Brainiacs can thank their parents for feeding them carrots, melons or anything else rich in vitamim A.Researches at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla,California found that mice deprived of vitaminA from birth weren't bright enough to pass a standard maze test. Humans use the region of the brain that needs the vitamin to learn facts & remember faces.

Eat spicy & be Hot

According to a study from the University of Inchon in Korea, a meal laced with hot pepper increases the adrenaline levels of distance runners for 30 minutes after eating. From the analysis of this study researchers suggested that spicy food may accelerate metabolism.

Researchers recently found that peanuts, peanut butter & peanut oil - when replacing fat calories from meat, cheese, & other sources of saturated fat-were just as effective at reducing blood levels of bad cholestrol & triglycerides as olive oil.

People by & large know they should down eight glasses of water a day, & most end up getting about that much from water, milk & juice. But according to a survey by Cornell Medical Centre, they also imbibe a daily average of five cups of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Both dehydrate the body leading to fatigue, dry skin, indigestion, & headaches. The solution ? For every alcoholic drink or cup of coffee or cola you consume, drink an extra glass of water.

Stevia is a small green plant which bears leaves, that have a sweet & refreshing taste- upto 400 times sweeter than sugar in processed form. The human body obtains no calories from stevia because our body can't metabolise stevia's sweet glycosides. It's pure & unadultered form dosen't affect blood glucose level & thus, stevia is safe for diabetics, hypoglycemics, & people with hypertensions or weight problems. It is also better for cooking & baking, coz, its sweet glycosides don't break down when subjected to hear.

Although almonds are rich in fat they can reduce cholestrol levels because the fat they contain is monosaturated one, which is good for the heart.Even fibre, protein & the presence of plant compounds reduces cholestrol levels Just 10 to 12 almonds 4 to 5 times a week will do the trick.

Sticky dried fruits, such as dates, figs, & raisins, cut or chop much eaiser if placed in the freezer for 30 minutes or so.