Let's be optimistic and think of the nutients we get on Thanksgiving:
- Sweet Potatoes are a great source of fiber Vitamin A and C.
- Cranberries protect our urinary tract from infection, are a source of fiber, vitamin A and C. Cranberries also change E. coli's cell membranes, the can prevent the bacteria from making contact with cells or attaching to them even if they somehow manage to get close enough, alter the shape of E.coli from rods to spheres, and disrupt bacterial communication (http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=145)
- Turkey does not induce that post binge coma that occurs during holiday football games (the carbs are the culprit). Turkey is low in fat and high in protein. It is an inexpensive source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins. (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/Turkey/nutrition.html)
- Pumpkin-- The bright orange color of pumpkin is a dead giveaway that pumpkin is loaded with an important antioxidant, beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is one of the plant carotenoids converted to vitamin A in the body. In the conversion to vitamin A, beta carotene performs many important functions in overall health.
Current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protect against heart disease. Beta-carotene offers protection against other diseases as well as some degenerative aspects of aging. (http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/pumpkins/nutrition.
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!