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Lots of people throw the term “superfood” around, but do you truly know what one is? A superfood is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and other nutrients. The fall season gives us many superfoods that we can incorporate into our Thanksgiving celebrations. I took some time this week to highlight 12 fall superfoods that you may want to put on your Thanksgiving menu this year. Enjoy!
12 Fall Superfoods for Thanksgiving Celebrations
- Apples. Apples have a large amount of fiber and lots of antioxidants that help you fight off colds and other illness. This versatile fruit is great for pies, salads, and muffins.
- Brussels Sprouts. These vegetables are full of vitamin K, iron, and folate. They are a traditional choice on many Thanksgiving tables. Brussels sprouts can be put into a casserole or the stuffing or served by themselves.
- Carrots. Carrots are great for getting your vitamins A and C. They also have potassium, iron, folate, and manganese. Carrots can boost the health of your immune system and contribute to healthy skin. Sautéed or honey-glazed carrots are two ideas for your Thanksgiving feast.
- Cauliflower. Cauliflower supplies you with vitamins C and K as well as protein, riboflavin, thiamin, magnesium, fiber, and sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is a cancer-fighter and contributes to a healthy heart. Roasted garlic cauliflower, cauliflower salad with pomegranate, and cheddar cauliflower soup are all wonderful dishes for Thanksgiving.
- Kale. Kale is one of the more notable superfoods of fall. It contains a large amount of vitamin K and beta-carotene. The fiber in kale helps with digestion, which is a big plus around Thanksgiving time! Sausage and kale stuffing is a unique option for a holiday dinner. A kale and collard greens salad is another tasteful idea.
- Parsnips. This superfood contains vitamin C, folate, and fiber. Parsnips are a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. Try making a parsnip puree to serve alongside other vegetables.
- Pears. Vitamin C is one healthy ingredient in pears. Other nutrients in this superfood include fiber, antioxidants, iron, and potassium. An apple and pear crisp is a delectable choice for Thanksgiving dessert. When I serve apple and pear crisp, I offer my Thanksgiving dinner guests a scoop of French vanilla ice cream on the side! You may want to try making some fun pear dumplings, too.
- Pomegranates. Vitamin C, fiber, and Granatin B are all nutrients found in pomegranates. Granatin B has been known to prevent heart disease. A spinach pomegranate salad is a good idea for a delicious side dish. A pomegranate arugula salad is a second tasty option.
- Pumpkin. Pumpkins contain a lot of fiber, which is critical for proper digestion. Carotenoids, beta-carotene, and vitamin C are just a few other nutrients in this delicious fruit. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin cookies are all popular ideas to top off a Thanksgiving meal.
- Red Wine. Drinking red wine in moderation supplies you with an antioxidant called resveratrol. This antioxidant can lower blood pressure and even help prevent heart disease. Serve red wine after dinner to finish the meal on a pleasant note.
- Squash. Squash contains potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin C, and manganese. The antioxidants in squash help to get rid of free radicals. A squash casserole makes for a filling side dish, and roasted butternut squash is always a favorite.
- Sweet Potato. Want to add a big dose of vitamin A to your Thanksgiving dinner? Sweet potatoes are the perfect choice! Other nutrients in sweet potatoes include vitamin B6, potassium, fiber, and vitamin B2. Sweet potato pie is a good idea for Thanksgiving dessert. Or you can roast sweet potatoes and serve them in lieu of traditional mashed potatoes!
Have fun planning some healthy additions to your Thanksgiving table this year!