Multicolored leaves are falling, the smell of crisp air and the crackle of a warm blaze in the firepit serve notice that Autumn is upon us. Fall and Winter bring us football, pumpkins, and delicious seasonal foods. These seasonal foods can also help your hearing health.

Apples

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away and it just might help your hearing as well. Fresh apples are a staple of the season and come packed with nutritional value. Apples benefit cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of cancer, and prevent heart disease. They are great for your ears too! Here is why:

• Vitamin A and Vitamin C, found in apples, support the immune system and provide antioxidants which protect the inner ear from free radicals.
• Potassium has the responsibility of regulating fluid in the body. Because the inner ear is fluid-filled, it depends upon potassium to aid in translating noises in your ears into electrical impulses for the brain to interpret as sound.

You can grow your apples or purchase them from your favorite market. These portable fruits make great snacks and are delicious to eat. All varieties are suitable, so pick up your favorite today.

Pumpkins and Winter Squash

These healthy nutrients are much more than just decorations as they are useful for improving your hearing health. Here are three reasons to re-think your holiday spread:

• Vitamin A supports your immune system and pumpkin has roughly 200 percent of the recommended daily allowance of it. Maintaining a healthy immune system is an essential step in fighting infection-causing bacteria. Ear infections, caused by bacteria, often lead to a temporary hearing loss.
• Vitamin C is the antioxidant that protects you against free radicals which damage cells, protein, and DNA. By preventing the formation of free radicals, Vitamin C protects the cellular structure of the inner ear.
• Folate is involved in cellular metabolism, the nervous system, and vascular function. All of these are crucial to the proper workings of the auditory system. Low levels of folic acid may lead to a high-frequency hearing loss.

Dark Leafy Greens

You may only consider dark leafy greens when you are constructing a salad. However, greens play a role beyond a salad bar selection. They can be grown at home, purchased at markets, and are readily available in restaurants. Have a look at the way these varieties can help your hearing health:

• Spinach, which is chock full of vitamins and minerals for hearing health is also full of zinc which is a mineral known for boosting the immune system.
• Kale is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids which lower the risk of hearing loss in women.
• Arugula excels at adding zesty flavor to salads, omelets, sandwiches, pizza, and pasta. It is also full of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals which are known to protect your hearing health.

As you enjoy the striking colors, smells, and foods of the autumn season, remember that your hearing can benefit from the seasonal vegetables that are abundant this time of the year.