Thanksgiving is a much anticipated annual affair in November because it is a great time for families to gather and have an excellent feast together. When we talk about food, it’s hard to forget your vegetables and gourds during this particular season, right? Well, here are some of the vegetables and gourds you should include in the Thanksgiving menu as they are beneficial to your overall health:
Winter squash
Considered as a tasty superfood, this gourd comes packed with lots of goodness. It contains antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate some of the symptoms caused by arthritis. It’s loaded with high amounts of beta-carotene and is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids that are beneficial to your skin. Did you know that squash is important in the prevention of colon cancer too? As squash is rich in antioxidants, it impedes the growth of cancer cells by not allowing it to oxidize.
Pumpkins
Although categorized as a fruit, the pumpkin is a descendent of the wild pepo gourd, so that’s why it’s apt to include pumpkins on this list. These are one of the best seasonal and tasty offerings around, and they come with several health benefits. As their seeds pack more than 1.6 grams of dietary fiber per ounce, they will make you feel full for a longer time, and that makes you eat less throughout the day (very useful if you are on a diet). Pumpkin also contains lots of Vitamin A, which is needed to maintain and form healthy bones, teeth, and skin. In fact, it provides twice the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A. The fruit promotes good vision and can help those who consume it see well in dim lighting conditions.
Onions
Apart from their tear-inducing characteristics, onions can be a great ally in keeping diseases at bay. They are a prized member of the lily family and are packed with health benefits. They contain phytochemicals that improve the function of Vitamin C in your body and boost your immune system. Consuming onions can also help regulate blood sugar, thanks to it containing chromium. Onions can encourage the production of HDL or good cholesterol, and this gives you a hearty dining experience. If possible, try to choose onions that have a bright green top as these are rich in Vitamin A.
Cabbage
If you plan to build up your immune system and make it so powerful that it can fight off almost anything, then you should consider including highly nutritious vegetables like cabbages into your diet. Cabbages are good for your brain as they are full of anthocyanins and Vitamin K. These nutrients are great for improving concentration and overall mental function. Not only that, red cabbages are apt at preventing nerve damage and improving one’s defense against dementia. If you think you might drink a little more this festive period, cabbages can reduce the effects of hangovers from heavy drinking!
Green beans
Regarding nutrition, green beans are not to be considered as beans at all. This is because they are harvested with their pods intact, before the beans inside have a chance to mature. Compared to other pod vegetables, green beans are more nutritious. Green beans also contain Vitamin K, which is beneficial to your bone health. It acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins and improves calcium absorption.
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