Foods that Cure...

Food Cures for Common Problems
From hangovers to PMS, get instant relief—without the prescription

Acne: You don't have to be a teenager to suffer from zits. Ditch the Clearasil and stock up on chicken: Researchers revealed that a diet high in lean protein and low in processed carbs (white bread, bagels, and other empty sugar-bombs) helps reduce blemishes significantly.

PMS: Blame your mood swings and intense cravings on a shortage of serotonin. To boost this brain chemical naturally, nosh on carbs such as sweet potatoes or a plain whole-wheat English muffin. Eat them when your PMS is worst, and the rest of the day, fill up on fruits, veggies, and protein to keep your belly full.

Bad breath: On a date and out of gum? No worries—that sprig of parsley on the side of your plate is rich in chlorophyll, a powerful breath-freshener.

Hangover: To avoid a pounding headache and sluggish feeling, drink 8 to 10 ounces of fruit juice before collapsing into bed after a night on the town. The fructose will help you burn off alcohol faster. An even more surprising way to sober up: asparagus.

Brain Booster: Beyond boosting altertness for up to 90 minutes, that morning cup of java (coffee) is the number-one source of antioxidants in the American diet and can help decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by as much as 60 percent.

Cholesterol Reducer: Antioxidants found in olives have been shown both to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, making olive oil a doubly potent protector against cardiovascular disease.