Summer may be coming to an end, but autumn arrives with a beautiful and colorful range of fruits and vegetables. Not only are they a beauty when served on the plate, but these vibrant ingredients contain a host of nutrients that your immune system needs more than ever, especially with the risk of COVID-19. If you’re looking to brighten up your Instagram story while improving your health, opt for these tasty options instead of fast food.
carrots
You can sometimes get wild carrots in colors ranging from cream to purple, but the most common is that beautiful shade of orange. Visit your local farmer’s market and consider glazing them with honey before baking them in the oven; the result is succulent and contains more than double your daily dose of vitamin A.
2. Butter lettuce
If you’re not quite ready for kale yet, consider butter lettuce. This soft lettuce is deliciously decadent and doesn’t taste too healthy. It’s a perfect addition to a sandwich or even as a salad base on its own. Butter lettuce is packed with an important antioxidant called beta-carotene and a phytochemical called lutein. Both are key in preventive measures against degenerative diseases.
3. Mushrooms
There are many different types of mushrooms. We love a hearty portobello or hearty mushroom soup on a chilly day. Mushrooms are essentially a superfood that decreases inflammation and have a strong flavor, enough to compare them to meat! They are also full of prebiotics, which feed the microbiota in the intestines and promote healthy digestion.
4 apples
Apple picking is one of our favorite fall activities; There are so many things you can do with them! From apple and pumpkin soup to stuffing, there are plenty of savory options along with classic unhealthy options like apple pie and strudel. Baked apple rings also hit the spot when cinnamon is sprinkled over this natural confection. Apples contain vitamin C and tons of antioxidants. They also contain pectin, a prebiotic known to lower high cholesterol levels while keeping your gut happy.
5. Brussels sprouts
Many of us have been traumatized by boiled Brussels sprouts, but there are much better ways to make the most of the flavor when cooking your own. If possible, try to buy them fresh with the stem on, and roast them in the oven with olive oil, pepper, and salt. They are full of iron and other health beneficial vitamins that will strengthen your immune system.
