Thanksgiving is a great time to explore new ways of fueling your body with healthy food that’s delicious too!! There are many “Super Foods” that you already have on your table at the holidays and you probably didn’t even know it.
A “SuperFood” is a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. It’s packed with nutrients so that each bite gives you more bang for your buck than an ordinary food.
One that you probably never forget to have on the table is cranberries. Cranberries have enormous health benefits. They are packed with antioxidants which are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer and other inflammatory conditions. They are typically swimming in sugar, however, which negates many of their benefits. There are many lower sugar recipes available online.
Dark leafy greens are fantastic for side dishes. They are full of nutrients including folate, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C and fiber. They also contain high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds known as carotenoids, which may protect against certain types of cancer. Some examples are: Kale, Swiss chard, Collard greens, Turnip greens, Spinach, Lettuce, and Arugula.
I love to prepare Swiss chard and spinach for my family. I buy the rainbow chard if available because it adds a fun pop of color to the dish. Chard Au Gratin is our favorite.
Sweet potatoes (aka yams) are often a staple at the Thanksgiving table and they are loaded with many nutrients, including potassium, fiber and vitamins A and C. They’re also a good source of carotenoids, as well. There is sometimes confusion over the sweet potatoes because they come in multiple forms. Like potatoes, they are all the same family but different textures and flavors. The yam, or orange flesh, sweet potato is the most recognizable and is great for baking, smashing and turning into fries. The lighter colored flesh sweet potato is firmer and holds up well in stews, au gratin and other dishes that are cooked for longer periods of time. Both contain tons of great nutrients! For added superfood power, top them with nuts like walnuts or pecans. They too are superfoods and are loaded with anti-inflammatory nutrients and antioxidants.
Mushrooms are another super food that packs a punch and is easily added to many dishes. You can throw them in just about anything, they are inexpensive and add a that comfort food feel to your dishes.
Legumes are a class of plant foods made up of beans (including soy), lentils, peas, peanuts and alfalfa. They’re loaded with nutrients and play a role in preventing and managing various diseases. Legumes are a rich source of B vitamins, various minerals, protein and fiber. They have been found to offer many health benefits including improved type 2 diabetes management, as well as reduced blood pressure and cholesterol. Who doesn’t love some green beans on their table?
Spice it up! Garlic, olive oil, ginger and turmeric all have super powers of their own. They are full of antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory power, prevent or help to fight off many of the major diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Have fun preparing and feeding your friends and family. Food was meant to nourish, bring us together and heal us. For recipes and more ideas click this link and be sure to subscribe to receive future posts like this.
