It’s fall, which meanspumpkin spice,apple pieandveggie-packed casserolesgalore. But there are some seasonal produce options that are underappreciated, according to gastroenterologist Will Bulsiewicz, M.D.
“Fall is the best, and I’m going to share my favorite fall vegetables with you,” Bulsiewicz said in arecent Instagram post.
EatingWell
Want to know his recommendations? Here are the doctor’s top three favorite vegetables for fall that boast gut-healthy properties—plus recipes to incorporate them into your next batch of cozy meals.
My Favorite Anti-Inflammatory Side Dish Is Perfect for Fall
1. Beets
“Beets are a natural source of nitrates, which in your body gets converted into nitric oxide which actually helps to relax your blood vessels,” Bulsiewicz raved. “This means better blood flow which can have a number of benefits.”
With your gut health beinglinked to your heart health and blood pressure, beets provide beneficial nutrients—beingpacked with antioxidantsand with nearly4 grams of fiber per cup—that are all-around good for your health. Try the seasonal veggie in thisWarm Beet & Spinach Salador drink it up with ourGinger-Beet Juice.
2. Acorn Squash
“It’s so orange because it’s extremely high in carotenoids,” he said. This is the same antioxidant-rich pigment found incarrots. He goes on to explain why carotenoids are so great for digestion and nutrient absorption in the body.
“They’re fat soluble,” he explained. “What that means is when you cook your acorn squash, add a little bit of olive oil because that will actually help you to absorb these nutrients.”
In that case, ourAir-Fryer Stuffed Acorn SquashandRoasted Acorn Squash Wedges with Garlic-Herb Sauceare gastroenterologist-approved ways to prepare the comforting veggie.
3. Purple Cabbage
Purple cabbage, or red cabbage, wraps up this list of recommended vegetables.
“Cabbage, whatever cabbage you get, it is going to have glucosinolates, which are cancer-fighting phytochemicals which is fantastic,” Bulsiewicz said. “Purple cabbage has the added benefit of having the anthocyanins, which are wonderful for your brain.”
Purple cabbage can also helpreduce your diabetes risk, and it’spacked with fiber and waterto help with healthy digestion. It’s a great base for aslawor as abraised side dish.
Up next:How Much Bloating Is Too Much? A Gastroenterologist Explains
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