Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. Chloe and I love this time of year because it begins to make us yearn for cold weather, sweaters, bowls of soup and steeped teas. This is the time of year to gather with family, celebrating warm odors pouring forth from the kitchen. Now that Chloe is older, we have established some fun mother daughter traditions. Baking has become a passion of Chloe’s and we spend as much time as possible baking during this time of year. I never miss an opportunity to get in the kitchen with her, and prepare healthy fall foods!
Certain foods are better to be consumed during specific seasons. For instance, autumn is a good season to eat foods that contain phytochemicals. Fill yourself up with these juicy fruits and vegetables rich in nutrients and phytochemicals to help keep your immune system healthy and prevent unforeseen illness.
Here are some foods that will help you prepare for the cold season coming our way:
Apples – Apples are one of the most powerful antioxidants available in the form of natural foods. They are known to have strong anti-inflammatory and ant-allergenic properties to ward off certain infections and common allergies that happen during the autumn season.
Cranberries – Low in calories, these heart healthy berries play an important role in preventing gum diseases, mouth and stomach ulcers, urinary tract infections and certain forms of cancer.
Pumpkins – Surely easy to find during the autumn season, they are filled with antioxidant properties (e.g. Vitamin C, Zinc, Omega 3’s). They are even good for your skin, leaving it moist and supple!
Garlic – Consuming garlic can prevent the buildup of harmful cholesterol levels in the blood. It is also helpful in fighting against viruses, fungi and bacteria due to the powerful chemical Allicin.
Ginger – This comfort food has been found to be helpful in fighting against the symptoms of the common cold: cough, sore throat, and congestion. As an anti-inflammatory agent, ginger may protect against neurodegenerative diseases and reduce oxidative stress that causes brain cells to age and die. Best of all, ginger is believed to help lower cholesterol and help with nausea.
These are just a few of the many comfort foods out there to help your body fight off common infections and allergies that occur during this season. Brrrrrr.
