The New Superfoods

Strawberries

Superfoods are like superstars. Brad Pitt may steal the spotlight, but Gerard Butler works just as hard. What does that have to do with your grocery cart? Well, simply that it doesn't have to be full of A-listers to be award winning. "People get fixated on the idea that it's one particular type of fish, cooking oil, or nut that will change their health," says FITNESS advisory board member Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, author of Dr. Moyad's No BS Health Advice. "They don't realize that similar foods also have solid research and may cost less." Give these 10 foods a chance to shine in your kitchen.

The superstar: Blueberries

They rose to fame after researchers discovered that they have one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any fruit.

The understudy: Strawberries

These berries are another exceptional pick. They're bursting with antioxidants; one 53-calorie cup has more vitamin C than a navel orange. Good news, since research shows that ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C found in strawberries, may help reduce blood pressure and control levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Strawberries may also speed up your recovery after a long run or a tough kickboxing class, because they contain anthocyanins, natural pain relievers. "Consistently including these berries in your diet may mean you have less muscle pain and soreness after grueling workouts," Dr. Moyad says. Beauty bonus: "They contain malic acid, which can act as a natural tooth whitener," says Keri Glassman, RD, author of The O2 Diet.