Fresh asparagus is a sure sign of spring! And British scientists say enjoying eight spears daily tames inflammation, relaxes tight muscles and speeds the healing of damaged tissues to tamp down stiffness and pain, thanks to the veggie’s vitamin B-1, folate and vitamin K. Tip: Asparagus can be substituted (cup-forcup) for green beans in any recipe.
DETOXIFIER
Tender green scallions add zip to sauces, sides and salads. Rich in sulforaphane, a compound that activates liver detoxification genes, these mild onions speed toxin breakdown by as much as 22% when you enjoy 1⁄4 cup daily, report Canadian scientists.
ENERGIZER
Enjoying three artichokes (or six artichoke hearts) weekly cuts the risk of sluggishness and fatigue in half. So say Swedish researchers, who credit an artichoke compound (silymarin) that boosts the absorption of energizing minerals like potassium and magnesium, plus switches on enzymes that help muscles burn food for energy.
MOOD LIFTER
Chasing off any lingering winter grumpiness is as easy as reaching for rhubarb. Stanford University scientists say its tart flavor prompts the release of calming, mood-boosting alpha brain waves, often within 2 minutes of the first bite.
DELICIOUS IDEAS: To bring out rhubarb’s sweetness, sprinkle small chunks with a pinch of sugar and roast for 5 minutes. For a savory side, cut 1 lb. of rhubarb and 1 bunch of radishes into matchsticks, then toss with 2 Tbs. of olive oil, 2 tsp. of honey mustard and 1 tsp. of lemon juice.
FAT BLASTER
Tender spring spinach adds freshness to wraps, pizzas, pastas and more—and Yale University researchers say eating 1 heaping cup daily can help you shed 4 pounds a month, without dieting! Thanks goes to lipoic acid, a compound that soaks easily into muscle cells, where it activates enzymes that convert stored fats into ATP, your body’s key source of cellular fuel.
FOCUS BOOSTER
Crisp sugar snap peas are a tasty time-saver since their pods are edible—no shelling required! Add 1 cup to a meal or snack (try dipping them into cream cheese), and you could boost your focus by 30% for 3 hours. That, say researchers at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, is because 25% of a sugar snap’s calories come from amino acids—the basic building blocks of the brainstimulating hormone dopamine.