Fall in love with autumn and autumnal fruits and vegetables
Fall is here! And with it, shorter days and cooler temperatures. It’s the perfect time to enjoy tasty autumnal fruits and vegetables like avocados, blackberries and pumpkins.
Reading time: 4 minutes
Here are the benefits of incorporating seasonal foods into your diet.
Today, globalization and technology have made it possible for us to consume any fruit or vegetable at any time of the year and in any region of the world, and while this brings some advantages – such as not having to be left with a craving for that slice of mango in the middle of winter – some aspects of this phenomenon are not optimal for your body or for the ecosystem.
So what makes eating seasonal foods the healthiest option?
Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables makes your body better prepared to face the climate of each season:
It is well said that nature is wise, and therefore, seasonal foods have the vitamins and nutrients we need most at each time of the year.
The summer heat, which makes us need foods rich in water, is not the same as the arrival of cool temperatures. In this season it is advisable to consume autumnal fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, the greatest ally against colds. Some of them are oranges, tangerines and grapes.
Seasonal foods have more nutrients than those out of season:
Harvesting fruits and vegetables before they ripen-a necessary practice in harvesting foods out of season-causes them to have fewer nutrients than those harvested at their optimum time. In addition to being less nutritious, out-of-season foods are often less tasty.
Consuming seasonal produce is more ecologically sustainable:
Since no harsh chemicals are needed to force fruits and vegetables to grow outside their natural cycle, growing seasonal foods has less impact on the environment. Because of this, the negative impact of having to import food is also reduced. In addition, food is often treated with chemicals in order to keep it in good condition during the long journey.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper:
A good indicator of whether a food is in season is the price. Most foods that grow naturally in a certain season do not have to be imported from other countries. Therefore, they have an abundant presence in store inventories. This translates into lower prices and bargains.
Consuming fresh autumnal foods will provide you with energy and nutrients, mainly providing vitamin C and vitamin D. Some of these foods include potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, citrus fruits, acorns, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and apples. Keep in mind that vitamin C is easily lost, so consider giving your body a boost by consuming a supplement.
The best way to make a habit of eating seasonal foods is not to force yourself to cut out everything that is not in season from your diet, but to implement this practice gradually and create a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for you, the environment and your wallet.
