Importance of Eating Seasonally
You know we are always sharing the benefits of filling your diet with fruits and vegetables. Today we want to give you another tip for adding nutrition to your meals and that is to eat seasonally.
Eating seasonally means eating fruits and vegetables around the time that they are harvested. Seasonal food - especially when you buy it locally - is fresher because it does have to travel long distances to get from the farm to your kitchen.
Additionally, food grown out of season is generally harvested early and ripens during transport in order to still be “fresh” when it arrives at your grocery store. Studies have shown that fruits and vegetables that ripen on their parent plant contain more nutrients than those that are harvested early.
We’re going to share some of our favorite foods that are about to come into season as we head into Fall, but if you want to check which foods are in season around you now (or any time of year) visit SeasonalFoodGuide.org. The US Department of Agriculture also provides resources to help you know which foods are in season in your area.
Top 7 Foods to Eat in Fall:
Apples. Fall is apple picking season, which is a fun cool weather activity that also benefits your digestive system when you eat the apples. Apples (with the skin) are an excellent source of the fiber you need to stay regular. They are also packed with vitamin C to help stave off Fall colds.
Brussel sprouts. Brussel sprouts are a superfood, filled with fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, folate, and even iron.
Cranberries. Are you starting to notice that many of these foods are ones you see on a traditional Thanksgiving table? Cranberries are a great source of vitamins C, E and K and also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Grapes. Grapes (when not turned into wine) are a hydrating snack. They are a good source of vitamins C, K, and potassium, which is important for heart health.
Pears. Not baked into pies as often as apples, pears are still a healthy Fall fruit. They contain vitamins C and K, potassium, and copper, all of which boosts your immunity and can lower your cholesterol.
Pumpkins. You knew pumpkins would show up on a Fall food list, right? They are packed with vitamin A which helps with healthy teeth and skin along with eyesight. It can also reduce the risk of chronic disease. Just another great reason to enjoy some pumpkin spice lattes this season.
Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are another superfood, stuffed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. They can help boost brain and gut health and also help stabilize your blood sugar.