As the weather cools, it’s important to give your body the nutrients it needs to fight illness and stay healthy. Plus, who can resist a warm meal on a chilly night?
The combination of these autumn vegetables are staples of healthy comfort food.
Benefits of sweet potatoes
- Contain antioxidants, which protect your body from free radicals that can damage DNA and trigger inflammation.
- Sweet potatoes contain soluble fiber that absorbs water and softens stool. They also contain insoluble fibers that keep the lining of the intestines healthy and strong.
- Anthocyanins, found in purple sweet potatoes, have been scientifically found to slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells. They are also believed to protect the brain by reducing inflammation.
- Orange sweet potatoes are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is vital to keeping the immune system functioning optimally.
Benefits of mushrooms
- Rich in fiber, protein and antioxidants
- Excellent source of zinc, potassium, copper, selenium, copper, thiamin, magnesium, and phosphorous
- May help lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and aid in weight loss
- May help ease the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cancer and diabetes
Benefits of kale
- Rich in vitamins A, K, C, B6, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium and magnesium
- Contains powerful antioxidants that help protect the heart, lower blood pressure, and it’s anti-inflammatory, antivirual and anti-cancer
- Can help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease and protect the eyes
Sweet Potato, Mushroom and Kale Saute
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
- 3 cups kale, roughly chopped
- 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 to 1 tsp. chipotle pepper powder, optional (depending on how spicy you like it)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a heavy bottom skillet, heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil. Add onions and saute until translucent. Add garlic and sweet potatoes. Saute until sweet potatoes are tender and golden brown, about 8 minutes.
- Add remaining olive oil, kale and mushrooms. Saute until kale is tender and covered (about 5 minutes).
- Add salt, pepper and your favorite seasoning. Serve as a side dish or over brown rice for a more hearty meal.
