Fruits and Vegetables in Season for Autumn

09 Apr Fruits and Vegetables in Season for Autumn

Pears

As a fruit fresh pears have no cholesterol, sodium or saturated fat. They offer a natural, quick source of energy, due to the presence of natural sugars. Pears are nutrient dense, high in fibre, a good source of Vitamin C and provide the important mineral potassium for all less than 100 calories per medium pear.

Kiwi fruit

Nutritionally, Kiwis are best eaten raw. Kiwifruit contains almost the same amount of vitamin C as two oranges or five lemons, more vitamin E than an avocado, the same amount of potassium as a banana and more fibre than four celery sticks.

Apples

The fruit is rich in pectin, which can help reduce high cholesterol levels and remove toxic metals such as lead and mercury from the body; it is very beneficial for intestinal problems and it binds radioactive residues and excretes them from the body. In addition, apple juice is very cleansing for the liver and gallbladder. It is a good idea to eat apples with their skin on. Almost half the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Eating the skin also increases insoluble fibre content.

Grapes

Grapes are a powerful antioxidant and also act as a diuretic (reduce water retention). Interestingly, grape seeds are also of nutritional benefit, they are one of the richest sources of plant flavonoids (these act as antioxidants).

Bananas

Bananas contain a large amount of tryptophan – an amino acid that is a precursor for serotonin (an inhibiting brain neurotransmitter). This therefore makes bananas a calming food and can be eaten before bedtime to benefit sleep. As bananas are high in magnesium and potassium and low in sodium, they may be useful for the treatment of diarrhoea, colitis, ulcers and protein allergies. Bananas strengthen the body lining and lower blood cholesterol.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a very good source of fibre, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. It’s also full of antioxidants.

Beetroot

Boosts stamina, making muscles work harder, it also contains potassium, magnesium and iron as well as vitamins A, B6 and C, and folic acid. Research is showing it can help reduce blood pressure, reduce the risk of osteoporosis, stabilises blood sugar and lowers cholesterol

Pumpkin

It’s a storehouse of many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin A, C and E. It’s a good source of B-complex group of vitamins like folate, niacin, vita-min B-6 thiamin and pantothenic acid.