“Functional Foods” of Fall

October 4, 2017

The fall season is here! Crisp cool air, beautiful colors in the foliage and the start of football season! But, did you know that now is the best time to really think about what you eat? The fall season provides many health and wellness benefits that you may not know about. Many fall foods are Functional Foods, believed to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition; foods which may contribute to lowering your risk for certain diseases and health concerns.

Here are some examples and suggestions on how to get them into your daily diet.

• Beans, peas and apples may reduce your risk of heart disease so why not pile them onto a salad, into a soup or even in an omelet.
• Carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, spinach and winter squashes are great for the immune system. These all make great side items for fall dishes.
• Walnuts, salmon, and tuna can help support brain function and cognition. Adding walnuts to salad or yogurt makes for a delicious crunch or you could make a walnut and bread crumb coating for on your next salmon dish.

These are just a few examples of the wonderful benefits you can give your body by indulging in smart choices this fall season. Be adventurous with your culinary choices. Trying new foods, preparation methods, or herbs and spices and discover the deliciousness of the Functional Foods of Fall. Want to learn more? Join us at The Hickman for a Fall Food Cooking tasting on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 5:00 PM. The Hickman’s Chef, Rodney Sykes, will be preparing pan seared salmon with lemon sage aioli, fall succotash and smashed red potatoes sautéed with chopped mustard greens with lemon zest.

This column was written by Carol E. Sweeney, LD of Bayada Home Health Care, a preferred provider of The Hickman Friends Senior Community of West Chester.