Five Cleansing Foods to Try This Fall

It feels like just yesterday that we were entering Spring and looking forward to the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that the warm weather provides. Now here we are, post-Labor day, getting ready to enter Autumn 2012. As the seasons change so do our fresh food choices as well as our cooking style, with more slow cooked, dense foods added to the mix. With the fall harvest around the corner here are 5 cleansing foods to add to your menus over the next few months:

Apples: My personal favorite, this antioxidant-rich fruit helps reduce inflammation and is linked to heart and lung health. Apples make a delicious snack and are easy to bring along on-the-go – nature’s fast food in its own wrapper!

Brussels Sprouts: High in fiber and vitamin C, this cruciferous veggie can help lower cholesterol and contains phytonutrients associated with cancer prevention. Try them roasted or sautéed for a delicious side dish.

Onions: This round vegetable provided anti-inflammatory benefits and protects cells from oxidative stress. Add it raw to salads for a nice kick – tomato, basil, and onion salad drizzled with olive oil and a bit of fresh black pepper is absolutely delicious!

Sweet Potatoes: Despite their sweet flavor, these tubers help balance blood sugar. They are also a great source of beta-carotene and vitamins B6, C and D.

Winter Squash: Rich in fiber, these gourds are good for digestion and heart health. They contain cell-protective antioxidants including beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Happy eating!