One of the wonders of the lives of modern Americans is our access to fruits and vegetables all year round. However, just because you have access doesn’t mean you should keep the same diet the entire year. In-season and local foods tend to be higher in vitamins and minerals because they were harvested more recently. Below are a few ideas for planning healthy food choices based on fall foods.
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Pumpkin
There are few foods as closely associated with the fall as pumpkin. While there are plenty of pumpkin-flavored treats you could grab, you’d be missing out on the health benefits and great taste of the real deal.
Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, a source of Vitamin A. It is also a good source of potassium, fiber and Vitamin C. Better yet, it is only 49 calories per cup. Fresh pumpkin is the best choice but even canned is acceptable provided there are no added sugars or preservatives.
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Pomegranates
In recent years, pomegranates have gained popularity as superfoods. This is likely an appropriate designation because the fruit is packed with nutrients and antioxidant content. The deep red seeds can be eaten raw or made into a juice.
Pomegranate includes the antioxidants punicalagin and punicic acid. These are even more powerful than the well-known antioxidants in green tea and red wine. They are great for fighting inflammatory conditions and may even help reduce the risk of cancer.
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Cranberries
At Thanksgiving, most Americans’ tables include some cranberry sauce. This is a great food choice and should be part of your diet all fall long.
Cranberries are high in antioxidants and can decrease blood pressure and improve immune function. Most people prefer them dried like raisins. This makes them sweet and enjoyable alone or mixed with a salad or cereal.
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Parsnips
This root vegetable looks a lot like a carrot and can be used as a substitute for their orange lookalikes. They are low in calories and have unusually high fiber. Getting fiber in your diet is important for digestion, cholesterol and weight maintenance.
Parsnips are also high in potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron. In other words, you’d do well to incorporate this vegetable into a few dishes.
Planning Your Healthy Diet
Diet is a central part of your health and wellness. Newport Medical and Wellness Center helps people like you develop health and weight loss strategies. Get in touch today to learn more about ways Newport Medical and Wellness Center can benefit your wellbeing.
