“SuperFoods” You Can Use This Fall
We all know fruits and vegetables are healthy, but what are some so called “superfoods” that we can take advantage this fall/holiday season?
Pumpkins – they are a type of squash which are widely grown for commercial use. Native to North America, many of us are familiar with these as decorations around Halloween. The meat of the pumpkin has a high percentage of Vitamin A, carotenoids and fiber. Vitamin A is pretty important as it plays a couple of key roles in the body including: vision, gene transcription, immune function, embryonic development reproduction, and many more. Pumpkin seeds are also a popular snack that contain a good source of protein, magnesium, copper, and zinc.
Brussels sprouts – these were possibly grown as early as the 13th century in Belgium. They contain an abundance of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid and dietary fiber. A popular way to prepare them is roasting them in the oven and then adding pepper and salt to taste.
Grapefruits – originally when it was found, it was termed the “forbidden fruit”. Grapefruits also have an array of vitamins and nutrients. Grapefruit seed extract has been shown to have antimicrobial properties against fungi. The consumption of grapefruit can also make you live longer. Studies in the past have shown that a chemical known as spermidine, which grapefruit has, can prolong the lifespan of certain test subjects.
Sweet potatoes – like sweet potato casserole? Well then you love the face that sweet potatoes are also nutrient dense. They are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, potassium, and many more. There are also many ways which you can prepare a sweet potato: mash it, roast it, and bake it.
Cauliflower – these can also be prepared multiple ways, much similar to sweet potatoes. You can steam it, mash it, or even puree it into a soup. Cauliflower is low in fat but high in dietary fiber, folate, vitamin C, and many others. Increased intake of cauliflower has also been associated with reduced risks of prostate cancer.
These fruits and vegetables are just some of the “superfoods” that you can prepare this fall.