It’s no surprise that lifestyle factors, such as exercise and nutrition, have a significant influence on your health. However, between the colder weather and the shorter days, it makes it much more challenging to stay healthy. The frightful weather outside can be bad enough to keep most people indoors, and like many of us, we don’t always make the best dietary decisions when we are cooped up.
Take advantage of being indoors by ingesting fall foods. Many of the fall favorites contain a slew of nutrients that can help improve your health and your hearing. Help prevent gaining that pre-winter weight and protect your hearing simultaneously by incorporating these healthy fall superfoods into your diet.
Dark Leafy Greens : Dark green, leafy vegetables such as arugula, kale, and spinach are full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are proven to help protect the health of your hearing. These flavorful leafy greens are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, folate, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. While zinc helps boost your immune system, omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a lower risk of hearing loss. So the next time you go for a salad, dress up that boring and bland iceberg lettuce with these versatile and nutrient-dense greens.
Apples : Apples can range from sweet to tart, and are chock full of flavonoids, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Loaded with potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A, apples are excellent for your ears. The antioxidants provided can help protect the inner ear from free radicals. While potassium helps the inner ears translate the noises that your brain interprets as sound. Apples are also great for your cardiovascular system, and research shows that compromised blood flow may contribute to hearing loss, so be sure to eat an apple a day to help improve your blood flow.
Winter Squash : Instead of using squash and gourds as adornments, make them into your favorite dish to take advantage of the nutrients and vitamins that are packed inside. Squash is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as folate. Winter squash includes pumpkin, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and acorn squash so try them out to help support your immune system. Having a healthy immune system can help fend off ear infections, fend off free-radicals, and assist the auditory system, so make sure you add some winter squash into your diet this fall.