Even though berries, avocado, and other summer favorites might be out of season, the winter has its seasonal superfood offerings. Just because your region might be blanketed in snow and cooler temperatures doesn’t mean you can’t still eat healthily.
Some of the most nutritional winter superfoods include nuts like almonds and walnuts, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pomegranate, and a host of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, hot chilies, and cumin.
These foods might not scream “winter,” but they are definitely seasonal superfoods. They can add valuable nutrients and antioxidants while helping spice up the season.
Research has suggested a host of benefits associated with eating nuts. A serving per day—about a small handful/about an ounce—is associated with longer lives, lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, and more. Raw or roasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios are great options.
Pomegranate is a seasonal fruit that has the potential to improve health in several ways. It is a great source of antioxidants like vitamin C and other phytochemicals that can act as anti-inflammatories and contribute to a healthy and strong immune system.
Spices like cinnamon, cloves, cumin, turmeric, and more are all seasonal offerings that can taste great and boost health. Many of these spices possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon, for example, may help support healthy blood sugar.
Cinnamon can add warmth to teas, baked goods, oatmeal, and stewed fruit like apples and rhubarb.
As great as superfoods can be, it is essential to remember that the benefits are contextual. Overall diet plays a far more important role in your health than individual foods, so doing your best to eat healthy foods the majority of the time is the best way to enjoy the benefits they have to offer.