Autumn is such a beautiful time of year;
the air enjoys a crisp, clean bite,
the colors enhance to vivid depths
unlike any other time of year,
and our palettes anxiously await
the seasonal fruits and vegetables
only experienced during this season.
Eating seasonally ensures
you get the best flavor
and highest nutritional value
at a most affordable price,
plus . . . it is the best way
to support your local growers.
Fall is a wonderful time to turn towards the more warming, autumn harvest foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes, onions and garlic as well as warming spices and seasonings such as peppercorns, mustard seeds and ginger.
Eat Seasonally, Stay Healthy
Every fruit and vegetable contains powerful antioxidants, phytonutrients and phytochemicals attributed to inhibiting cancerous cell growth.
To receive the greatest benefit of these natural properties:
1. keep your plates colorful
2. rotate your choice of fruits & vegetables
3. choose organic whenever possible to avoid residual pesticides
Benefits of Autumn Fruits:
Apples
Contain: Vitamin C, insoluble + soluble fiber (pectin)
Benefits: protect the heart, cleanse urinary tract, lower blood cholesterol
Cranberries
Contain: Vitamin C, insoluble + soluble fiber, copper, manganese
Benefits: cleanse urinary system, combat bacteria, counter premature aging
Figs
Contain: calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, ficin (enzyme)
Benefits: aid digestive system, increase energy, control blood pressure
Pears
Contain: Vitamin C, potassium, folate, soluble fiber
Benefits: absorb unhealthy cholesterol, cleanse colon, cleanse bodily toxins
Benefits of Autumn Vegetables:
Beetroots
Contain: beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, folate, calcium, iron
Benefits: blood purification, improve function in kidneys, gall bladder and liver
Cabbage
Contains: folate, Vitamins A, C and E, potassium, biotin, calcium, magnesium, manganese
Benefits: treat peptic ulcers, aid digestion, protect against free-radical damage
Carrots
Contain: beta-carotene, fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium, lutein, Vitamins C and E
Benefits: strengthen immune system, regulate blood sugar levels, support liver health, promote keen eyesight
Cauliflower
Contains: B-Vitamins (especially B5), Vitamin C, fiber, folate, biotin, sulforaphane
Benefits: aid liver producing enzymes, protect the heart, can help prevent birth defects
Chestnuts
Contain: Vitamins C, B1, B2 B6, folic acid, copper, manganese, molybdenum, magnesium
Benefits: anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, tonic for muscles and nerves
French beans
Contain: Vitamins A, C and K, potassium, iron, manganese
Benefits: maintain bone strength, neutralize free-radicals, lower high blood pressure
Kale
Contains: chlorophyll, beta-carotene, Vitamins C and E, calcium, indoles, lutein
Benefits: oxygenate blood, improve red blood cell count, aid in respiration and circulation, protect eyes, strengthen immune system
Leeks
Contain: flavanoid kaempferol, B Vitamin folate, antioxidant polyphenols
Benefits: improve immune system, cardiovascular support, blood vessel protection
Mushrooms
Contain: selenium, copper, potassium, zinc, protein, B5, B6, B12
Benefits: cancer prevention, protection under stress, blood regulation, blood clot prevention

Onions
Contain: Vitamin C, chromium, fiber, Vitamin C, quercetin, flavonoids
Benefits: reduce high blood pressure, detoxify liver, reduce heart disease, prevent blood clots
Benefits of Autumn Vegetables (O - Z):
Parsnips
Contain: potassium, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, choline, Vitamin C, folate, fiber
Benefits: enhance hair, skin and nails, alleviate arthritic symptoms, diuretic function
Peppers
Contain: beta-carotene, Vitamin A, C and E, zinc, magnesium, lycopene, lutein
Benefits: strengthen immune system, prevent constipation, protect against visual impairment
Potatoes
Contain: potassium, Vitamin C, B6, niacin, fiber
Benefits: boost hormone serotonin to improve mood, reduce blood cholesterol levels
Pumpkin Seeds
Contain: zinc, magnesium, protein, manganese, omega-3 oils, iron, calcium, niacin, phosphorus, beta-sitosterol, Vitamin B and E
Benefits: promote prostate health, support bone mineral density, boost blood cells, help prevent depression
Rhubarb
Contains: insoluble fiber, Vitamin C
Benefits: prevent cell mutations, cleanse intestines, alleviate constipation
Spinach
Contains: high iron, beta-carotene, Vitamin B, C, E and K, magnesium, calcium, folate, lutein, chlorophyll, coenzyme Q10, tyrosine
Benefits: increase power and energy, prevent macular degeneration, anti-aging, anti-depressant, natural laxative
Tomatoes
Contain: lycopene, zinc, Vitamin B6, C and E, salicylates, water, niacin, folate, thiamine, panthothenic acid, potassium, chromium, biotin, alpha and beta-carotene
Benefits: reduce heart disease, strengthen immune system, reduce risk of cataracts, prevent thickening of blood, soothe liver inflammation, aid digestion
Turnips
Contain: fiber, Vitamin B6, C and E, folic acid, pantothenic acid, manganese, calcium, copper
Benefits: anti-cancer properties, bone strength support, aid liver health