Every plant has a growing cycle, and when it reaches its growth maturity it’s harvested. It is at this point that the plant offers its best nutritional value as well as flavor. Seasonal eating is the practice of consuming produce that is at its peak in flavor and nutrition. Prior to the modern age, this was how people ate, i.e., they grew their food and harvested the food at the right time. They also foraged foods that grew wild in their local environments. So, they naturally ate foods that were in season.
But eating seasonally isn’t only about nutrition and flavor, it’s also about sustainability. By eating produce that’s in season, you’re supporting local agriculture and reducing your carbon footprint, because the food isn’t shipped from across the country or from overseas. So, eating seasonally supports your health as well as the health of the planet.
To find foods that are in season, begin with your local farmer’s market. Farmers sell what they grow and harvest, so talk to them about what’s in season and what’s coming soon. If you don’t have a local farmer’s market, see what’s available at your local grocery store. Although these foods aren’t labelled “in season”, you can tell that they’re in season because the grocery store has an abundance of these foods. Also, they’re often on sale because the store must move these foods quickly before they pass their peak ripeness.
The following are some of the foods that are in season during the Fall in the northern hemisphere, as well as their amazing health benefits.
Apples are crisp, light, sweet and/or sour, and are high in antioxidants as well as dietary fiber. They’re great for digestion and when cooked, encourage a feeling of being grounded.
Pears are also high in antioxidants and dietary fiber. They are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. Pears contain catechins, which are a type of antioxidant that can reduce cancer, blood clots, and dilate blood vessels.
Winter squashes, such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti, buttercup, and many more, are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain carotenoids, which your body converts to vitamin A, an essential nutrient for healthy skin, vision and immunity. Squashes are high in antioxidants and can also make you feel grounded and less stressed.
Pumpkins are a type of winter squash, so have the same benefits as mentioned above. In addition, they have a lot of nutrients that protect your heart, such as vitamins A, B1, B6, and C, copper, folate and manganese. Pumpkin also provides calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which may help keep your heartbeat regular and lower your blood pressure.
Sweet Potato is another superfood packed with nutrients. They’re high in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. They’re naturally sweet, satisfying to your stomach, and can make you feel grounded.
Carrots are sweet, high in fiber, provide antioxidants, and are anticarcinogenic. They contain beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help maintain good eyesight and night vision. Carrots also contain calcium and vitamin K, which is necessary for bone health. They may reduce the risk of heart disease, regulate blood pressure, and balance blood sugar.
Kale is a light, bitter, astringent, cruciferous vegetable that is packed with nutrients, such as vitamins K, C, and A, as well as fiber. It stimulates peristalsis, so can help with digestion, and may help lower blood sugar. Kale is also rich in antioxidants.
Brussel sprouts are another cruciferous vegetable, like Kale, which is also high in antioxidants, vitamins K, C, and A, as well as fiber.
Garlic is wonderful for the immune system because it has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties to help ward off sickness. It’s also an expectorant and mucolytic, which can help break apart and dispel mucus from the respiratory system.
Onions are also mucolytic and flushes mucus membranes. Cook with lots of onion and garlic if you feel a cold coming on.
Enjoy the wonderful produce nature provides this Autumn and stay healthy.
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