tman4137Fall is here, and it’s time for all the seasonal fruits and vegetables to make their way onto grocery shelves. The great news is that many of these fresh fall produce items are also some of the most nutrient-dense foods out there. That’s why we asked nutritionists what their favorite seasonal produce is and why they love it so much. Here are their responses:
What foods are in season during Autumn?
If you’re looking to save money and supercharge your health this fall, here are some of the best fall foods to eat:
- Apples, pears, and pumpkins. These fruits are at their peak during autumn. They’re also full of antioxidants that help prevent cancer and heart disease.
- Grapes, cranberries, and apples (especially tart ones). These fruits contain quercetin–a phytochemical that fights inflammation in the body by blocking enzymes that trigger allergic reactions like asthma attacks or hay fever.* Broccoli florets topped with avocado slices make a great side dish for roasted chicken breast.* Cauliflower is a good source of vitamin C as well as fiber which helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood, so it’s great for those who want to maintain healthy bones too!
What are the benefits of eating seasonally,
Seasonal produce is cheaper, so you can save money on your grocery bill.
It’s also more nutritious because it has been grown at the right time of year, which means it contains more vitamins and minerals than fruit and vegetables that have been imported from other countries or seasons.
The taste of seasonal produce is better–and even if you don’t think so, your body will feel better after eating something fresh and flavorful (instead of something processed).
Finally, eating in season helps protect our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation costs associated with importing foods from other countries.
Nutrient Content
- Vitamin A: The orange and yellow fruits and vegetables high in vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and mangoes.
- Vitamin C: This essential nutrient is found in many fruits and veggies, such as citrus fruits (oranges), bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.
- Beta carotene: This antioxidant can be found in leafy greens such as spinach or kale; red peppers; sweet potatoes; carrots; mangos. It’s also found naturally occurring in egg yolks!
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is crucial for keeping your immune system strong–it helps prevent cell damage from free radicals–and it may even help lower heart disease risk factors! You can get plenty of this nutrient from nuts like almonds or walnuts (which also contain healthy fats). If you’re not a fan of nuts, though, then avocados are another great source of both fiber AND healthy fats too!
Taste
TASTE! Taste is a very important factor in eating, especially during the fall. Autumn foods are usually more flavorful than the less expensive and bland summer fare common at this time of year. Seasonal foods will always be tastier than year-round ones because they’re fresh, meaning they haven’t been sitting around for months or years before you buy them (who knows how long before they were picked).
Environmental Impact
Eating seasonally is a great way to support local farmers, reduce food waste and packaging and reduce your carbon footprint. It also means you can enjoy the freshest produce available at its peak ripeness!
Seasonal eating is not only good for the environment, but it’s also better for your wallet too!
Supports The Local Economy
You may have heard that eating locally grown food is a good way to support the local economy, but did you know it also helps reduce your carbon footprint? When you buy produce that’s in season, it means you are buying from farmers who are growing what they can locally. This reduces travel costs and emissions from transporting food from faraway places like California or Florida.
The most obvious benefit of buying local produce is that it’s fresher than items shipped across state lines or even internationally–and fresher foods are usually healthier for us!
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many benefits to eating seasonally. It’s not just about health and taste; it also supports local economies and helps prevent food waste. So next time you’re shopping for groceries or thinking of what to make for dinner, consider adding some of these fall foods into your diet!
