6 Superfoods for Your Thanksgiving Menu
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 11, 2023
If you’re like many folks, your Thanksgiving menu is practically set in stone.
But, unfortunately, as delicious and time-honored as it is, America’s favorite meal is often FAR from healthy.
So, why not try something different this year?
Adding even a few fall superfoods to your Thanksgiving menu can TRANSFORM your favorite meal of the year into a HEALTHY feast.
The following are six delicious foods to add to your Thanksgiving feast this year…
1. Pomegranates:
With their souped-up antioxidants and high vitamin content, pomegranates are one of the original superfoods.
They help protect you against heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, and more. And they taste delicious when paired with tart cranberries—another excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Instead of serving sugary cranberry jelly out of the can this Thanksgiving, whip up a simple cranberry relish in your food processor. Then mix in a handful of pomegranate seeds just before serving for a shot of extra flavor and an antioxidant boost.
2. Mushrooms:
The humble mushroom is surprisingly nutrient-dense—packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein.
They protect against cancer and diabetes while supporting a healthy immune system. Plus, research out of Penn State University found that two key antioxidants found in abundance in mushrooms—ergothioneine and glutathione—have anti-aging potential.
Mushrooms add a burst of rich, nutty flavor to gravy or stuffing.
3. Brussels sprouts:
Skip the green bean casserole and make Brussels sprouts instead. Cruciferous vegetables are potent superfoods that lower cancer and heart disease risk.
Plus, Brussels sprouts are rich in antioxidants and are natural anti-inflammatories.
Instead of boiling them and turning them into mush, slice them in half and toss them and some bacon pieces in a couple tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and avocado oil. Then bake in the oven until they’re crispy and delicious.
4. Chestnuts:
Add a superfood punch to your stuffing with the most famous of holiday nuts. Chestnuts are a true superfood, containing nutrients that can boost your immune and metabolic systems and protect your gut, heart, brain, and bones.
Roast them lightly to bring out their earthy, sweet flavor. Then, add them to your stuffing before cooking.
5. Cauliflower:
Cauliflower is the perfect superfood addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower is a cruciferous veggie that can help protect against cancer, heart disease, and more.
This often-overlooked veggie is packed with at least 20 vital nutrients in every forkful, including choline. This hard-to-find nutrient protects against dementia, liver disease, and heart problems.
Instead of serving mashed potatoes, try putting mashed cauliflower on your Thanksgiving menu. If that swap will cause a riot at your dinner table, try adding some mashed cauliflower to your traditional mashed potatoes for a superfood boost.
6. Winter squash:
If you want the flavor and satisfaction of sweet potato casserole without the added sugar and marshmallows, try a winter squash medley. Mix together butternut squash, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes and toast them for a superfood side dish that’s bound to become a new favorite.
Full of healthy fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients from their deep orange color, these fall superfoods can ward off chronic diseases while protecting your heart, eyes, and skin. And since they’re naturally sweet, you won’t miss the sugar a bit.
By sneaking in some of these six fall superfoods, you’ll transform your Thanksgiving menu this year—and start some NEW, healthy traditions, too!
P.S. Beat BACK the fall blues (No drugs required!)
Source:
“Mushrooms: A rich source of the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione,” Food Chemistry, Volume 233, 15.10.17, Pages 429-433
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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