Happy energy + healthy heart

Wouldn't it be great to enjoy steady energy while keeping your heart strong? You can, by giving your mitochondria TLC. These tiny cell 'powerhouses' produce energy in the form of a compound called ATP. They also strengthen heart cells, which contain up to three times as many mitochondria as other organs. In fact, research in PLOS ONE reveals that when mitochondria are in top shape, heart disease risk drops by 53%. Here's how to give them a boost

- Melissa Gotthardt

Munch on a ballpark favorite

Sunflower seeds a classic summertime snack-along with pumpkin seeds, spinach, Swiss chard and kale brim with magnesium. That's key, since mitochondria rely on the mineral to make ATP. And findings from the University of Minnesota suggest shoring up magnesium stores increases mitochondria's energy-generating ability by 47%. Other tasty foods that deliver high amounts of the mineral: dark chocolate, bananas, avocados, almonds, cashews and black beans.

Supercharge your daily coffee