Seasons Change - Maximize Your Food Experience

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Ecclesiastes 3 which to me serves as the ultimate reality check. It is a straight talk no chaser message on the facts of life. Seasons change and with the changes, we have to accept and make the necessary adjustments

As Fall takes its position, there are a number of fruits and vegetables that are at the peak for maximum taste and offers high nutritious value. It's time for us to flow with the change of the season and get our healthy eats on :-)

Avocado is quite popular as a good appetizer dip for chips, yes, guacamole is a must have for many who enjoy the blend of avocado, onions, tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, cilantro and a dash of lime juice. What makes it even yummier, is that it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It may also help to prevent cancer. Now for the value it contains - Omega3, folate, omega6, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Brussel Sprouts are high in vitamin C and it has cancer-fighting antioxidants which is a plus to guard your health.

Collard greens, kale are high in antioxidant vitamins A and C and other nutrients that promote healthy vision and may lower cancer risk.

Cranberry beans brings you an improved step in the right direction as it has a good dose of protein and it is high in calcium and potassium.

Pomegranate is a fruit that helps to fight viruses, reduces joint pain and importantly may prevent strokes. The inside of the fruit has tiny little seeds covered with a transparent petal of it's own juice. Take a gentle bite and a burst of flavor filled with a tart mixture containing potassium, fiber, folate as well as a high dose of vitamins C and K will set you off just lovely.

Sweet potatoes are naturally one of the most delicious, sweet, nutritious vegetables around. Let's try it without the sugar or the deep fried oils to benefit from its high antioxidant vitamins A and C - allowing it to help boost our immune system.

But wait there's more

Antioxidants - the benefits

Antioxidants are known to protect your cells from free radicals. Free radicals damages the cells as they are molecules that are produced when your body breaks down food, also when you are exposed to the pollutants in the environment. Free radicals are linked to diseases such as cancer, heart disease and many others.

Here are the foods that contains antioxidants:

Poultry
Fish
Some Meats
Fruits
Vegetables
Nuts
Grains

What substances are found in antioxidants?

Vitamin A - liver, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks and mozzarella cheese. Retinol (Vitamin A1), 3,4-didehydroretinol (Vitamin A2), and 3-hydroxy-retinol (Vitamin A3).

Vitamin C - also known as ascorbic acid is found in fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin E - is found in almonds, in many oils including wheat germ, safflower, corn and soybean oils, and also found in mangos, nuts, broccoli and other foods.

Beta-carotene - foods that are orange in color, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin, and mangos. Some green leafy vegetables including collard greens, spinach, and kale are also rich in beta-carotene.

Lutein - green leafy vegetables such as collard greens, spinach, and kale (all linked to healthy eyes).

Lycopene- tomatoes, watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, pink grapefruit, blood oranges, and other foods.

Selenium - is a component of antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like rice and wheat are the major dietary sources of selenium in most countries. Meats and bread are also common sources of dietary selenium specifically in the United States.

Be informed -make healthy choices!