Superfoods are rich in nutrients and loaded with health benefits. With the weather cooling, this is a great time to purchase some relatively inexpensive superfoods and prepare them during the chilling evenings.
Apples are rich in flavonoids and a great source of fiber. The skin of the apple contains flavonoids which are believed to reduce inflammation and antioxidant properties.
The apple harvest begins in August and runs through November. During this time of year, take a trip to an apple orchard to pick your own apples and sample some of their delicious recipes. Be sure to try different kinds of apples.
Pears are a great source of vitamin C and full of fiber. Pear season starts in August and runs through November. Pears are a great addition to a salad, and also make great tarts.
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C and also has compounds that may lower cholesterol, as well as fight cancer. The season is from September to January.
Cauliflower makes a delicious soup or can be enjoyed as a hot steamed vegetable on cold nights. My husband loves mashed cauliflower, and cooks them like mashed potatoes.
Gear up for Thanksgiving early and try some sweet potato recipes before the big day. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of iron, and vitamin A. They provide anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
Do your health a favor and skip deep fried sweet potato fries. Try roasting sweet potato on your grill instead.
Pomegranates are loaded with vitamin C and a recent UCLA survey reported that the juice contains greater levels of antioxidants than red wine has. Harvest season is from September to December. Pomegranates are a personal favorite and their tart crunchy seeds are great in yogurt or in a salad.
Dates are low in fat and a great source of potassium, as well as fiber. They are in season from September to December. My grandmother used to cut them in half and spread with cream cheese. One of my Greek friends stuffs the date with an unsalted almond. You can also chop up dates and add them to your salad.
Kiwi has more vitamin C than an orange and is a great source of potassium. This little power house is available from September to March. You can use a peeler to remove the skin and chop the fruit into a salad or cut it in half and scoop out the delicious fruit with a spoon.
Happy eating!
Sources:
"15 Best Superfoods for Fall." CNN. Cable News Network, Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/27/health/gallery/best-fall-superfoods/index.html?hpt=he_c2
Rodale, Maria. "Stocking Up on Seasonal Superfoods." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 21 Nov. 2013. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/maria-rodale/stocking-up-on-seasonal-s_b_4311784.html
Reviewed October 6, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg Rn
Edited by Jody Smith