Health Foods of the Season

BY Raven Caracci

The brisk air of fall blows our way. While it brings a sigh of relief from the smoldering weather, it also brings on the high chance of falling prey to getting sick. Some are more susceptible to catching a cold than others. You know, the ones who have to call out about four times during the fall season due to some minor run-ins with bacteria or viruses. If you happen to know a cold-catcher, or happen to be one, listen up.

Follow Your Seasons
Whenever in doubt, always follow what is in season. Mother Nature knows best. She made things for a reason. During fall, look for apples, pears, and elderberries to help you keep up with the season. Why? The earth naturally produces the foods best for animals and humans according to weather so when our bodies react to those seasonal changes, the earth contributes accordingly.
Apples – Loaded with Vitamins, A, B, and C; this fruit can really help keep the doctor away. Enzyme betaine can aid in digestion of other foods to make nutrients more bioavailable. Being a liver and gallbladder cleanser, it helps clear out toxins from the body that may be built up.
Pears – This is a great source of vitamin C; an antioxidant widely known for its support of immune deficiencies. Vitamin C works to benefit our health in many diverse ways, including helping in enzymatic reactions, and collagen assimilation.
Elderberries – Many German studies evaluated the correlation of the anthocyanins from elderberries and immune coordination. The results were staggering. The bioflavonoids and antioxidants from the juice of these berries make it impossible for any physical ailments to stick around for too long. Coughs and colds, flus and bacterial infections are all a thing of the past with these bad berries.

Healthy Foods of the Season

Healthy Foods of the Season


Stick To Your Roots
So, according to Fall seasonal foods, we should stick to the roots. The cold is coming down the road, so get grounded! Some really good roots to look for could be Ginger, Turnips, and Turmeric to add to your meals. For herbal supplementation, look for Astragalus, and Ashwagandha.
Turnips – This root helps supply lots of minerals. With iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc; these minerals can boost the immune response to keep your body up and running. The leaves of this root are a good source of vitamin C for assimilating collagen and supporting the immune function.
Ashwagandha Root– Although I personally take this for adrenal gland nourishment, this herb is also known for the nervous and immune system. It is a natural sedative, helping in the aid of deep sleep but can give energy as well. Known for high antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory properties, this is an excellent immune booster for the fall.
Astragalus Root – This herb is great when matched up with ginseng, but does just fine on its own. It has the ability to boost the efficiency of the immune system through two major compounds; polysaccharides and saponins. Like Echinacea, it strengthens the immune system, instead of attacking the virus or bacteria directly.

Spice It Up
Garlic – This being a staple in almost all home meals, it should be easy to keep and add into our diets during the season. These bulbs are the catalyst of growth of infection-killing cells.
Ginger Root – Becoming one of my favorites, this root keeps me going all the time. If you need a pick-me-up in the middle of the day, go find yourself an apple ginger shot at a local juice spot. Great for times of nausea, cramping, tiredness, or runny noses; take a swig of this and you will be feeling better than you did before.
Turmeric Root- Great for curry dishes, but sometimes not enough. A daily supplement of this root has anti-inflammatory benefits which can help protect the body from free radical cells. Curcumin, the active rhizome in this root, helps encode certain T-cells in the body( good free radical fighters) that prevent foreign bacteria, viruses, and fungi from affecting the body. It’s an excellent way to build up the immune system.

Quick fixes
If you already are sick, and you need to recover fast, here are a few emergency supplements to start taking immediately.
Echinacea – Echinacea is the go-to herb for the common cold, and for a good reason. It releases chemicals in the body which can reduce the inflammation in forms of cold, or flu symptoms. Unlike what people may assume, there are no studies shown that Echinacea is a preventative of a cold and therefore it is much better to take this after the onset of a cold.
Oil of Oregano – High quality oregano oil can protect the body from exposed organisms or germs during the cold and flu season. As soon as you see the signs, put a few drops of this herb in your water to keep them at bay.
Olive Leaf extract – Another one of my favorites, this herb is an anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, and anti-oxidant used for centuries to heal the immune system. First time takers may feel the effects of its strength by creating detoxification symptoms such as queasiness or headaches. Don’t be afraid, after a little while of taking this, you will start to feel amazing.
Please note the educational material presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Consult with your licensed health professional and/or doctor prior to starting any supplement regimen or making any changes to your prescribed medications.


Raven Caracci - Holistic Health Author

Raven Caracci – Your Health & Wellness Magazine Contributor


About the author; Raven Caracci has been involved in the health industry promoting the use of alternative, organic and holistic health for years. She has advised hundreds of people on the use of herbal remedies as alternatives to conventional medicine. Her goal and passion is to help others live a healthier and more natural lifestyle.



The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.

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