Six Fall Superfoods to Try

Each season has its own unique flavor, and autumn's may be the most distinctive of them all. With pumpkin lattes, apple cider donuts and other indulgent foods everywhere you turn, autumn is certainly a delicious time of year, but one where it's easy to make unhealthy choices.

Luckily, fall is the harvest season with countless fruits and vegetables hitting store shelves and farmer's markets! Seasonal "superfoods" taste fresher and are rich in vitamins and minerals, they are available in abundance thereby reducing prices and are often locally grown making them an eco-friendly choice.

We at FSAstore.com are pumped for "superfood" season, and here are a few of our favorite superfoods:

Apples

While most of us don't consider apples as a seasonal food, they hit their peak between August and November and are jam-packed with antioxidants. Apples are known to lower a person's risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart disease. And be sure to eat the skin! This portion has the highest concentration of antioxidants, potassium and fiber to support your overall health.

Brussels Sprouts

These tiny cabbages have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being an excellent source of vitamins K and C, fiber, manganese, potassium and B vitamins. They have also been linked to the prevention of a number of cancers, including ovarian, colon and others. Whether roasted or steamed, they make for a dynamic fall side dish.

Fennel

Whether it's a final accent on a salad or a roasted side dish, the distinctive taste of fennel can liven up your fall dishes. Fennel is rich in potassium, protein, fiber and vitamins, so it's a healthy change of pace throughout the fall months.

Leeks

Leeks can provide a unique flavor profile to a number of fall dishes, as they come from the onion and garlic family and find a natural home in soups, salads and stuffing. Leeks are rich in vitamin K, as well as manganese, folate, copper, iron and vitamin C.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have amazing flexibility in the kitchen, and they can be adapted to anything from quesadillas to soups. These root veggies are rich in beta-carotene, which can reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, they are rich in potassium, dietary fiber, niacin, vitamin C, vitamins B1/B2 and phosphorus.

Pumpkin

Last but not least, nothing says fall quite like pumpkins! In its raw form, pumpkin flesh and seeds boast a wealth of beneficial vitamins and minerals, including beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, folate, iron and much more. Always go for fresh pumpkin, as canned versions will always contain less nutrients (and some unwanted preservatives) and won't have the same refreshing flavor profile.

Visit FSAstore.com for more seasonal health tips, extensive information about your healthcare benefits at our FSA Learning Center and the web's largest selection of FSA eligible products for you and your entire family.