The flavors of fall make the lower temperatures a little easier to handle. Seasonal produce lends itself nicely to warm hearty meals and is enhanced by how well much of it compliments spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It’s time to sip on an apple cider, spoon a butternut squash soup, or treat yourself to some pumpkin pie!
Fall offers a selection of nutritious superfoods that will be available fresh for your convenience. Yes, you might be able to get them year-round, but locally grown produce can be more cost-effective, fresher, and taste a little more like home.
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One staple autumn superfood is butternut squash. It’s rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin A, and a host of B-vitamins. It can promote digestive health, heart health, and eye health. You can easily make a butternut squash soup by mixing butter, butternut squash, celery, carrot, onion, and potato in a pot for five minutes. Cover with chicken stock and bring to boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 40-minutes. Next, transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
Brussels sprouts are another valuable superfood coming to harvest this season. These cruciferous vegetables promote liver health, digestion, immune strength, and more. They are a great source of phytochemicals, as well as vitamin C and K. You can roast Brussels sprouts by cutting them in half and sautéing with olive oil over high heat until lightly browned. Next, transfer to an oven preheated to 400 degrees and cook for eight-to-ten minutes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and chopped nuts.
A personal seasonal favorite are apples. They taste great this time of year: the crisp texture and sweet, juicy flesh make them an easy go-to on the run. Apples can also be used in a variety of seasonal recipes like pies, crumbles, ciders, and more. Packed with fiber, quercetin, vitamin C, and other antioxidants, apples are a definite must-have this season.
Get out and take advantage of local farmers markets this autumn to add a seasonal nutritional boost to your diet. These foods can help keep you healthy and active through the fall.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
