Discover which Nature Made vitamins and supplements can support your wellness goals†
Get started now.Discover how you can get the benefits you want from the nutrients you need without the sugar normally found in gummies.†
New Zero Sugar Gummies‡Adding a multi to your morning routine sets you up for a great day ahead.
Find Your MultivitaminsAccess expert insights, research, and other helpful content related to your health.
Explore Health ResourcesLearn where our story began, and how we continue to evolve alongside our customers.
Discover Nature Made
Nov 13, 2023
Healthy Eating
articles
As winter arrives with its chilly temperatures and shorter days, it's important to prioritize your health and well-being by incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet. Thankfully, nature provides us with a bounty of winter superfoods that are not only tasty but also supply a wide range of beneficial nutrients to help maintain your body’s natural defenses during the cooler months.
Let’s discover a selection of winter superfoods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, many of which play an important role in supporting your immune system. From vibrant citrus fruits packed with Vitamin C to hearty root vegetables brimming with antioxidants, we'll dive into the world of winter superfoods, unveiling their unique benefits and delicious ways to incorporate them into your seasonal meals.
As your favorite berries bid farewell for the season, you might find yourself wondering about alternative superfood fruits to enjoy as the colder days of winter approach.
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit are wonderful winter superfoods that provide a burst of vibrant flavors and a powerhouse of antioxidant support. They are chock full of Vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system. Additionally, citrus fruits also contain important plant compounds like flavonoids, which are antioxidants that can further support your immune system by protecting your body from free radicals.[1]
Incorporating citrus fruits into your diet is simple and refreshing. Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice into your morning water or tea to kick start your day with a dose of antioxidants. As a side dish, enjoy a bowl of citrus salad by combining segments of oranges and grapefruits with leafy greens for a nutritious and zesty treat.
Learn More: What Are Antioxidants And What Do They Do?
Garlic, a powerful and aromatic bulb, stands as a remarkable winter superfood known for its antioxidant properties and health benefits. This culinary staple contains a compound called Allicin, which has been linked to antioxidant and immune-supporting properties.[2]
Fresh garlic, garlic powder, and garlic oil are all used to add a depth of flavor to various dishes. You can crush or mince fresh garlic cloves and sauté them with vegetables or meats for a savory boost. Try roasting whole garlic bulbs until they turn golden and creamy which offers a deliciously mild and buttery flavor that can be spread on bread or added to dips. Alternatively, you can blend garlic into sauces, marinades, or salad dressings to enhance the flavor and nutrition of your favorite condiments.
Sweet potatoes are a winter superfood delivering a delightful combination of sweetness along with antioxidant support. They are packed with beta-carotene, which acts as an antioxidant and is a precursor to Vitamin A, a nutrient that supports the immune system, eyes, and skin. Additionally, they are brimming with Vitamin C, which is also known for its immune system support.[3]
Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile as they can be incorporated into your diet in a variety of ways. For example, they can be roasted to make a delicious side dish, mashed for a creamy and nutritious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, or even used as a base for soups and stews. You can also spiralize or slice them into fries and bake them for a healthier and sweeter twist on the classic French fry.
Learn More: 11 Foods High In Antioxidants And Their Benefits
Broccoli, often touted as a nutritional powerhouse, earns its status as a winter superfood for its impressive vitamin and antioxidant profile. Packed with antioxidants like Vitamins A and C, as well as phytochemicals like sulforaphane, broccoli can help support your immune system throughout the year but especially during the winter months.[4]
Broccoli can be steamed or roasted as a delicious side dish, tossed into stir-fries or pasta, or blended into your favorite soup recipe for a nutritional boost. You can also enjoy it raw in salads or as a crunchy and nutritious snack with a dip.
Beans, like black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, are full of protein and also contain antioxidants in the form of flavonoids.[5] Additionally, adding beans to your diet provides a source of soluble fiber, which helps to feed the beneficial bacteria of the gut. Scientific studies reveal a link between a well-balanced gut flora and a healthy immune system.[6]
As the temperatures drop, nothing beats a steaming bowl of soup, and tossing in beans to enhance your soups and stews is an easy addition. Beans can be mashed to create flavorful dips like hummus or blended into hearty bean spreads. They can also be used as a plant-based alternative as the main ingredient in tacos or wraps.
Yes, you read that correctly! Dark chocolate is not only a rich, delicious dessert, but it is also a superfood that is packed with flavonoids that act as antioxidants to help support your body’s natural defense system. Look for dark chocolate varieties that have at least 70% cacao as this will provide the most nutrients and health benefits.[7]
Enjoy a square or two of high-quality dark chocolate as an indulgent snack. And during the winter months, treat yourself to the warmth and goodness of homemade hot cocoa made with dark chocolate for antioxidant support.
Leafy greens, like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, stand as excellent winter superfoods as they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants that help support your immune system and your overall health. They also provide fiber to support your digestive health and, in turn, your immune system.
Leafy greens can be a base for your salads, blended into smoothies, or sautéed with garlic and olive oil as a nutritious and flavorful side dish. You can also incorporate them into soups, stews, or stir-fries to boost their nutritional value. Additionally, you can add leafy greens to your favorite sandwich or wrap to create a well-balanced and more nourishing lunch.
Learn More: The Best Green Foods To Eat & Why They're So Good For You
Incorporating winter superfoods into your diet is a wonderful way to support your health and well-being during the colder months. These antioxidant-rich foods not only support your immune system but also your overall health.
From vibrant citrus fruits brimming with Vitamin C to hearty root vegetables like sweet potatoes and leafy greens like kale, the winter season offers a wide variety of nourishing options. Cozy up with your favorite blanket and make the most of the winter season by savoring the flavors, colors, and nutritional benefits that these winter superfoods have to offer.
To keep up with what fruits and veggies are in season so you can get the freshest market picks, check out one of our favorite resources from the USDA
Follow @NatureMadeVitamins on Instagram for new product news, healthy tips, and more.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice or a recommendation for any specific product. Consult your healthcare provider for more information.
Immune Health
Beauty
Bone
.svg?v=1708553623743)
Brain
Digestion
Energy
Eye Health
General Wellness
Healthy Aging
Heart
Joints
Kids
Men's Health
Mood
Sleep
Stress
Women's Health
