Modern technology and a globalized world mean your local grocery store carries pretty much any fruit or vegetable you want, at any time of year.
But that doesn’t mean you should.
Health experts say eating “seasonally” is better for both your body and your budget. Eating seasonally is eating produce that’s currently being grown.
Buying local seasonal produce can actually be more nutritious because it spends less time being transported to you. The moment a fruit or vegetable is picked or cut, it begins losing nutrients, so all that transport time can really cut down on nutrients. Plus, most mass-shipped produce is picked before it’s fully ripe, and not up to its full nutrient potential in the first place.
Have you ever noticed how much more expensive blueberries are in the winter? That’s because blueberries are off-season in North America during that time.
When you buy produce during peak season, it’s in peak supply. Distributors don’t have to pay as much to transport it to your local grocery store when it’s being grown closer to home. That pays off at the checkout, shaving money off of the selling price.
Eating Seasonally This Fall
A new season is here, and with it, a whole range of in-season fruits and vegetables. Here are some fruits and veggies currently in-season:
- Apples. Harvested in late summer through fall, they’re a fall favorite. While Minnesota is known for inventing the Honeycrisp, try the University of Minnesota’s newest apple variety this year – the First Kiss.
- Sweet Potatoes. These veggies are a good source of vitamin c and are rich in fiber and beta-carotene, which can promote healthy eyesight.
- Beets. They taste great in salads and are even sweeter roasted. They even contain a compound that may help prevent heart and liver disease.
- Cauliflower. This veggie tastes best in the fall. Plus it may even prevent cancer, thanks to a compound called glucosinolates.
Eating seasonally is a great way to keep your health in tip-top shape, especially if you’re on the mend from an injury.
For more tips and tricks on staying healthy, visit 360 Chiropractic. We use modern Chiropractic techniques for enhanced comfort and effectiveness, including acupuncture, massage therapy, and rehabilitation.