In most parts of the country (The U.S.) school is back in session
and that means we’ll soon be making stews, soups and pumpkin and
apple based desserts and beverages. And if you enjoy cooking, baking
or plain snacking, make sure you use plenty of fall fruits.

Fall fruits?
Yes, these fruits that are available year round, but are usually
at their ripest and cheapest come Oct. and Nov. so make sure
to stock up on them, not only for the prices but the health benefits
as well.

a) Apples-
If you plan on baking apple pies for the holidays or for a lazy,
slow-paced weekend, eat some of those apples whole.
Whole as in with the skin on, doing so will help you build up your lungs.
Apples contain flavonoids, compounds that reduce airway inflammation,
plus strengthen tissues lining lungs. Something even better: Eat an apple or
two each day and you have a 33% lower risk of pneumonia, bronchitis and chronic
coughs, and if you do get sick, you’ll be able to bounce back in about 3 days.

b) Plums-
They’re usually associated with summer, but in some parts of the country,
plums are more plentiful and cheaper in the fall and if you worry about your
blood sugar levels, eat more of them. The nutrients in plums activate genes
that heighten insulin sensitivity and blood-glucose control. Another benefit:
Eating a plum an hour or two before a physical activity (going to the gym)
will help you feel more energized.
A recipe for plums: Baked apples are quite popular, but you can also
do the same with plums. Cut them in half, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar
and bake at 350*F for 15 to 20 mins. Or cut up a few and toss them into a
green salad.

c) Pumpkin-
You probably eat a lot of pumpkin during the fall season, but are you
aware of what benefits you get from them? Well, according to health
researchers they can ease aches and pain. Pumpkins are packed
with natural anti-inflammatories and painkillers (carotenoids) that
ease inflammation by 25%, plus kick start tissue healing, quashing pain
and boosting flexibility and mobility in as little as 1 week.
Not a fan of real (or whole) pumpkins? No problem, stock up on
the canned variety.

d) Persimmon-
Not as popular as an apple or pear, but just as beneficial (health-wise),
they help you put an end to rising stress levels in about 15 mins. Persimmons
contain two acids (tannic and gallic) that stimulate your brain’s limbic
system, upping the production of mood-boosting beta waves.

e) Pomegranate-
Stock up on these red gems in the next few months and eat the seeds and
drink the juice, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure. Drinking
6 oz. or eating 2 Tbs. of seeds each day trims up to 8 points off your blood
pressure in about 1 month. The fruit has 5 times more artery-relaxing
compounds than any other fruit.

f) Pears-
For some, the fall and winter months are a time to indulge in
a lot of “goodies.” and if this describes you, eat a pear or two
each day to combat the weight gain. Eat a pear in the morning
(before your regular breakfast) and you can trim 180 calories
from your daily menus and 12 pounds off your body in one year.
Pears give you a unique blend of fiber and plant acids that calm
the hypothalamus, the brain region that controls the hunger pangs.
Another tip: Apples and the skin (especially green apples) also
help control appetite, which results in weight loss.
Not a fan of pears? Eat a green apple (with a glass of water) before
a big meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner).

Sources:
* Journal of Nutritional Science
* UCLA, Research Dept.
* USDA Researchers

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Thank-You!