If you're in the mood for upping your antioxidant levels -- antioxidants can cancel out the cell-damaging effects of free radicals, thus lowering the risk of cancer -- here's one quick and easy tip for you: keep your watermelons warm.

Research shows that watermelons stored at room temperatures have much higher levels of antioxidants (beta-carotene and lycopene) than those kept chilled in the fridge. Warm watermelons are even better than fresh-picked melons.

One caution: once cut, watermelons must refrigerated. So try to enjoy your watermelons as soon as you slice and dice them. Then keep your leftovers cool.

Source: Good Housekeeping, July 2007

For many centuries, herbs were used as healing remedies. Herbal medicine fell out of favor in the last century, replaced by modern medicine and the science of single compound pharmaceuticals. However, this is changing in the growing renewal of interest for the traditional wisdom we left behind. Recent scientific research has proven that, ounce-for-ounce, herbs have more antioxidant and anticancer properties when compared to berries, fruits or vegetables.

In the field of cancer research, scientists discovered antioxidants found in herbs have the ability to protect cells from chemical damage caused by free radicals that result from exposure to pesticides and other environmental toxins. Shiow Wang, a U.S. Department of Agriculture research scientist and biochemist, along with visiting scientist Wei Zheng from the Institute of Environmental Science in Zhejing, China, tested 27 culinary herbs and 12 medicinal herbs for the possibility of antioxidant properties.

Among common kitchen herbs that have antioxidant properties are dill, oregano, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sage, savory, spearmint, sweet marjoram and thyme -- with oregano ranking the most potent in antioxidant ability.

Even if you do not have gardening space, these are herbs that can be easily grown in containers and pots on a windowsill. Following is information about each herb, growing tips and suggested uses.