The gorgeous colors of fall’s fruits and veggies come from carotenoids, which some may say may fight cancer. A recent study found that people whose diets were rich in beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin were 26% less likely to develop kidney cancer. Women eating this same diet had lower risk of ovarian cancer and in men lower risks of lung cancer.
Let’s enjoy nature’s fall bounty of colors and nutrition!
Leafy greens are full of nutrients like vitamin c, beta carotene, calcium, folate, vitamins E and K, and iron.
EYES: Greens contain antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein which may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. They also provide lots of Vitamin A which will help you see better at night.
BLOOD: Iron in foods like spinach and chard helps ward off anemia.
BONES: Greens like kale, mustard and turnip greens contain the highest level of bone building calcium.
SKIN: Being a good source of vitamin C this helps keep your complexion young and heals wounds faster.
Belonging to the Lily family, asparagus grows from an underground zhizome; it can produce new spears for 10 to 20 years! The first crops appear as early as February in California, while the growing season generally lasts until as late as July in the midwest.
Commonly referred to as string beans, the string that once was their trademark can seldom be found in modern varieties. Although these bright green and crunchy beans are available at your local market throughout the year, they are in season from summer through early fall when they are at their best and the least expensive.
Green beans are picked while still immature and the inner bean is just beginning to form. They are one of only a few varieties of beans that are eaten fresh. Although green beans vary in size they average about four inches in length. They are usually deep emerald green in color and come to a slight point at either end. They contain tiny seeds within their thin pods.
Tart and tangy with an underlying sweetness, grapefruit has a juiciness that rivals that of the ever popular orange and sparkles with many of the same health promoting benefits. Although available throughout the year, they are in season and at their best from winter through early spring.
Grapefruits usually range in diameter from four to six inches and include both seed and seedless and pink and white varieties. The wonderful flavor of a grapefruit is like paradise as is expressed by its Latin name, Citrus paradisi.