This week marks the official beginning of the fall season; however, pumpkin spice flavors have been in stores and on menus for weeks now! If you’re anything like us, you love everything about the fall season—from the crisp, cool air, the vibrant colors of the trees, and the rich flavors of your favorite fall foods. Lucky for you, there are many health benefits associated with some of the most popular foods in the fall season!
Apples
The apple picking season usually begins in the early fall and inspires many fall treats such as caramel apples and apple cider! Luckily, you can enjoy this fall staple guilt-free because they contain many health benefits! Just one medium apple has almost 4.4 grams of fiber, nearly 16 percent of your daily value! In addition to the fiber, the skin of the apple is rich in Vitamin C and polyphenols, which are beneficial compounds found in plant-based foods.
Cranberries
Cranberries remain one of the quintessential holiday fruits that are often featured in a variety of dishes. Not only do cranberries contain fiber and vitamin C, but they also contain anthocyanin, which helps reduce oxidative stress (and gives them their signature red hue!). Add in some cranberries to your next recipe and experience the burst of flavor and added health benefits!
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are in season during the fall months and contain lots of nutrients including fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C, just to name a few. This is one comfort food you don’t have to feel guilty about because it actually boosts your immune system! Get creative by using them to switch up your usual homemade fries, or bake up some sweet potato biscuits to have as a side to your favorite fall meal!
Pumpkin
Last but not least, we couldn’t complete our list of fall foods without mentioning pumpkin! Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A, with almost 55 percent of your daily value in just one cup of raw pumpkin! In addition to vitamin A, you’ll also get potassium perks and a vitamin C boost with pumpkin as well! When shopping for a pumpkin to use in cooking, remember the large ones are stringy and have less flavor so aim for the smaller pumpkins when it comes to cooking!
Now that you’re likely craving some of your favorite fall flavors, you can feel healthy and guilt-free when you go to bake or cook up some of your favorite treats! And don’t forget to shop our excellent selections at Nature’s Wonders!
