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Though certain supplements that claim to help your skin, hair and nails may not, foods with certain vitamins and minerals may indeed provide nutrients that can.

Cara cara, a navel orange with a pinkish, orange peel, tastes like a cross between a cranberry and cherry.
Yuzu, East Asian citrus fruit, tastes like a grapefruit with a hint of mandarin orange.
Pomelo is a very large grapefruit variety with low acid content. Juicy, it has notes of lime and jasmine.

Well first it’s a member of the mint family, and there are actually 50 types of basil. Though sweet green basil is the most available variety, there is a spicy basil that is a bit peppery, and it’s becoming much more popular.

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Ever heard of orzo? It’s a silky, textured pasta that looks like over-sized rice. Choose a brand that has the bran and germ included – there are several on the market made from 100% whole wheat. You’ll get the benefit of B vitamins, iron AND fiber. Whole wheat orzo can have more fiber, protein and selenium than brown rice and it boils up quickly like traditional pasta.

Underage drinking, dangerous driving, even too little sleep can have serious consequences. Practice good sense and moderation.

Mangoes are packed with vitamins, fiber and powerful anti-oxidants. These fruits are widely available in the summer. You can obviously enjoy them on their own or add them to a fruit salad or regular salad. You can also cut thin strips and add them to a lean roast along with a variety of vegetables.

Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, but did you know that chickpeas (garbanzo beans) come in colors?? You may be only familiar with pale beige or yellow beans, but actually the black, red, brown and green varieties may have up to 31% more anti-oxidant activity. Find the darker colored selections in stores that typically sell ingredients for Indian cuisine.

A new study suggests that apple juice may help to curb Alzheimer’s symptoms which can include anxiety, agitation and delusions. This juice may boost production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that declines in Alzheimer’s disease.

Just remember to choose liquid calories wisely and always buy 100% juice. A serving size for most juices is 5 ounces.

CoQ10 is a supplement that will especially benefit people on statin medications, because it helps muscles with oxygen uptake and aerobic capacity. Take it at dinnertime since it needs some fat for maximal absorption. Always check with your doctor before beginning to take a new supplement.

Before heading off to campus, stuff these items into your backpack to keep you healthy and your spirits high: a refillable water bottle, small pockets of peanuts and raisins, multi-vitamins, and a pair of athletic shoes.

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