Stephanie's Super Foods

Apples

Nothing screams fall like freshly picked apples. Not only good for the heart, apples have been found to benefit your skin, lungs and waist line. One of the most versatile fruits, they don’t need much to taste delicious. Apples love being paired with nut butter, honey and cinnamon. Epicurious has a wonderful visual guide of apple varieties and recipes.


Strawberry

Although there are many varieties of strawberry that differ in flavor, size, and texture, one can usually identify a strawberry for its fragrantly sweet taste and deep red color. Did you know one cup of strawberries gives you 140% of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C? Strawberries are even packed with flavonoids that help keep “bad” (LDL) cholesterol from oxidizing and damaging artery walls. Not only does this fruit taste good, but also has many health benefits. Their peak season is from April through July.

Winter Squash

Nothing screams winter more than the rich colors and taste of squash. Sweet, hearty, easy and versatile, winter squash is one of my favorite foods in the fall and winter months. Rich in vitamin A, C and fiber, they come in many varieties including acorn, butternut, pumpkin and spaghetti squash. You can cube, bake, make into spaghetti strands, soup and stews, etc. To save time, purchase pre-cubed versions. See some of my favorite squash recipes in the recipe section.

Brussels Sprouts

What a horrible name for a wonderful vegetable! Brussel sprouts are part of the cabbage family and are filled with vitamin A, C, fiber, potassium and iron to name a few. On their own, they can be a bit boring but when mixed with spices, herbs, nuts, honey and cheese, their flavors comes alive.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are ancient fruits native to the Middle East. The pomegranate is a very healthy fruit indeed. One pomegranate that is 3-3/8 inches in diameter has 105 calories and about 25 grams of sugar. Pomegranates are a great source of potassium, and pomegranate juice contains antioxidants that will help to protect your blood lipids from oxidation. Pomegranate juice may also help to prevent prostate cancer and helps to prevent plaque build up in your arteries.

Pomegranate seeds have been studied and appear to enhance immune function as well as help keep blood lipid levels healthy.