Fall Superfoods

Fall SuperfoodsWith each new season, we get to reinvent our diets with tasty superfoods.  Fall brings in a new crop of delicious fruits and vegetables that naturally help keep our bodies strong and healthy for the onset of colder weather and the spread of germs.  Most of the best fall superfoods on our list are foods you may be eating already and are part of some of your favorite traditional fall recipes.  Continue to incorporate these fall superfoods into your seasonal diet for your best health and wellness.

Pomegranates:  This beautiful red fruit yields amazing heart-health benefits due to its rich concentration of tannins.  While the seeds are delicious and nutritious, the pulp-like ariles around the seeds is full of antioxidants that help strengthen all bodily cells and natural protection mechanisms.  The seeds are wonderful as a stand-alone snack, salad toppers or added to cold or hot cereals.  You can also grind the ariles and seeds into juice, syrups or jams.

Brussels Sprouts:  This small but mighty vegetable packs a hefty dose of Vitamin K, folate and iron in every bite.  Brussels sprouts are slightly bitter in taste but roast nicely with many savory spices or can be topped with tangy sauces.  Served as a side vegetable or added component of an autumn harvest salad, this lean, green, Brussels machine is a terrific choice for fall.  Also, consider shaving raw Brussels sprouts as a lettuce or cabbage substitute in cold salads and slaws.

Pumpkins:  Last week we discussed the power of the pumpkin and we couldn’t resist adding it to our list of fall superfoods.  Pumpkins have loads of antioxidants, especially beta-carotene, which gives it its orange tint.  Along with fiber, potassium and plant sterols, pumpkins and pumpkin seeds are terrific for your heart, eyes, immune system and entire body.  They are low in calories and can be eaten chunked, mashed, souffléd, roasted and in tasty breads, pies, cookies and other desserts.

Beets:  Most people either love or hate beets because of their polarizing taste and consistency.  But there is no denying that beets are really good for you.  Beets are a root vegetable that contains antioxidants, folate, Vitamin C and magnesium.  They can be roasted with spices or puréed into creamy soups.

Kale:  This trendy leafy vegetable is packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, along with fiber, potassium and a spectrum of B vitamins.  It has cardio-protective properties, helps strengthen bones and improves digestion, skin quality and immune defenses.  Kale can be easily added to a fall diet in smoothies and juices, or as a salad base.

Apples:  The fruit of fall, apples are an easy and delicious way to get your nutrients this season.  The skin contains lots of fiber so avoid peeling your apples.  They are also a good source of antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals.  Apples can be added into any course of your fall meals, from salads and soups, to meat dishes and desserts.

Parsnips:  Similar to carrots but lighter in color, parsnips are a fall superfood with a sweet, nutty flavor.  Parsnips contain potassium and fiber, along with other vitamins and minerals. They make a lovely addition to colorful autumn root vegetable pairings along with turnips, rutabaga, carrots and yams.

Enjoy your fall superfoods and have a happy fall!

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