During the cold winter months, our body needs the proper defences and seasonal fruit is perfect to ward off seasonal ailments and annoyances such as colds and general illnesses generated by low outdoor temperatures and temperature changes from autumn to winter. Fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals, and the fruit of December, January and February will help maintain our immune systems and health during winter.
Fruits of winter
Nature provides us with natural nutrients and vitamins that help us to stay fit. These natural treasures are the different types of fruit. The wide variety of fruit that ripens in winter allows us to have a diverse diet rich in nutrients.
Thanks to the different properties within each different fruit, we can enjoy a wide variety of fruits during the colder months of the year. Let’s take a look at the most popular winter fruit.
Kiwi
The kiwi is one of the foods with the highest quantity of Vitamin C. This nutrient is an important element for the human body as it helps to protect us from winter illnesses. The kiwi is the perfect snack for children since you can consume it in juice form, in a fruit salad or on its own.
Known for its laxative properties, the kiwi is a great snack throughout the day. You can cut it in half and enjoy the soft fruit inside. You can also eat the skin which also contains many nutrients and vitamins. Remember to give it a good wash before you start eating it.
Used for anti-ageing creams and beauty masks, the kiwi is rich in vitamins useful for a beautiful and healthy skin as it restores shine giving it a fresh and youthful appearance. Furthermore this fruit is widely appreciated by diabetics as it contains less sugar than other fruits.
Apples
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” We have all heard this saying and being full of vitamins and minerals, there is reason that it is still said today. This fruit is present at the beginning of winter and is essential for digestion and satiety.
The apple is a fruit rich in phosphorus, an essential mineral for our body, which ensures our cells have sufficient energy. In winter you can enjoy cooked apples in different recipes which allow you to enjoy all parts of the apple from the pulp to the peel. This way you don’t waste any of the nutrients or vitamins.
Pears
Pears are one of the highest-fibre fruits, helping you meet your recommended daily amount. Filling up on fibre keeps you regular to prevent a bloated belly caused by constipation, which also helps prevent colon cancer. A diet high in fibre can also keep your cholesterol levels down.
Pears contain vitamins C, K, B2, B3, and B6. For expecting mothers, they also contain folate. Pears are also full of minerals, containing calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Vitamin C and copper are antioxidant nutrients, so eating pears is good for your immune system especially during the harsh winter months.
Mandarins
Mandarin is a citrus fruit loved by many especially during Christmas time when it is often given as a present in a stocking. It has a sour taste but is very juicy and tasty. Like other citrus fruits, it is also rich in Vitamin C which contributes to the maintenance of our immune systems.
It is also recommended for pregnant women, as it is rich in folic acid contributing to the growth and development of the fetus. Mandarin is an excellent source of vitamin D, valuable for water retention due to its diuretic properties.
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