Canadian researchers report that by adding one cup of green beans to a meal you’ll fire up your body’s fat burn by twenty-five percent for two hours straight. The credit goes to the bean’s unique blend of magnesium, omega-3 fats and chlorophyll; nutrients that enhance the ability of liver cells to convert triglycerides (a harmful type of fat) into fuel.

Pen State University researchers say the antioxidant rich gems nourish the pancreas to steady its insulin production and cut tiredness-triggering blood sugar swings by as much as 42%. If you are prone to afternoon energy crashes, adding a handful of mushrooms to your biggest meal of the day could be the ticket to a perkier you!

In the journal of Social Science and Medicine scientist report that turning book pages can extend your life. The scientists examined the reading habits of 3,635 adults over age 50, and after adjusting for factors like education, income and health, they found that those who spent up to 4 hours a week reading were 17% less likely to die over 12-year study than non-readers. What’s more, readers had a 23% lower risk of mortality. The study authors credit the cognitive benefit of reading-past research shows the activity boosts brain-cell connectivity.

The arrangement of muscles, ligaments, connective tissues and nerves responsible for supporting the pelvic organs can be injured in a variety of ways, including hysterectomy, prostate surgery, radiation, childbirth complications and even extreme exercise. Such injuries can cause stress incontinence or an overactive bladder and may require physical therapy to resolve, says Melissa Kaufman, M.D., Ph.D., and associate professor of urologic surgery at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.