Foods to keep you well this autumn

There is always a noticeable feeling of change in the air when autumn creeps upon us. Much of this is reflected through shorter days as well as the clustering of golden and crunchy leaves beneath our feet. Some food items gradually come out of season and others step in. Here are some healthy additions to your diet this autumn.

These listed below can be especially beneficial to health and are also surprisingly simple to incorporate into one’s day.

Apples

Full of antioxidants, flavonoids and an especially important fiber called pectin, apples contain a host of health benefits. There is always a wide selection to choose from when it comes to taste and they can also be eaten warm in the colder months.

Sweet Potatoes

Nutritionally richer than their potato counterparts, they are the perfect choice for autumn evenings, containing many vitamins and minerals. What is more, they are easy to cook and go well with almost anything.

Oranges

High in vitamin C, which is good for the immune system, oranges provide energy. Their natural sugar does not cause spikes. Like carrots, they help to protect eye health due to the production of vitamin A. They are full of phytochemicals as well as fiber meaning they can help to prevent cancer and reduce cholesterol.

Leafy Greens

Namely kale and spinach, these foods are full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals and are regarded as “superfoods”. Kale, for example, supplies the body with a very high number of important compounds that may not be found in other foods including: vitamin A, K,C, B6, manganese, calcium, copper, magnesium and iron.

Cabbage

Both red and green cabbages are exceptionally healthy. They contain many antioxidants, and, due to vitamin K and calcium, they protect the brain and bones. Being a rich source of beta carotene, they can prevent macular degeneration of the eyes in the same way that carrots and oranges can. They are also a natural remedy for many inflammatory conditions such as stomach ulcers and eczema.

Garlic

Many of garlic’s power come from the compound present inside it, called allicin, which is a natural antibiotic and antiviral, garlic can help to ward off infections, reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Moreover, garlic is easy to incorporate in many meals.

Ginger

Ginger can help to warm the body as well as well as add flavour to food. It can help to reduce muscle pain, nausea and fight infections and inflammation. Like garlic, ginger has had a medicinal usage for many years.

Pepper

Black pepper contains minerals and also aids in digestion. It also helps to clear congestion and is a good way to treat colds by simply adding it to food. Latest research suggests that pepper might even be able to help prevent breast cancer.

Butternut

As winter approaches, butternut becomes increasingly popular. Like potatoes, it is full of potassium, which regulates blood pressure, as well as fiber and many other vitamins and minerals.

Turmeric

Last, but definitely not least, turmeric is said to be a wonder food. The circumin compound it contains is an extremely strong antioxidant and protects immunity. It is also a potent anti – inflammatory that can help treat conditions such as arthritis. Turmeric is reported to be good for the nervous system and brain.