2008 Woodie Awards
Thanksgiving treats that won't bust the beltline
By: Brittany James
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Feature
Last update: 11/15/07 at 2:40 PM EST
Last update: 11/15/07 at 2:40 PM EST
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Thanksgiving is the holiday of food-when calories don't count and indulgence is the name of the game. If ever there was a time to splurge, this is it. Tables strain under massive feasts large enough to feed your average army and belt buckles are tested to the very limit.
As luck would have it, many of these holiday favorites are actually pretty nutritious. In fact, traditional foods from turkey to pumpkin pie actually contain high amounts of key nutrients necessary for overall health.
Turkey
The ultimate Thanksgiving food also tops the list of the most nutritious. This lean meat is a great low-fat source of protein as well as key nutrients-niacin, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12-most of which are key for energy production. Turkey is also a great source of zinc, a key nutrient in maintaining a healthy immune system. Skinless, white meat turkey breast provides the most benefits.
Sweet Potatoes
Consistently ranked as one of the most nutritious vegetables, sweet potatoes offer an extensive repertoire of health benefits. One sweet potato supplies well over the recommended daily allowance of beta-carotene, as well as half the needed amount of vitamin C. They are also very high in iron and fiber.
Sweet potatoes can be baked, steamed, used in casseroles and a variety of other cooking methods, and are an easy, tasty and incredibly nutritious Thanksgiving option.
Regular potatoes, while not as nutrient-dense, are also high in vitamin C, fiber and potassium, especially if eaten with their skin.
Cranberries
These slightly offbeat Thanksgiving picks lay claim to a long and extensive list of health benefits. Best known for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections, cranberries are also chock full of cell-protecting polyphenol antioxidants as well as vitamin C. They have been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, prevent plaque formation on teeth and inhibit the growth of breast cancer in lab cells.
As luck would have it, many of these holiday favorites are actually pretty nutritious. In fact, traditional foods from turkey to pumpkin pie actually contain high amounts of key nutrients necessary for overall health.
Turkey
The ultimate Thanksgiving food also tops the list of the most nutritious. This lean meat is a great low-fat source of protein as well as key nutrients-niacin, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12-most of which are key for energy production. Turkey is also a great source of zinc, a key nutrient in maintaining a healthy immune system. Skinless, white meat turkey breast provides the most benefits.
Sweet Potatoes
Consistently ranked as one of the most nutritious vegetables, sweet potatoes offer an extensive repertoire of health benefits. One sweet potato supplies well over the recommended daily allowance of beta-carotene, as well as half the needed amount of vitamin C. They are also very high in iron and fiber.
Sweet potatoes can be baked, steamed, used in casseroles and a variety of other cooking methods, and are an easy, tasty and incredibly nutritious Thanksgiving option.
Regular potatoes, while not as nutrient-dense, are also high in vitamin C, fiber and potassium, especially if eaten with their skin.
Cranberries
These slightly offbeat Thanksgiving picks lay claim to a long and extensive list of health benefits. Best known for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections, cranberries are also chock full of cell-protecting polyphenol antioxidants as well as vitamin C. They have been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, prevent plaque formation on teeth and inhibit the growth of breast cancer in lab cells.
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anon
posted 11/17/07 @ 11:52 AM EST
Thanks!
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