Healthy Living4

You've been hearing for years that fruits and veggies are high in antioxidants. Mushrooms are the highest food source of two: ergothioneine and glutathione. Porcini mushrooms are packed with these antioxidants, which may have anti-aging powers. Researchers think that in the future, ergothioneine and glutathione may be studied in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

It's important for your heart, muscles, and nerves. When you think of foods that have a lot of it, bananas or potatoes might come to mind. But mushrooms are right up there in potassium content. For example: two-thirds of a cup of grilled, sliced portabellas -- large mushrooms with smooth brown or tan caps -- has as much potassium as a medium banana.

Mushrooms may do a lot more for your health than fuel your body. They have antibacterial properties. They can help lower cholesterol. They're good for your immune system. They may even help prevent or treat Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, high blood pressure, and cancer.

If you're looking for an all-natural multivitamin, skip the supplement aisle and pick up some mushrooms. Among their many nutrients: B vitamins -- including pantothenic acid (B5), niacin (B3), and riboflavin (B2) -- plus copper and selenium. Mushrooms also have protein, fiber, potassium, vitamin D, calcium, and more. Not bad for a food that's more than 90% water.

There are so many types of mushrooms -- at least 14,000 -- though only about half are OK to eat. But almost all the mushrooms we eat in the U.S. are the white button variety. Why not branch out? Other common types include cremini, portabella, maitake (also called hen of the woods), shiitake, enoki, and oyster. Each has its own unique shape, flavor, and texture.

If you've ever had one of these painful little rocks block the tubes you use to p*e, chances are you're already halfway to the local lemonade stand. The stones form when minerals in your body clump together. Substances called citrates in lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits can help stop this buildup.

Polyphenols, a special kind of antioxidant found in lemons and limes, may hold off weight and body fat gain. Scientists think these substances change the way your body processes fat and improve its response to insulin. But before you load up on lemon water, know that this study was done on mice, not people.

Both the juice and the p*el of lemons or limes can do the trick. Squeeze some in your water before and after you go for a walk. You may get more benefit from each. Talk to your doctor if you take blood pressure drugs or other meds. Citrus can interfere with them. Never adjust medication unless the doctor tells you to.

Their high acid content adds the perfect sour bite to your salad greens. It also helps kill salmonella bacteria that might be on your food, your cutting board, or your kitchen counter. That might be the difference between a pleasant evening and a long, long night. Don't plan on scrubbing the bathroom with it, but if you want to make sure your greens are clean, a half vinegar, half lemon juice mix should zap most of the bacteria in about 15 minutes.

Vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oils, and coumarins are all plentiful in lemons and limes. They're part of a team of superhero substances called antioxidants. They band together to fight the bad guys -- free radicals -- which damage your cells and lead to diseases and other health problems.

Thiamin and riboflavin, part of a group of vitamins called B complex, turn your food into the energy you need. They also help the cells in your body to grow and do their jobs. Just one medium sized lemon or lime gives you a small portion of what you need every day.