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DARK, LEAFY
GREENS
From spinach and Swiss
chard to kale and collards,
leafy greens pile your plate
with the vitamins and
minerals your body needs
to fight off disease. And
when it comes to which
are the most nutrient-rich,
remember one thing—the
darker, the better.
Why?
Because these veg-
gies are rich in vitamins A
and C and a wide range
of carotenoids that act as
antioxidants, clearing the
body of harmful free radi-
cals. Some even prevent the
growth of certain types of
cancer cells.
Besides their disease-
fighting characteristics,
these greens are fat-free,
cholesterol-free and low-
calorie—and some are even
an excellent source of fiber.
Choosing:
Pick crisp,
green bunches without in-
sect damage.
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SPICES
Most of us have spices
stored in our kitchen cabi-
net. In fact, most herbs
and spices have some great
health benefits attached to
them—as well as improving
the taste of so many foods!
Consider these nutrient-
packed spices.
MINT
A refreshing herb
that has traditionally been
used to calm digestive
troubles and alleviate
2
WATER
What should every athlete have?
A water bottle.
Your body needs plenty of fluid
to get the most out of a workout.
Water helps to cool you down—
from the inside out. It also helps
transport nutrients, eliminate
waste, and maintain blood pres-
sure and circulation.
If you don’t take in enough
liquids, you may notice that
your muscles get tired or feel
cramped. Or you might lose
energy and become a bit un-
coordinated. Worse yet, you
could end up with a danger-
ous case of heat exhaustion or
heat stroke.
You can also check your
urine to see if you’re well-
hydrated. It should be plentiful
and a pale yellow color.
What to drink.
Water is
generally the best choice for
hydration, but some athletes
who exercise hard and long also
consume sports drinks. The
carbohydrates and electrolytes
in sports drinks may help you
rehydrate faster.
4
DENTAL
FLOSS
GO TO
CHARMS
FOR GOOD HEALTH
Flossing cleans the gaps
between your teeth so that
you’re less at risk of gum
infections or cavities from
bacteria buildup. Brush-
ing cleans the surface of
your teeth, but flossing
cleans the hidden bacteria
between them. If you don’t
floss, you’re more likely to
have plaque buildup, which
can lead to tooth decay,
cavities and gum disease. If
left untreated, gum disease
can be a risk factor for heart
disease and diabetes.
Don’t have time to floss?
Keep a small box of dental
floss in your car or purse
for when you’re on the run,
in the office or out on the
town. Keeping dental floss
handy will ensure that you
always have time to floss.
nausea. Many people enjoy
a tea made from pepper-
mint or spearmint leaves.
And the volatile oils in
both have been used in
breath fresheners, tooth-
pastes and chewing gum.
Externally, the oil or tea
can be used to repel mos-
quitoes, help with the com-
mon cold and soothe skin.
TURMERIC
Often found in
kitchens around the world,
it is most commonly used
as an ingredient in Indian
foods.
It contains curcumin, a
cancer-fighting compound.
It is often taken medicinally
in America for its ability to
reduce inflammation and
improve joint pain.
OREGANO
A common
ingredient in Italian and
Mediterranean cuisine,
oregano is extremely high
in antioxidants and has
demonstrated antimicro-
bial properties against
food-borne pathogens like
listeria.
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H Q
•
S P R I N G 2 0 1 5
Whether it’s a smooth stone you found at the
beach or a beautiful ring, we surround our-
selves with objects that mean good memories.
But some of the things we surround ourselves
with can domore than boost our mood. These
household items can actually help you stay
healthy.