13 Fall Superfoods Nutritionists Recommend Eating

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Pumpkins

This year, skip the artificial pumpkin spice craze and go for the real thing. Pumpkins are everyone’s favourite fall superfood and for good reason. “Providing more fibre per cup than kale, pumpkin can help to keep you feeling fuller, longer,” explains Samina Kalloo, RDN, CDN. “It’s also an excellent source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that are recognized for playing a critical role in eye health.”

Try: Pumpkin Hummus

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Broccoli

Whether roasted, steamed, or served fresh, broccoli is a delicious veggie loaded with health benefits. “Broccoli is a great source of vitamins K, C, and E, folate, potassium, calcium, and fibre,” says Ariana Kulinczenko, RD, LDN. “It benefits digestion, cardiovascular health and contains anti-inflammatory properties.” Try steaming broccoli with fresh garlic and lemon juice for a nutritious side dish on busy nights.

Try: Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin

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Cauliflower

Cauliflower may seem like a bland veggie at first glance but it’s a sneaky superfood that can turn into scrumptious comfort food with just a few tweaks. “It is high in fibre, B-vitamins, antioxidants, and choline,” says Kulinczenko. “Cauliflower may promote weight loss, protect against cancer and improve learning and memory.”

Try: Buffalo Cauliflower Steak

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Cranberries

This tart superfood isn’t just for Thanksgiving anymore. Cranberries are known for preventing urinary tract infections but have benefits for your whole body. “Dried cranberries have been shown to improve gut health by altering the gut microbiota, as well as improve blood sugar regulation in type 2 diabetics,” says New York-based dietician Angela Goscilo. “In addition, as a good source of vitamin C, cranberries can support oral health and immune function.” Goscilo recommends blending fresh cranberries with diced jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice and a dash of sugar for a tart salsa everyone will love.

Try: Broccoli, Cranberry & Almond Salad

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Beets

Beets can add gorgeous colour to your fall salads and side dishes while giving your brain a boost. “Beets have a good amount of folate and potassium,” says Amanda A. Kostro Miller, RD, LDN. “Try adding beets to your smoothie or baked goods like red velvet cake or pink-frosted cupcakes.”

Try: Beet and Strawberry Smoothie

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Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes make the perfect fall side dish and are rich in vitamin A for healthy eyes and fibre for a healthy gut. Miller recommends starting out your day with a nutrient-packed twist on breakfast toast. “Instead of bread, slice a sweet potato lengthwise into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices,” says Miller. “Pop them in the toaster to toast and then top with your favorite toppings.”

Try: 20 Easy and Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes to Make Now

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Walnuts

“Even beyond the known heart health benefits, walnuts have been researched for a variety of potential benefits including diabetes, cognitive function, mental health, cancer, weight, and gut and reproductive health. One study even found that women who ate a Mediterranean diet including walnuts showed a lower risk for gestational diabetes and weight gain during pregnancy,” says, Stephanie Middleberg, MS, RD, CDN. Middleberg recommends using this nutty superfood to top oatmeal, baked sweet potatoes, or in your favorite pesto recipe. They are just one of the superfoods every healthy woman needs in her diet and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fibre.

Try: This Easy Apple-Walnut Tossed Salad Is a Quintessential Fall Starter

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Apples

An apple a day keeps chronic diseases away, especially if you pick them yourself. “Apple picking is a great way to get exercise while having fun with friends and family,” says Lisa Reed, MS, CSCS, USAW. “Plus, the health benefits of eating an apple a day are amazing.” Apples are rich in soluble fibre, helping to keep you full and flush out cholesterol. Try sprinkling apple slices with cinnamon for an easy, low-calorie snack.

Try: Easy Baked Apples With Sugar and Cinnamon

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Brussel sprouts

Brussel sprouts may have been one of those vegetables you dreaded as a kid but they’ll quickly become one of your favorite fall superfoods. “They have about 3.8 grams of protein per serving, which is high for a vegetable,” says Reed. “They also contain 147 percent of your recommended daily intake of vitamin K, which promotes bone health.” Try roasting them in the oven with olive oil, salt and balsamic vinegar for a crispy side dish.

Try: Lentil and Brussels Sprouts Salad With Creamy Chia Dressing

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Lentils

Lentils are a tiny legume that pack a major health punch. They’re rich in fibre, protein, and folate and are known to support a healthy heart. Dahlia Marin, RDN loves them so much that she replaces meat dishes with a rich and flavourful lentil loaf instead. “This dish offers a wide variety of seasonal veggies, protein, and fibre to fill your stomach and body with nutrients,” says Marin.

Try: Middle Eastern Lentil Salad

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Pomegranates

If pomegranates are one of the fall superfoods you’re still not eating, it’s time to give them a second look. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C for a healthy immune system. “Research is still emerging but shows promise for reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease, bone loss, hypertension, and more chronic conditions,” says Keith Thomas Ayoob, EdD, RD, FAND. Ayoob recommends buying the seeds and mixing them into Greek yogurt, salads, or oatmeal.

Try: Turkey and Pomegranate Salad

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Beans

If you’re looking to give your diet a serious boost with protein and fibre, reach for beans. They’ll fill you up while helping you maintain a healthy weight and blood sugar. “Regular bean eaters are less likely to be obese, more likely to live longer, and have a lower risk for cancer and type 2 diabetes,” says Ayoob. Add them to your favorite salads, soups, or creamy dips.

Try: Tuscan White Bean Soup

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Butternut squash

Butternut squash is in-season in August, welcoming us into fall with its savoury soups and hearty roasted side dishes. “Butternut squash is versatile and packed with carotenoids, antioxidants that benefit eye and skin health and may help protect against certain cancers,” says Philadelphia-based sports dietitian Kelly Jones. “It can be roasted, added to mac and cheese sauces or blended into comforting soups.”

Try: Squash and Apple Soup

Next: 25 Pumpkin Recipes to Try This Fall to Truly Celebrate the Season