Fabulous fall foods

Ask any trainer about working your way into good health and they will tell you that you can’t exercise enough to overcome a bad diet. Exercise is certainly an important part of living well, but it is an uphill climb if it’s not accompanied by nutritional food choices.

That’s the thought behind Polk Medical Center’s partnership with the Rockmart Farmers Market. We’re working together to develop strategies that will help get locally grown fruits and vegetables into the hands of students and others in the community who need them most.

Fall is a great time to do that because there are some great options available as the weather begins to cool and the leaves begin to change, which will happen sooner than you think.

Let’s look at some of those healthy choices: cellent source of vitamin A, which can help improve vision. Pumpkins are also packed with compounds called phytosterols, which can lower bad cholesterol.

Figs are loaded with potassium, which works to balance the negative effects of salt, making them a great choice for those who are trying to manage their blood pressure. Figs are also a great source of fiber, which can help decrease cholesterol, prevent constipation and help control blood sugar.

Like figs, pears are a good source of fiber. Plus, pears have recently been shown to offer additional benefits. They are high in a key compound called flavonoids. Flavanoids can improve insulin sensitivity and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, flavonoids have also been shown to assist in weight management.