As the season has begun to change, so is your body. The weather is a little colder and dryer (especially in Central Oregon). Our lifestyles are shifting with the season. With this change comes new crops and seasonal ingredients.

Lets look at the benefits and spark new ideas for what lies ahead.

Pumpkin- the most obvious choice for the season- is Fiber rich. One cup of pumpkin has 3 grams of fiber which is 11% of your recommended daily intake of fiber. It is used most commonly in soup, bread or pie. Lets not forget about the seeds~ they hold a large amount of the nutrients and can be so fun to roast and contain a very healthy dose of magnesium.

Try this recipe: roasted pumpkin seeds (from 1 medium pumpkin)
2 t sugar
2 t cinnamon
½ t salt
½ t pepper

Pumpkin contains vitamin A, K and C. Vitamin A is a key ingredient in keeping healthy vision, maintaining bone growth and is responsible for a healthy reproductive system. Vitamin K is a bone builder and heart protector. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and repairs tissue.

Pumpkin also makes great spa treatments that can keep your skin healthy throughout the season. From masques and scrubs to body wraps, pumpkin keeps your skin filled with nutrients and antioxidents that helps you achieve an amazing glow! Whether nourishing your dry skin, reducing inflamation or anti-aging (vitamin A); pumpkin helps soothe your skin.

Try this recipe: Pumpkin body masque
½ c pumpkin puree
½ c coconut oil
½ t cinnamon

Pomegranate- contains an antioxident called punicic acic which protects the skin from free radicals. The oil helps promote elasticity and enhances cellular rejuvenation by soothing and protecting irritated skin. Pomegranate seed oil is the only well known plant-based source of omega 5; (similar to Omega 3 which protects the body from a myriad of diseases). Omega 5 is highly compatible with the dermis and is absorbed almost instantaneously, which can be a delivery system to the cells directly.

Try this recipe: Pomegranate anti-wrinkle cream
½ t pomegranate oil
1 t glycerine
½ t home made vaseline (beeswax in veg oil)
½ T heavy cream

Cranberries- don’t hold back when they come around at the Thanksgiving meal. Highly rich in antioxidents and vitamin C, helping to fight off infections. They are a natural antiseptic with an anti-inflamatory effect. Cranberries are extremely beneficial and incredibly good for you. They can cleanse your system, fight signs of aging and build your immune system. Mostly, cranberries are known to heal skin conditions such as acne, eczema and dermatitis. Also great for dental and heart health as well as inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

Try this recipe: cranberry face mask
¼ t dry clay
1 t yogurt
1 T honey
¼ c cranberries
¼ c cranberry juice