Two Healthy Foods for This Fall

With fall's brilliant colors in full bloom, it's important to take advantage of the health benefits of apples and pumpkins while they're in season.

Pumpkins contain the following benefits:

• Provide vitamin C and E, iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium, which supports the health of organs such as kidneys, bladder and prostate
• Contain both beta and alpha carotenoids – antioxidants that help prevent cell damage
• Supply lutein which supports healthy eyes
• Aid in ridding the body of parasites and other unwelcomed digestive inhabitants
• Contain healthy essential fatty acid oils
• High in protein - one ounce of seeds provides about seven grams
  

Apples are important in the diet for the following reasons:

• Low in fat and calories
• Enzyme-rich energy food which helps break down and digest other foods
• Reduce risk of colds and flu
• Improves ability of intestinal muscles to move waste and lowers cholesterol levels
• Regulates blood sugar
• Pectin fiber binds and helps eliminate gut toxins, keeping the GI tract healthy and act as a natural stimulant (green apples contain more Pectin)
• Great source of vitamin A carotenes for antioxidant activity, the flavonoid quercitin as well as vitamin C

Apples offer bone protection, asthma relief, protection against Alzheimers, cancer prevention (lung, breast, colon and liver cancers), diabetes management and lowers cholesterol.

With Halloween and Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is a good time to incorporate these healthy foods into your family's diet.

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