1. Pumpkin
There are so many ways to enjoy eating pumpkins as it is such a versatile autumn vegetable. Not only is it popular, it is also packed with huge nutritional benefits. Pumpkin is a winter squash that is considered in the same category as melons and cucumbers. Pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, which is a carotenoid that is turned into vitamin A inside your body. Vitamin A is essential for your body to function, in particular it is very helpful in helping you maintain good eye vision. The vitamin is necessary for your eye to send signals to your brain. If you are lacking in vitamin A, one of the first symptoms you will generally see is night blindness which means that they would have reduced vision in the dark. Vitamin A is particularly also known for strengthening your intestinal lining and making it more resistant to infections.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are considered to be one of the healthiest fruits by a lot of people. They contain two substances that are very beneficial to your health. Punicalagins are antioxidants that are found in the juice and peel of the pomegranate. It is suggested that they are 3 times the amount in pomegranates than in green tea and red wine. There has been studies suggesting that punicalagins have the ability to slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and some of their symptoms. Punicic acid is another substance that is important for your body. It is found in the pomegranate seed oil and it is a type of conjugated linoleic acid. It has been said that it has anti carcinogenic and anti-obesity effects. Not only that, it also might be able to help protect you against heart disease. It has been known to help protect the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, this is one important part of how you get heart disease.
3. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are high in fibre and many important nutrients while also being low in calories. Because of the high content of fibre in them, adding it into your diet can help your digestion function correctly. The fibre in the vegetable cannot be absorbed and therefore it absorbs water and helps soften your stool and help food get processed through your digestive system. Vitamin K is also in brussels sprouts, just half a cup of them can contribute to almost a whole day’s worth. Vitamin K helps with blood and helps maintain your bones in a healthy form. It prevents your arteries from hardening and helps make your bones stronger so that they would not break as easy. An antioxidant called kaempferol is also in brussels sprouts. It has been shown to be chemopreventive and might help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
4. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are often a staple food in many different parts of the world. It offers many variety of health benefits for those who eat them. One huge benefit of eating sweet potatoes is that it has the ability to improve insulin sensitivity for those who have diabetes. The fibre from sweet potatoes also allow for a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Sweet potatoes are also rich of beta-carotene, it is a very important antioxidant that is converted into vitamin A. This helps reduce various types of cancer and might be able to prevent cellular damage by free radicals. Vitamin A also helps your vision, those who are lacking in vitamin A generally have difficulty seeing in the dark.
What foods do you enjoy eating during autumn? Let me know in the comments!