FAMILY NUTRITION, HEALTH AND FITNESS
Fall Foods: Cornucopia of Flavor and Nutrition
Autumn is a wonderful time of year, cool, crisp and mellow. It’s time for the fun of Halloween, the camaraderie
of Thanksgiving, and invigorating walks outdoors as the leaves turn color. The fruits and vegetables of autumn are
a special treat. They taste divine and they’re good for you and your diet.
Here are some fall favorites along with some foods that may be new to you. These whole fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients, so enjoy them often, not just on holidays.
Pumpkin
What’s fall without pumpkin pie and a jack-o-lantern for Halloween? Beyond those uses, this orange winter squash can be cooked as a vegetable or made into creamy soup. Nutritionally, it has carotenoids that help combat heart disease, cancer and declining vision. Pumpkin has vitamins C, E and riboflavin, the minerals potassium and iron, and fiber. One big surprise: Canned pumpkin has more nutritional value than fresh cooked because the canned, solid-pack pumpkin is prepared to be more concentrated for pies.
