This isn’t a treatise about your needing not to be eating all of the things you did previously (yesterday).
How about that assonance?
No, this is a reminder of the nutrients you likely navigated whilst noshing.
Thanksgiving meals almost never exist without the following, which means there’s an opportunity to do a lot of good for your body, just by munching the day away.
Cases in point:
1) Sweet Potatoes
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5, Vitamin C, Manganese, Potassium
Benefits: Eye health, strong immune system; regulates blood sugar, reduces oxidative damage and cancer risk
2) Brussels Sprouts
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Fiber, Folate, Vitamin B6
Benefits: Bone health, blood clotting, iron absorption, tissue repair, optimal immune function
3) Butternut Squash
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Potassium, Folate, Vitamin B6
Benefits: Bone health, eye health, energy production; regulates cell growth, protects against free radical damage, reduces risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
4) Cranberries
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Manganese
Benefits: Gut health, eye health, cardiovascular health; protects against liver disease, lowers blood pressure
5) Sage
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin K, Magnesium, Zinc, Copper, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E
Benefits: Heart health, oral health, blood clotting, improved brain function; lowers cholesterol, may protect against certain cancers
6) Rosemary
Vitamins/Minerals: iron, calcium, and vitamin, B-6
Benefits: Eye health, digestive health, improved concentration; enhances memory and concentration. alleviates muscle pain, boosts the immune and circulatory system, neutralizes free radicals, reduces inflammation
7) Thyme
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin C, Potassium, Manganese
Benefits: healthy immune system, cell growth, bone development, blood clotting
8) Green Beans
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Calcium, Folate, Vitamin C, Fiber, Iron
Benefits: heart health, gut health; lowers LDL cholesterol, maintains strong bones, prevents anemia, reduces depression, reduces cancer risk
9) Mushrooms
Vitamins/Minerals: Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Beta glucan, Copper, Potassium
Benefits: Heart health, well-functioning digestive system, healthy skin
10) Pumpkin
Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Copper, Fiber, Folate, Manganese, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium
Benefits: Heart health, eye health; protects against free radical damage, regulates blood pressure
From stuffing to casseroles to pies, the above-referenced foods are ubiquitous at Thanksgiving dinner tables across America. Some people worry about eating too much; some don’t worry at all. Either way, this list can serve as a useful reminder on this holiday that indulgent feasting can also be intelligent feasting. Put that in your pot, stir it, then go ahead...eat it.