Healing Super Snacks

byDavid Zinczenko, with Matt Goulding

If some doctors had their way today, Americans would be more medicated than industrial feedlot cattle. But what most people don’t realize is that the first line of defense against stress, fatigue, depression, and so many other maladies is found in supermarket aisles, not in the drug store.

Research shows that the vitamins, minerals, and active compounds specific to certain fruits, vegetables, and even chocolate and red wine have an immediate and lasting impact on your mood, your health, your fitness — even your sex life.

Whether you have a big presentation at work, or the need to burn a few hundred extra calories a day (and who doesn’t want to do that?), why not put food to work for you? Here are seven research-backed quick cures just waiting for you in the fresh produce bins and supermarket shelves.

David is the author of the New York Times bestsellers the Abs Diet and the Abs Diet for Women, and co-author of the new national bestseller Eat This, Not That!

Read David and Matt's list of 7 super snacks

Watermelon-a superfood?

ScienceDaily.com (July 1, 2008) — “The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body,” said Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center in College Station.

“We’ve always known that watermelon is good for you, but the list of its very important healthful benefits grows longer with each study.”

Scientists say watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido.

Read more about watermelons

How to Elevate Oatmeal to Superfood - RealAge

"Drink a glass of this with your oatmeal to help elevate your breakfast to superfood status: orange juice. Why? The nutrients in oatmeal and OJ work synergistically to provide double the benefits you'd expect from simply adding their powers together."

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