5 Healthy Winter Superfoods + Recipes
With a crisp breeze whipping through the air, there is no denying winter is right around the corner. As the weather begins to swiftly transition, there are more changes than just your new fall wardrobe beginning to take effect. Winter brings along less daylight and colder weather for most, resulting in less exercise and an overall decrease in mood and energy levels. While pumpkin spice is on everyone’s mind, here are Five Healthy Winter Superfoods (plus recipes!) to help you feel your best this season.
Five Healthy Winter Superfoods
Leafy Greens: Broccoli, kale and brussels sprouts, oh, my! While many of these leafy greens may have sent us running in terror growing up, these super greens pack a nutritional punch when it comes to keeping you healthy this fall and winter. Broccoli is a great antioxidant and joins kale in the cabbage family as an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, folate and potassium. Brussels sprouts, delicious when cooked properly, aid digestion, prevent constipation and help to regulate blood pressure. We highly recommend Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Honey.
Fresh Fruits: Fresh fruits aren’t just for the summer months! Juicy pears, crisp apples and delightfully tart cranberries join the fall and winter lineup and provide unmatched health benefits. While cranberries often moonlight as festive garnishes, they also offer anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for cranberry juice to be recommended as a natural treatment for urinary tract infections. Learn more about the health benefits of cranberries from MedicalNewsToday.
Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes are a holiday staple most commonly found on Thanksgiving tables as sweet potato casserole, or in the south, sweet potato pie. Looking for a way to make your favorite sweet potato dish healthier? Try out this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Oat Streusel. While not only a delicious sweet treat, sweet potatoes are also a powerful source of vitamin A, fiber and minerals. Other nutrient-rich root vegetables to incorporate into your diet include onions, carrots and garlic.
Winter Squash: Butternut squash soup is a necessity as the weather begins to change! Winter squash is abundantly available in the early fall months until mid-winter. On top of a vast number of dietary benefits, butternut and other winter squash also may help decrease cholesterol and blood pressure. StyleCraze breaks down all the benefits of squash for hair, skin and nails.
Pumpkin Seeds: The ritual of carving a pumpkin wouldn’t be complete without roasting the seeds, right? Thankfully, this fun fall snack, which conveniently packs a delicious crunch, also contains vitamin K, manganese and 14% of your zinc needs for the day, according to LIVESTRONG. Just add a dash of olive oil and salt, and you’re all set! First time roasting pumpkin seeds? Here is a step-by-step guide for How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds.
