As we grow older, the foods we choose play a crucial role in maintaining our health, vitality and longevity. Fortunately, fall offers an abundance of nutrient-packed superfoods that can help us do just that. From fiber-rich apples that support digestion to antioxidant-filled squash that boosts immunity, the season’s best produce provides the tools we need to age with grace and strength.
Here’s a selection of the best in-season produce, along with suggestions for preparing them in healthy, delicious ways. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes come in a variety of sizes and colors, all offering a rich supply of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. The beta carotene in orange-fleshed sweet potatoes is converted to vitamin A, which is necessary for eye and immune health.
The fiber content in sweet potatoes helps regulate digestion, improves gut health and can prevent constipation. The antioxidants in sweet potatoes, particularly beta-carotene and anthocyanins (especially in purple varieties), have anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to aging-related diseases such as arthritis and heart disease. Cooking sweet potatoes with a healthy fat, such as olive or avocado oil, improves the body’s ability to absorb beta-carotene, a fat-soluble nutrient.
Try roasted sweet potato wedges seasoned with olive oil, smoked paprika and rosemary or make a sweet potato and quinoa salad with a maple-balsamic dressing. Apples Apples are high in fiber and .
