Orange vegetables in season now

Orange vegetables get their color from beta carotene, which is a form of vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed for healthy vision, prevention of night blindness, and may play a role in prevention of macular degeneration. It is also useful in reducing risk for heart disase and some types of cancers due to the antioxidant activities in vitamin A.

The orange vegetables in season right now are carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.

In addition to vitamin A, carrots also have potassium, which is helpful in lowering blood pressure; vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting, blood cells, and bones; and fiber, which keeps us regular and controls cholesterol levels.

Pumpkin has the same nutrients as carrots, plus magnesium, which help with bone health. Sweet potatoes also have similar nutrients.

Here are a few recipes that use seasonal orange veggies:

• Pumpkin and zucchini bread
• Mediterranean roasted pumpkin seeds
• Pumpkin bars
• Chipotle sweet potatoes
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Carrot couscous
• Lemon chicken with carrots
• Carrot cupcakes

Try one of these recipes with your family this week.

You can also find many more recipes on the MissouriFamilies Fox 4 Healthy Habits recipes page.