Eating seasonally boasts a bevy of benefits, including: tastes better, saves money, supports the local economy, is better for the environment, and provides more nutrients for our health. “Eating in season can help supply our bodies with the nutrients we naturally need for optimal wellness,” says Dr. Trevor Cates, author of Natural Beauty Reset. “When harvested in season, produce has the ability to ripen and come to its full nutritional potential … As we go into fall, our bodies need more nutrients like vitamin C to help support our immune system.”
And, amazingly, nature provides precisely what we need to support our health. Below, the in-season fall foods that are bursting with immune system-boosting nutrients.
Broccoli
“The nutritional profile of broccoli has almost double the levels of vitamin C when you enjoy it in season—during late fall—compared to spring,” Dr. Cates says.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens, such as arugula and spinach, are among the most nutrient-rich foods we can eat. They’re full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber.
Almonds
FYI: the harvest season for almonds is typically August to October. Almonds are high in the antioxidant vitamin E, as well as gut health-boosting fiber.
Sunflower kernels
These nutrient-rich seeds are typically harvested in the fall. They contain lots of vitamin E and selenium, both of which are powerful antioxidants.
Butternut squash
Along with other cool-weather squash like acorn and delicata, butternut squash is great for the immune system because it’s packed with vitamins C and E, along with beta-carotene and alpha-carotene.