What are the health benefits of Thanksgiving food?

Thanksgiving is just days away, and if you’ve got plans in place, you’ll likely be thinking about what you’ll be eating. During the holidays, food takes centre stage, and Thanksgiving dinner is no different. If you’re planning the menu this year, you might be worried about pleasing everyone, especially if they have any specific dietary requirements or food intolerances. That’s perhaps a bigger convern about Thanksgiving food, rather than the unhealthy aspect of it.

Learn more about the following Thanksgiving Food

However, there are many traditional dishes to choose from, and we can be thankful that they are delicious and nutritious.

Turkey

Often the centrepiece of Thanksgiving dinner, turkey is low in fat and richer in protein than chicken. Because it supplies all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need for growth and repair, its protein is considered ‘high-quality’ and easy to access and use. Turkey also contains the B group of vitamins, such as B3, B6 and B12, which are needed to form red blood cells and maintain energy levels. When consumed, it also helps to support thyroid function and support our immune systems thanks to its rich mineral content. The darker cuts of meat are a particularly good source of iron. At the same time, its tryptophan increases melatonin production and regulates your sleep cycle, making it the perfect food to eat before a Thanksgiving nap.

Mashed potatoes

Arguably the ultimate side dish to turkey, mashed potatoes are a good source of fibre, which is great for keeping us fuller for longer and keeping our blood sugar levels in check. Potatoes are also full of antioxidants that work to prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. They are a good source of potassium, which works with sodium to help balance the body’s fluid. Because they’re gluten-free, mashed potatoes are a real crowd-pleaser if you have any food intolerance sufferers at the dinner table. They are also suitable for vegans if they’re prepared with dairy-free ingredients.

Cranberry sauce on your Thanksgiving Food

A staple for the holiday table, the fruitiness of cranberry sauce goes perfectly with turkey and adds a dose of vitamin E to your Thanksgiving dinner. Although it doesn’t contain any saturated or trans fats, it’s healthier when you make it yourself (just think of Chandler in charge of the cranberries in Friends if you’re a fan!). However, shop-bought versions will still contain the fibre and antioxidants that make it a nutritious accompaniment.

Green bean casserole

Both delicious and low in calories, green bean casserole has an impressive resume of health benefits. As well as being a good source of soluble fibre, which can help to lower cholesterol and improve heart health, it’s full of antioxidants, including vitamin C, that helps to reduce cell damage. Green beans also contain calcium and high levels of vitamin K, which help reduce the risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy and strong.

Pumpkin pie

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be right without a traditional dessert to finish off dinner, and pumpkin pie is a holiday favorite. The good news is that pumpkins are extremely nutritious and a brilliant source of beta-carotene, which provides your body with vitamin A. This has several important functions, such as helping your immune system to work properly, keeping skin healthy and protecting your eyes against sight loss. They also contain antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, copper, vitamin B2 and vitamin E, so they’re packed full of goodness. Even the seeds contain high levels of iron, phosphorus and magnesium, so you get an extra health kick if you use them for decoration.

Test for intolerance against Thanksgiving Food

If you’d like more information about food intolerance tests, please send an email to [email protected] or contact us via our website. We wish you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving!