Eat These Fall Superfoods for Better Moods

admin - November 15, 2013

Fall has arrived and the weather is changing. Many of us enjoy the fall season, but some of us regretfully know that with fall here, winter isn’t far behind. Before winter shows up, it makes sense to take advantage of the many delicious varieties of produce coming from the fall garden.

Certain foods can help promote all of the components of a “good mood”, including both physical and mental components. Fall fruits and vegetables are chock-full of vitamins and other healthy nutrients to maintain healthy aging, balance moods and ward off disease.

Energy: Oatmeal or Pumpkin

As the days get shorter, it can be tempting to hide inside and take advantage of the warmth. The cold air makes it hard to find the energy for tasks that were simple during the summer. However, for healthy aging, it is important to eat right and exercise.

Luckily, fall provides many opportunities to eat foods for a boost of energy. For example, a hot breakfast was unwanted in the heat of summer, but it is welcome now. Oatmeal is rich in complex carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar and maintain satiety longer. Mixing in a little pumpkin will add valuable vitamin A to improve eyesight.

Overall Health: Beans or Blackberries

Carbs have taken a bad rap in recent years, but they’re not all harmful. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that complex carbohydrates (e.g. starches) have to be broken down by the body before they can be converted into glucose and used for energy. These carbohydrates also contain a lot of dietary fiber, which helps aid digestion. Popular fall foods containing high amounts of fiber include:

• Dry beans and peas
• Pumpkin
• Brussel Sprouts
• Raspberries and Blackberries
• Parsnips

Mix parsnips and cauliflower with potatoes to create a mash with unforgettable flavor. The cauliflower has a high amount of vitamin C and phytonutrients that may help lower cholesterol.

Memory: Blueberries or Apples

A 2012 study from the Annals of Neurology revealed that the antioxidants in blueberries can stall memory decline by as much as 2.5 years. Antioxidants also help to prevent disease, which can cause depression and fatigue. With winter on the horizon, fall is the perfect time to eat more of these antioxidant-loaded foods. Among them are:

• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Apples
• Pecans

While eating a varied diet is crucial for healthy aging, it’s also important to be aware of health problems on the horizon. Many asymptomatic conditions can be controlled by diet and exercise but require testing to discover them. As such, regular doctor visits, health screening, and dedication to a healthy lifestyle through nutritious diets make up three necessary components to a long, happy life.

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