Benefits of These Fall Vegetables

Fall is one of the best times to eat seasonal vegetables, considering the abundance of root vegetables, squashes, and hearty greens that are available. Vegetables are important to eat because they’re some of the best sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Health benefits associated with fall vegetables include:

  • Helping fight inflammation and free radical damage, which can contribute to many chronic diseases.
  • Support for healthy elimination and prevention of constipation.
  • Help with managing your appetite, controlling your calories intake and possibly losing excess weight.
  • Promoting healthy blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Kale

The health benefits of kale certainly make this leafy green a superfood. Loaded with vitamins K, A and C, not to mention several B vitamins, this antioxidant powerhouse is great source of vital minerals too.

Sweet Potatoes

Much like the popular fall fruit pumpkin, sweet potatoes are very high in vitamin A plus vitamin C. They provide natural carbs and sugar, which the body uses for energy, plus potassium and fiber, which support digestion and heart health.

Broccoli/Broccoli Rabe

Most types of cruciferous veggies, including broccoli, grow during the fall into the winter, providing you with powerful antioxidants as well as essential minerals and fiber. Broccoli nutrition is particularly high in glucosinolates and antioxidants, such as carotenoids, chlorophyll, vitamins E and K, and phenolic compounds.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts, which look like small cabbages that grow on a stalk, taste delicious when roasted with some olive oil and sea salt, which brings out their natural flavor. They’re very high in fiber, calcium, potassium, folate, vitamin C and vitamin K.

Cabbage

Both green and red cabbages are full of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and antioxidants, such as anthocyanins (found in purple and red veggies). Like Brussels spouts, cabbage tastes great roasted. It is also often stewed or boiled.

Cauliflower

If you want a low-carb substitute for potatoes or even grains, try diced or mashed cauliflower. It’s a great source of carotenoids, fiber, folate and potassium, plus phenolic compounds that help fight free radical damage and oxidative stress.

Carrots

During early fall and again in the spring, carrots tend to peak in taste. They’re an excellent way to boost your intake of vitamin A and carotenoids, which help protect your eyes and skin from cellular damage. Additionally, carrots provide vitamin K, potassium, thiamine, niacin and fiber.

Parsnips

Parsnips are root vegetables closely related to carrots, only sweeter and starchier. They’re rich in fiber, vitamin C and also provide magnesium.

Turnips

Another root veggie, turnips grow under the ground, where they absorb nutrients and develop starch. They provide you with vitamin K, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, folate, copper and manganese.

Celeriac/Celery Root

Also called celery root, celeriac is related to both celery and parsley. It has a crunchy texture but softens when it’s cooked, similar to potatoes or turnips. Celery root is a good source of vitamin C, phosphorus and B vitamins.

Fennel

Fennel has long been used for digestive support — plus it contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-tumor compounds and antioxidants. It’s rich in phenolic compounds, including bioflavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins and coumarins, plus potassium and vitamins C and A.

Green Beans

A Thanksgiving staple, green beans are at their best throughout the fall. They can be eaten both cooked and raw, such as roasted or dipped into hummus, and are full of vitamins A, C and K; manganese; folate; and fiber.

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is similar to turnips and also related to cruciferous veggies, including broccoli. This fall veggie is high in vitamin C as well as dietary fiber, providing support for immunity, heart health and digestion. Try roasting it or slicing it raw and adding some to salads or slaws.

Artichokes

“Globe” or green artichokes are full of vitamin C and magnesium — plus they contain some iron and even some protein. There are plenty of ways to use them, such as stuffing and baking them or adding the hearts to dips, pasta and pizzas.

Arugula

Like other leafy greens, arugula is very low in calories but full of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, vitamin K and iron, along with antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Arugula has a peppery taste that’s not too overwhelming, making it great for salads and pestos. It’s also excellent for sautéing and adding to pastas or pizza.

Other fall vegetables to try when the weather gets cooler include:

  • Spinach
  • Leeks and onions
  • Garlic
  • Chicory
  • Swiss chard
  • Endive

These nutrients support a healthy immune system, digestion, and other functions, especially when you need them most during the transition of seasons into the coldest months of the year. Eating seasonally also benefits local farmers, and the produce is usually fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than food consumed out of season.

Resource: Dr. Axe https://draxe.com/