All you need to know about the many health benefits of seasonal foods

Autumn is here with all its beautiful colors and crisp, fresh air. This is the perfect time to treat both your body and your tastebuds to delicious fruits and vegetables in season. During autumn, apples are at their absolute peak. They are not only filled with flavor, but also full of nutrients, vitamins and fibers that support the good bacteria in your gut. In this article, we take a closer look at the benefits of choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables, and how an apple a day can keep the doctor away.

Seasonal foods are loaded with nutrients – but it doesn’t end there

As the seasons change, so does the climate. This means a constant rotation of new, local products in the supermarket. Choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables means that you eat food that is harvested at its peak. This goes all the way back to farming in ancient times when people ate what they could grow on their own land. Seasonal foods are not only richer in taste; they also contain more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It’s easier to find local, organic fruit and vegetables in season, keeping your plate free from pesticides and other nasties. Since they are grown both locally and in their natural state, these yummy fruits and vegetables also have health benefits for our planet. As it turns out, eating seasonal foods helps to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. In addition to the many health benefits that eating seasonal foods have for both our bodies and our planet, doing so is also a great way to save money. Locally grown products need less storage and have fewer travelling expenses – this is good news for your wallet.

Stay healthy with apples in season

Autumn is the season to enjoy crisp, juicy apples and treating your body to the many health benefits this nutritious fruit has to offer. Did you know that apples are the most widely consumed fruit in the world? This is not strange given the many different varieties available – from Gala to Red Delicious and Granny Smith. It’s safe to say that there is an apple for everyone.

Apples are rich in nutrients, a group of antioxidants called polyphenols, water, and fiber. They have been linked to many great health benefits, and studies show that apples may improve your heart health, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, improve your mental health, reduce the risk of cancer, improve your gut health, help with digestive problems or disturbances, and even support weight loss.

If you suffer from IBS or have a sensitive gut, however, apples might not be the best choice for you. Apples are high in FODMAP content, which means they contain certain sugars that are difficult for the small intestine to absorb. If your gut is extra sensitive, it could be a good idea to trade the apples for other fruits and vegetables that are low in FODMAP content: oranges, blueberries, pineapple, carrots, and spinach.

Good health starts in the gut

A balanced gut microbiota is fundamental for good health. By adding delicious, seasonal apples to your autumn diet, you can boost your energy levels during the day and the good bacteria living in your gut at the same time. Apples contain pectin, which is a type of fiber that promotes the growth of good bacteria. Pectin is often referred to as a prebiotic, meaning that it serves as food to the good bacteria. A recent study has also shown that prebiotics might not be the only reason why apples have a positive impact on gut health. The study reports that an apple is also home to around 100 million bacteria. Most bacteria were found in the seeds, stem, calyx, and pulp; the skin actually contained the least amount of bacteria. The study also showed that organic apples had a more diverse range of bacteria and more of the beneficial species, such as Lactobacillus. Since apples are rich in both pectin and healthy bacteria, which support the gut microbiota, they benefit our overall health and can help protect our body against chronic diseases.

Boost your gut with fruit, vegetables, and Probiotics

Autumn can be a stressful time for many of us, so it is more important than ever to give your gut some well-deserved love. This is the time to boost the good bacteria in your stomach – with fibers that make them grow stronger and help them keep your gut microbiota balanced. The fall months can also be the perfect time to support your gut health by adding a probiotic to your daily routine. So why not stress down, light some candles, cozy up, and treat yourself to your favorite fruit or vegetable in season?