Introduction
We all know that eating fruits and vegetables is good for our health. But what about in the winter? We don’t want to eat the same old stuff that we always do — we need some variety! If you’re tired of your usual winter produce, try these healthy fruits and vegetables. They’re delicious in a variety of ways and will help keep you feeling well-fed and energized throughout the cold months ahead.
Kiwifruit
Kiwifruit is one of the best winter fruits for your health, especially if you’re looking for a vitamin C boost. Kiwifruit is also good for detoxifying the body and helping to relieve constipation.
It’s said that kiwis can help prevent heart disease, and strokes. The fruit has been found to be effective in reducing inflammation and protecting against sunburns too!
Kiwifruits contain vitamin C—one cup of kiwi provides nearly twice as much as a cup of orange juice or grapefruit juice does. They’re also rich in potassium (which helps regulate blood pressure), fiber, B vitamins (for healthy skin), magnesium (to keep bones strong), lutein (for eye health), vitamin E (to help with circulation), beta-carotene (for healthy skin)
Kale
Kale is a superfood that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains high amounts of fiber, iron, and calcium. With only 43 calories per serving, kale can be an excellent addition to your diet.
Kale is a great source of vitamin K. This nutrient can help with blood clotting by supporting your body’s ability to make proteins that are important in this process. It also helps maintain bone health and aids in proper brain function.
Brussel sprouts
Brussel sprouts are a great winter vegetable to add to your diet. They’re high in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as potassium and fiber. They also contain folate, which is important for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Folate helps the body make new cells and is required for DNA synthesis. This means that brussel sprouts may contribute to healthy hair, skin, and nails!
Brussels sprouts can be eaten raw or cooked — they taste great either way! Try roasting them with olive oil, salt & pepper (sprinkle little red pepper flakes on top if you want some spice!). You can also try adding them to soups or stews instead of potatoes or pasta if you’re trying something new this winter season!
Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. They’re also a good source of potassium and vitamin A as well as fiber, vitamin C and iron.
In addition to vitamins A and E (both antioxidants), sweet potatoes contain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin that may help protect against eye disease by filtering damaging blue light from the sun. The healthiest way to eat sweet potatoes is baked instead of fried or boiled because they lose some of their nutrients when they’re prepared in oil over high heat levels — particularly when they’re covered during cooking so that steam can’t escape during baking time.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates contain antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, which contribute to strong heart health. Pomegranate juice has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of cancer. Additionally, pomegranate seeds are a good source of copper—an essential mineral that helps keep blood pressure low while strengthening bones and reducing the effects of arthritis.
Pomegranates are also an excellent source of vitamin K and folate, which help build strong bones and prevent birth defects. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. The juice is also high in sugar, so it’s important to limit your intake if you have diabetes.
If you’re looking for a fruit option that’s smaller than an apple but still packs a punch when it comes to being good for you, pomegranates are definitely worth considering!
Avocados
Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, avocados are also a good source of vitamin E and potassium. Plus, they’re loaded with vitamin B6, which helps your body produce energy; vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that supports immune function; and even vitamin K (which may help lower the risk of bone fractures).
The best part about this fruit? You can eat it raw or cooked! Tossing slices or chunks on top of salads (or into smoothies) is one delicious way to get your fill. Or try swapping out butter for avocado when making toast or an omelet. It’s delicious!
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a good source of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber. It’s also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and niacin. Grapefruits are rich in antioxidants that help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Eating grapefruits regularly may also help lower your risk for heart disease and stroke because they contain potassium. Just one serving (1/2 cup chopped or 1 whole fruit) contains almost one-third of the recommended daily value (RDA) for this mineral.
Mango
The mango is a tropical fruit that hails from Asia, but we’re lucky enough to have access to some amazing varieties of this delicious fruit during the winter months. These fruits are full of nutrients and vitamins that will keep your body happy and healthy all winter long.
Mangoes are rich in vitamin C and an excellent source of fiber, potassium, vitamins A and B6, vitamins E and K as well as folate and pantothenic acid (both important for maintaining good health).
Conclusion
Even though winter is a time when many people try to avoid eating vegetables, there are some great ones that you can eat in cold weather. They’re healthy, full of vitamins and fiber—and they taste better than they do in the summer.
For example, carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, which help combat colds and headaches. They’re also excellent when cooked with pork or beef because they give it a sweet taste without adding any extra calories.
We hope you enjoyed this list of winter vegetables and fruits. We tried to cover all the bases, but if you have any ideas for other items that belong on this list, please feel free to leave a comment below.