Embracing The Health Benefits of Seasonal Eating

As the founder of 18 Chestnuts and a graduate of Cornell University’s Nutrition and Healthy Living program, I believe in the power of food to heal and nourish. An impactful way we align our diets with nature’s rhythms and support our health is through seasonal eating. This approach to food is not just about enjoying the freshest, most flavorful produce; it’s also about embracing a sustainable lifestyle for our bodies and the planet.

What is Seasonal Eating?

Seasonal eating is a practice that encourages us to consume fruits and vegetables when they are naturally in season. Before the advent of modern agriculture, this was the only way to eat fresh produce—by consuming what was available during its peak growing season. 

The Health Benefits of Seasonal Eating

By eating seasonally, you introduce more variety into your diet, receiving a wide range of nutrients essential to overall health.

At 18 Chestnuts, we commit to bringing you the freshest of each season in our soups. Our new and updated Pumpkin Coconut Soup is a perfect example. It’s packed with 10g of sunflower seed protein, providing a hearty and nutritious option as the weather cools. This soup delivers the essential nutrients your body craves in the fall with seasonable pumpkin. Why is pumpkin important not only as a Halloween decoration? The 4th largest crop in NC, unassuming pumpkin has nutrients that support skin health and hydration, including essential minerals, fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids, and natural oils. The beta-carotene in pumpkin helps reduce inflammation and may protect against sun-induced skin cancer and alpha-carotene can contribute to slowing down the aging process.

Another seasonal favorite is our Butternut Squash and Pear Soup. Butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse, offering an abundance of essential vitamins and minerals that are particularly beneficial in the fall. A single cup of cooked butternut squash, which is found in every serving of our soups, provides over 450% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin A and more than 50% of the RDI for vitamin C. Rich in carotenoids like beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, this vibrant winter squash supports eye health, immune function, and bone health, while also playing a crucial role in fetal development. Additionally, its high content of vitamins A and C serves as potent antioxidants, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Butternut squash also delivers important B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, all of which contribute to energy production, red blood cell formation, and bone health, making it an excellent addition to your fall diet.

This blend of sweet and savory flavors is rich in vitamins A and C, making it a delicious way to support your immune system as we head into flu season. Fresh sage and thyme always create a sense of comfort and luxury in every spoonful. And let’s not forget our Tuscan Tomato Soup, a favorite by all measures, it embraces robust flavors of late summer and early fall tomatoes, delighting in every sense with fresh basil and a hint of smoky red peppers, a comforting and nutritious meal.

Black Bean and Kale Soup with 10g of sunflower seed protein, is a nutrient-dense option that’s perfect for the fall and winter months. This soup combines the hearty flavors of black beans and kale to ensure you get the most nutritious and flavorful meal possible.

The Bigger Picture: Seasonal Eating as a Lifestyle

Seasonal eating is more than just a diet—it is a sustainable lifestyle choice that benefits our health and the planet. At 18 Chestnuts, we’re dedicated to creating soups that align with these principles. Our offerings are crafted with fresh, in-season ingredients that not only taste delicious but also nourish your body in the way nature intended.

As we move through the year, we celebrate the unique flavors and health benefits that each season brings. Our Tuscan Tomato Soup, Butternut Squash and Pear Soup, Pumpkin Coconut Soup, and Black Bean and Kale Soup are all designed to support your health and well-being.

In a world where convenience often overshadows quality, seasonal eating reminds us of the simple pleasures of tasting fresh, wholesome food. It’s a practice that connects us with the earth, our communities, and our well-being. So as the seasons change, let’s embrace the bounty of nature and nourish our bodies with the best that each season has to offer, one bowl of 18 Chestnut soup at a time.