Recharge with spring veggies

Feel your best with these in-season picks

- BRENDA KEARNS

SKIN HEALER

Work a serving of spring peas into your daily diet, and your skin could look smoother and healthier in two weeks. Researchers reporting in the journal Legume Science say the tiny green gems brim with firming, collagen-healing proteins. Plus, their vitamin C and flavonoids repair damaged skin cells, increase moisture retention and improve skin tone.

ALLERGY TAMER

Cabbage contains natural antihistamines (anthocyanins and phenolic acids) that calm the immune system's reaction to pollen. This cuts the risk of spring allergy flares if you enjoy a heaping cup daily. Plus, it curbs the release of symptom-triggering histamine if you're stuffed-up, Portuguese scientists say. Tip: Opt for red cabbage since it has six times more of these allergy-taming compounds than green cabbage.

CHEER BOOSTER

Enjoying a generous handful of mild-tasting spring spinach daily* could reduce your risk of blue moods, irritability and anxiety by 65%, suggests a study in the Annals of General Psychiatry. This leafy green brims with nutrients (lutein, zeaxanthin and alpha-lipoic acid) that soothe brain cells, fostering calm, happy energy.

STOMACH SOOTHER

Eating 3/4 cup of beets daily* cuts your risk of indigestion and other stomach troubles in half. Norwegian scientists say beets' soluble fiber speeds the growth of healthy probiotic bacteria in the intestines, plus prods the GI tract to release gut-healing compounds called short-chain fatty acids.

DELICIOUS IDEAS: For a tasty dip, puree 2 roasted beets, 1 can of drained, rinsed chickpeas, 1/4 cup of tahini and the juice of half a lemon. Or toss together 2 cups of arugula, 2 diced, roasted beets, ¼ cup of goat cheese and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette.

ACHE ENDER