If you think summer is the best time to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, you may be surprised at what the winter has to offer. Cool-season produce is packed with phytonutrients that boost health and prevent disease.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts contain the highest level of cancer-fighting glucosinolates among the cruciferous vegetables. They are loaded with antioxidants that help fight the inflammation associated with chronic disease. Brussels sprouts also contain soluble fiber, which helps to lower blood cholesterol.

Collard Greens

Collards have been found to be the most effective among cruciferous vegetables for naturally lowering cholesterol levels. They are also rich in glucosinolates and vitamins A, C, E and K, which protect against chronic disease.

Dates

Dates can be used as a natural sweetener in baked goods to reduce your intake of refined sugars. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber that reduces blood cholesterol levels and promotes a healthy digestive system. Dates are rich in polyphenols (a group of antioxidants) that are linked to a reduced risk for heart disease and cancer. They also contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium that work together to improve blood pressure.

Delicata Squash

Delicata is a winter squash loaded with carotenoids that act as antioxidants to prevent disease. It contains five of the B-complex vitamins necessary for health. Research shows that the starches in winter squash may protect against diabetes and help regulate insulin.

Grapefruit

Pink and red grapefruit contain the phytonutrient lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects against cancer and other diseases. Grapefruits also contain limonoids, which have been shown to fight the formation of tumors.

Kale

This dark, leafy green contains over 45 different flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Kale is loaded with vitamins A, C and K. It also provides lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for vision and eye health.

Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit are an excellent source for vitamin C, which is important for the growth and repair of tissues, especially during wound healing. The edible black seeds provide soluble and insoluble fibers. They are rich in antioxidants and provide the minerals magnesium and potassium that are important for heart health.

Leeks

Leeks are part of the allium family, a group of vegetables with sulphur-containing compounds that promote health and protect against disease. Leeks contain flavonoids and polyphenols that have been found to protect the lining of blood vessels from the free radical damage that can lead to heart disease. Leeks also provide folate for a healthy cardiovascular system.

Oranges

Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant (Winter Citrus Salad Recipe). Animal studies have shown that the flavonoids in oranges have the potential to lower both blood cholesterol and blood pressure. These valuable phytonutrients are found in the peel and inner white portion of the orange and not the juice. Using orange zest and eating whole oranges (where some of the white pith remains) is the best way to maximize phytonutrient intake. Like grapefruits, oranges also contain liminoids that may help inhibit the formation of tumors.

Pomegranates

Research shows that the polyphenols in pomegranates may improve heart health by preventing plaque build-up in blood vessels by LDL cholesterol. Pomegranates are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals, including ellagic acid which has been shown to slow the growth of tumors in animal studies.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have been found to help regulate blood glucose by increasing levels of protein hormones that support healthy insulin metabolism. Purple sweet potatoes contain anthocyanins (antioxidants that fight inflammation). Orange sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of vitamin A. Research shows that eating orange sweet potatoes with some fat (3 to 5 grams) will maximize your absorption of the vitamin.

Sources

• More Matters - Nutrition, Selection and Storage
• Medline Plus - Vitamin C
• University of Florida Extension - Pomegranate Health Benefits

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.