The short list of foods that 'cure' the body

Just like that unleaded we put in our cars, food is the fuel for the human body. Eat junk foods and sugar water all the time, and the body begins to prematurely break down. Put in good stuff like superfoods, and your body will go 100,000 miles between tune-ups, so to speak.

When it comes to food, the better the quality the better the performance. Unfortunately, the convenience lifestyle many of us live and the hunt for cheap prices has forced an era of unhealthy food on the country. There's a reason why obesity rates are higher than they have ever been.

But what does it take to keep that body's performance in tip-top shape? Knowledge is the first tool, then intelligent food selection is the next. Research the term "superfoods" and see what you find, but for starters, here is a short list:

• Beans
• Berries
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Whole grains