9 Winter Superfoods to Boost Your Health and Ward Off Colds

Tart and tangy cranberries are antioxidant superstars. They've been shown in studies to help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer and are well-known for fighting UTIs as they keep bacteria from sticking to different parts of your body (including the urinary tract).

Packed full of fiber with a touch of satiating protein, these nutrient-dense sprouts also offer a bounty of antioxidants.

This fat-burning, metabolism-boosting fruit is chock-full of immunity-bolstering vitamin C, as well as potassium, lycopene, and choline, which are great for heart health.

While regulating your blood sugar, curbing your appetite, and helping your body digest with healthy fiber, sweet potatoes can help you lose weight, in addition to having about seven times your daily needed vitamin A (which is necessary for the function of vital organs, like your lungs, heart, and liver).

Iron-loaded beets are an excellent source of energy, especially when the cold weather and Winter blues are getting you down. They're super high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B, and potassium (which is great for your muscles). Even the greens themselves (at the top of the root) are full of vitamins and minerals, as well as calcium!

Less so a "food" but still quite super, this superspice can regulate blood sugar, boost metabolism, and lower cholesterol over the Winter months.

Pears offer some of the most fiber you can get in a fruit (meaning yes, pears can help with weight loss), and they're also high in vitamin E and energy-boosting B12 and have the potential to lower cholesterol.

Another cruciferous veggie we love is this low-carb, high-fiber, omega-3-packed superfood. The omega-3s in cauliflower are not only great for your mood, but can also help you lose weight.

Sweet pomegranate kernels are packed in digestion-aiding fiber, as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants, potassium, and vitamins C and K. Pomegranate is known to reduce inflammation and may even help prevent strokes.