Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Top 12 Healthy Fall Foods

By Amirah Bellamy

It's Fall so in the spirit of continuing on our quest toward nutritional wellness let's look at the top 12 healthy foods that are in season.

1. Apples - are good for strengthening bones, cancer prevention and lowering cholesterol. Moreover, apples aid in blood sugar regulation and are one of the richest sources of flavonoids which prevent strokes and heart disease. Apples are also a good source of Vitamin C and potassium.

2. Carrots - are loaded with nutrients. They are packed with iron, protein, calcium, potassium and fiber. They also contain Vitamins C, K, B1, B2, and B6. Finally, like several other foods included on this list, carrots are great for strengthening the immune system.

3. Sweet Potatoes - not only make the absolute best pies, but they're well-known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If that's not enough, they're a great source of calcium, Vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium, and beta carotene.

4. Onions - are good for lowering blood pressure. Like apples, onions are also a good source of flavonoids which enhance cardiovascular health and are a rich source of Vitamins C and B6, fiber, potassium, folate and manganese.

5. Pomegranates - are good for promoting heart health, treatment of sore throats, urinary infections, digestive and skin disorders, arthritis, and some forms of cancer. They also lower cholesterol and blood pressure amongst a long list of other things.

6. Garlic - like onions in terms of nutritional properties, have a long list of benefits. In fact, both garlic and onion are from the lily family. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant, is good for lowering blood pressure and blood cholesterol, treating skin and digestive system disorders, improving metabolism and can be used as an antibiotic. Garlic is also a rich source of Vitamins B1, B6 and C, manganese, protein, and calcium.

7. Ginger - is most commonly known for its treatment of nausea. However, ginger is also good for reducing cold and flu symptoms, heartburn and menstrual cramping. This is a good food to always have around.

8. Peppercorn - most commonly known as black pepper has many health benefits, aside from being a seasoning. Peppercorn assists with the absorption of Vitamin B, selenium and beta-carotene, is a good antioxidant and promotes intestinal health. Lastly, peppercorn is a rich source of Vitamin K, iron and fiber.

9. Tomatoes - are a great source of Vitamins A, C, E, lycopene and potatssium and they taste good too!

10. Red Bell Peppers - contain 3 times the Vitamin C found in oranges along with beta carotene making them good at boosting the immune system

11. Kale, Swiss Chard - is packed with goodness from Vitamins C, E, folate and beta carotene to calcium and magnesium. Kale is also a good source of lutein, which is good for preventing cataracts.

12. Butternut Squash - is high in Vitamin C and betacarotene.

Now that you are armed with this list of Fall goodness, make your way to the farmer's market today and stock up.

Amirah Bellamy is a Vegan Transitional Coach, Vegan Fitness Meal Planning Expert, and Author. To learn more about her fabulous Vegetarian Meal Plans, purchase her infamous eBook "The 50¢ Book That's Hotter Than 50 Cent," or INSTANTLY grab her FREE Vegetarian Starter Kit go to http://www.AmirahBFit.com

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