The Importance of Eating Seasonal Foods

Another way to get back to the basics is by eating local seasonal foods. When you eat fresh organic fruits and vegetables that are in season you get the most nutrient value. This helps to support your body and feed your microbiome. The good bacteria in your microbiome are fed by consuming high fiber fruits and vegetables. These foods give your body the energy it needs for the season. Seasonal fruits and vegetables also help your body stay hydrated, keep you cool, or warm you – up depending on the season!

On top of the many health benefits to eating seasonally, you will also save money. Produce that is in season costs less, its more nutrient dense, and more flavorful! Unfortunately, fruits and vegetables begin losing nutrient value and flavor when they are picked. So the longer they take to get to you and the longer they sit in storage bins, the less flavorful and nutrient dense they are.

Since fruits and veggies have the most vitamins and minerals when they are first picked this means the longer they sit, the less value they contain. When you support a local farmer and pick fresh produce from their land, buy food from your local farmers market, or grow your own garden, you are getting the most nutrient dense fruits and vegetables possible. Not to mention you don’t have to worry about it being sprayed with extra chemicals for long term storage. Plus, you are helping your community. Its a win win for everyone.

So now that you know all the benefits and reasons for buying seasonal produce, lets look at the fruits and vegetables available in each season.

Winter

Since winter is the coldest season of the year and not much is growing, think of the roots under the surface. Root vegetables are best consumed in winter. These vegetables will naturally warm your body when its cold outside. Meals like stew and chili are made with these some of these warming ingredients.

carrots
potatoes
root vegetables
turnips
sweet potatoes

Spring

Think “Spring Cleaning” for your body since spring vegetables are naturally cleansing to the body. Leafy greens are packed full of vitamin c, vitamin k, magnesium, folate, and fiber. By eating these fruits and veggies in the spring you get the most of these vitamins and minerals. Here is a list of spring produce and their benefits.

carrots – hormone support
arugula – bone health
radishes – digestion
artichokes – prebiotics
local honey – seasonal allergies
tender greens – bone health
asparagus – reproductive health
lemons – collagen support

Summer

Summer can be hot so think of foods that can cool your body down when its warm outside. These foods are naturally cooling and hydrating. Summer produce helps replace nutrients and hydration that your body loses in the heat. They also help protect the body from the damage caused by the sun.

mango
zucchini
watermelon
cherries – melotonin
tomatoes – lycopene
bell peppers
cucumbers
strawberries – help off set inflammation

Fall

Fall produce is rich in calcium, vitamins A and K, fiber, potassium, and beta carotene. Pumpkins are full of antioxidants that help fight cancer and beta carotene to help with vision. They are also rich in potassium – which helps regulate blood pressure, fiber for heart health, and compounds that help boost our immune system.

pumpkins – eye health
squash – bone health
apples – anti-inflammatory
onions – digestion
garlic – immune system
ginger – helps fight nausea
beets – vascular health

Try some local seasonal produce today and taste the difference! Support local farmers, your community, save money, and get the most vitamins and minerals out of the produce you consume by season. Not to mention it tastes amazing! Maybe you don’t like a certain fruit or vegetable because you have never tried it fresh and in season? Just a thought:)