Fall Produce!

Let's enjoy eating food that's IN season!

The positives of buying produce in season and locally:

1) Easy on the wallet!

2) Fresher and better taste!

3) You get more nutrients!

4) You reduce your carbon footprint!

List of Fall Produce:

Apples- High in flavonoids (benefits of flavonoids: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant) lead to a healthy heart and lungs. Reduces "bad" cholesterol. A good source of potassium.

Beets-Contains betaine to help lower blood pressure and nitrates to prevent blood clots. Also a good source of iron, magnesium, and folate.

Broccoli-Part of the brassica family, these tree-looking greens have the highest levels of protection against prostate cancer. Contains lutein and zeaxanthin that helps prevent macular degeneration. Also high in calcium that helps build and protect bones.

Brussel Sprouts- All kids least favorite green, these little cabbages are rich in indoles which help reduce the spread of cancer and prevent cancer. They are extremely rich in vitamin C to keep your immune healthy.

Cabbage- Helps prevent against aging! Contains anthocyanin may protect against Alzheimer's disease.

Carrots-Highest in carotenes out of all plant foods, these orange miracles protect against cancers, cardiovascular disease, and keep eyes and lungs healthy.

Cauliflower- High in vitamin C, and also a good source of vitamin K, protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber, vitamin B6, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, and manganese...the list goes on and on.

Celery- Rich in potassium, calcium, and protects from inflammation. And a good snack for dieters!

Chicory-A good probiotic for gut health, also helps regulate blood sugar levels, and also a mild sedative (if you need help falling asleep).

Fennel-Is full a combination of plant chemicals, making it a strong antioxidant. Containing anethole, which reduces inflammation and may prevent cancer. Good source of fiber, folate and potassium. It is a good digestive aid as well.

Figs-Rich in fiber and iron, which helps boost energy and promotes healthy blood. Good source of natural sugars and potassium.

Garlic- Other than protecting you against vampires, garlic also protects from heart disease, stomach ulcers, blood clots, arterial plaque build up, and (you guessed it) cancer. It's also a natural antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-fungal.

Grapes- High in polyphenols for cancer prevention and health cardiovascular system. Darker varieties contain high levels of quercetin and anthocyanin- can improve blood cholesterol and has an anti-clotting action.

Greens-Like kale; high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Also rich in flavonoids and carotenes.

Leeks-Similar to the onion (from the same family), they have similar benefits, but are also high in carotenes to promote eye health.

Mushrooms-Compounds in these little fungi help boost the immune system that prevents cancers, infections, and auto-immune diseases such as arthritis and lupus. Contains healthy proteins, and vitamin B.

Onions-Contains sulfur compounds to help prevent cancers and heart disease. Also an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial (may help control colds- it is flu season).

Pears-Good range of nutrients, like vitamin C and potassium. High in antioxidants that prevent cancer and gastroenteritis. Studies has also show that pears may prevent lung diseases.

Parsnips-Help lower chances of diabetes, depression, and lowers cholesterol, and may improve the digestive process!

Persimmons- This strange fruit contains, phytonutrients, flavonoids, and antioxidants, such as catechins (known for protecting small blood vessels from bleeding) as well as gallocatechins and betulinic acid, a tumor inhibitor. And their good for your skin too!

Pomegranates-As we all know from the juice, this weird fruit is very high in antioxidants, three times as much as wine or green tea in fact. Also a good source of vitamin A, C and E. Pomegrantes can also help with clearing up skin and a sore throat.

Potatoes-Eat the skins, the highest amount of potassium is in the skin. They are also high in vitamin C, help improve digestion, boost heart health, and strengthen the immune system.

Quince-A strange fruit, related the the apple and pear, it is a rich source of vitamin C, zinc, potassium, copper, iron, and dietary fiber.

Radishes-High in vitamin C and contains small traces of folate, fiber, riboflavin, and potassium, as well as good amounts of copper, vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, and calcium.

Sweet Potatoes-Like carrots, these sweeties are high in carotenes as well! Also ideal for dieters looking to ward off hunger pangs. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E to improve skin!

Winter Squashes- Orange-flesh squashes offer protection against lung cancer and are high in vitamins C and E! Also a high fiber source of complex carbohydrates (the good carbs)!