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Fall Veggies: Healthy Choices in Season Now
 By
Dr. Maoshing
Ni
Try these four vegetables that are in season in fall
and learn some of the many wonderful ways you stand
to benefit from incorporating them into your diet.
According to the Five Element theory
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn is a time
for eating white vegetables. Read on to find the
many benefits in store for you this fall when you
enjoy its wide selection of seasonal vegetables.
The Seasonal Food Palette
As we get into the cooler months of autumn, there is
an abundance of white vegetables to enjoy. White
vegetables contain isothiocynates, which support the
immune system and protect us against the development
of cancer. Below are four vegetables that are in
season during this time of year and some of the many
wonderful ways you stand to benefit from
incorporating them into your diet in the coming
months. Stock up!
1. Cauliflower: Cauliflower is what
is known as a cruciferous vegetable, and belongs to
the same family of plants as that of broccoli and
Brussels sprouts. Cauliflower possesses high
concentrations of fiber, vitamins C and B6, and
folate. Along with the presence of isothiocynates,
cauliflower also has a high concentration of
glucosinolates, which are key to cauliflower's
anti-cancer properties and help the liver detoxify
carcinogenic substances. Along with treating low
immune function, it is helpful to incorporate
cauliflower into the diet when treating sinus
problems, constipation, and conditions of the skin
such as warts.
2. Cabbage: Cabbage, like
cauliflower, is a cruciferous vegetable, and
therefore possesses many of the same healing and
nutritional properties related to the immune system
and hindering the development of cancer. Cabbage is
commonly associated with its high concentrations of
vitamin C. It also contains the amino acid
glutamine, which has been revealed to have
anti-inflammatory properties. Along with treating
immune-related conditions such as cold and flu,
cabbage can also help anyone looking to treat acne,
allergies, hives, constipation, arthritis,
bronchitis, and yeast overgrowth. That's one
versatile vegetable.
3. Turnips: Turnips are a root
vegetable that are typically grown in temperate
climates. Turnips are packed with vitamin C. And
turnip greens contain vitamins A and K as well as
folate, calcium, and lutein. Turnips treat
immune-related conditions such as bronchitis, and
other conditions such as incontinence, flatulence,
and symptoms of jet lag. Lightly steam the greens
for a healthy side dish. As for the bulb, cut and
sauté or boil and mash.
4. Garlic: Garlic is a pungent,
spicy herb that has bulbs, leaves, stems, and
flowers that are edible. It is generally
anti-bacterial in nature, and is used as an
antiseptic and a remedy for infections. It is used
for digestive disorders and as a treatment for
intestinal worms. It is also used to prevent heart
disease, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure,
regulate blood sugar levels, prevent
diabetes-related conditions, treat allergies, reduce
arthritis, counteract bone loss, and to treat
ailments related to cancer. All those benefits, and
it's delicious, too.
With an abundance of white vegetables in your diet
this fall, you will give your immune system the
support it needs to ward off colds, the flu, and any
number of other ailments associated with this time
of year.
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