Fall Foods in Scandinavia for Healthy Autumn

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Fall Foods in Scandinavia for Healthy Autumn

Autumn in Scandinavia is one of the most delightful times of the year. The changing leaves, the crisp air, and in-season foods provide a quintessential fall experience. But with the colder weather, it can be easier to indulge in comforting albeit fatty foods. If you’re trying to maintain your wellness throughout the fall and winter, consider picking up some of these fall foods to keep you on track. Learn more about fall foods in Scandinavia for healthy autumn.

Fall Foods in Scandinavia for Healthy Autumn
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Root Vegetables
Root vegetables get their name from growing underground in the dirt. These include a lot of classic autumnal staples like squash, potatoes, radishes, carrots, and parsnips. Many of these root vegetables are actually native to Scandinavia. These plants provide hearty sustenance for the colder months. Popular recipes that include these vegetables are soups, chowders, and accompaniments to meats and roasts. Root vegetables have a variety of nutritional benefits. They are filled with fiber and antioxidants which promote a healthy gut and organ function. They’re relatively low in calories, cholesterol, and fat. They’re naturally packed with carotenoids which not only help strengthen the eyes but also protect the body from certain cancers. Additionally, they are loaded with minerals that are beneficial to the body, like potassium, folate, and manganese.

Fall Foods in Scandinavia for Healthy Autumn
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Apples
Apples are a classic fall fruit. Not only are they delicious all year round, but they’re particularly tasty in the autumn season. Apples come packed with unmatched health benefits. They can lower cholesterol and blood pressure because of the presence of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps prevent plaque build-up in the walls of blood vessels. Additionally, this fiber can help aid in digestion. It helps you feel more full and promotes a healthy gut. The presence of antioxidants in the fruit helps your pancreas and in turn, reduces the chances of type 2 diabetes. You can incorporate apples in classic Scandinavian dishes. For a healthy and tasty breakfast, add chopped-up apples into your aebleskivers. Or alternatively, add them into some savory Scandinavian bread stuffing.

Fall Foods in Scandinavia for Healthy Autumn
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Pears
Pears are another autumnal staple. You can find them in classic pear tarts and spiced pear cakes. Like apples, they come filled with fiber to help with bowel regularity and facilitate good bacteria in the gut. In fact, one pear has about 22% of your daily fiber needs. If you struggle with chronic inflammation, then pears may be your saving grace. They are packed with anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight inflammation and can decrease your risk of getting certain diseases. Additionally, pears have vitamins C, K, and copper which work to reduce inflammation in the body.

Fall Foods in Scandinavia for Healthy Autumn
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Meat
Meat provides health in a different way than fruits and vegetables. While it is not as packed with vitamins and minerals as the fruits and vegetables, it provides a very important nutrient, protein. Protein is a key nutrient that keeps the body functioning properly. It is a necessary component in the processes that carry oxygen throughout the body. It feeds muscles and bones to promote strength, recovery, and healthy growth. Additionally, protein helps the body generate antibodies which are critical in fighting off infections and illnesses. Getting the right amount of protein in your diet can help you live a more healthy life. In Scandinavia, there are a lot of classic, comforting meals with meat in them. Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that adds a healthy amount of protein to your meal. If you don’t particularly like meat or try not to eat meat, fish is a great replacement for still eating protein. Not to mention, fish has the added benefit of healthy fats and omega fatty acids.

Fall Foods in Scandinavia for Healthy AutumnBottom Line
The colder seasons don’t have to mean throwing your health goals out the window. Scandinavia offers a lot of great fruits, vegetables, and proteins to keep your body functioning properly. From soups, to roasts, to desserts, incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet can greatly increase your quality of life and can promote a longer life with less disease.

Fall Foods in Scandinavia for Healthy Autumn
Chad Turner

Fall Foods in Scandinavia for Healthy Autumn, written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Chad Turner. Chad is a fitness enthusiast, personal trainer, health coach, and triathlete based out of Dallas, TX. His mission is to make the world of health and fitness more accessible to people from all walks of life.

Feature image (on top): © Wesual Click / Unsplash