Thanksgiving Favorites Rich in Vitamins & Minerals

Turkey and stuffing, and pie, oh my! Every year, millions of families across the United States come together to celebrate Thanksgiving. A day filled with gratitude, time with loved ones, andso much food. Even though you might feel as though it’s not exactly the healthiest day of the year, you’d be surprised at the health benefits found within some of the dishes you’ll most likely find on the table this year. 

Turkey:As the main course, it’s safe to say that turkey consists of an impressive amount of vitamins and minerals. Not only are the macronutrients very suitable for those who are health-conscious, but it’s generally a very lean source of protein (6).

• Choline
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Niacin
• Phosphorus
• Potassium

Apples:

• Vitamin C
• Antioxidants
• Potassium

Cranberry Sauce:Though it can be overlooked as a sweeter side dish, cranberries have a surprising amount of vitamin C. The immune-boosting vitamin makes up a high portion of these berries, making it a healthier option (1). 

• Vitamin C
• Manganese
• Copper

Pumpkin:No wonder why we all love pumpkin so much, it contains a lengthy list of nutrients that support the heart (3). Some of which include (3):

• Calcium
• Potassium 
• Magnesium 
• Vitamins A, B1, B6, and C

Green Beans:whether it’s served plain or in a casserole, green beans will probably be one of the healthiest food items to find on your Thanksgiving table this year - or any year for that matter (5).

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Folate
• Thiamine
• Niacin

Sweet Potatoes:As the healthier alternative to regular potatoes, this sweet dish contains numerous vitamins and minerals that support the entire body (2).

• B Vitamins
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Calcium.
• Iron
• Magnesium.
• Potassium

Nutritious food isn’t always boring. Sometimes, it’s served on one of the most festive days of the year! 

The KalaVita team wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving! 

Sources:

1. ​​https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/cranberries#:~:text=Cranberries%20are%20primarily%20made%20up,C%2C%20E%2C%20and%20K1.

2. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/benefits-sweet-potatoes

3. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-pumpkin#:~:text=It%20offers%20a%20long%20list,and%20your%20blood%20pressure%20low.

4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/267290

5. https://www.google.com/search?q=vitamins+in+green+beans&sxsrf=AOaemvIkYHCTwlAns-xE9Cw5elCvgQyRhQ%3A1637735912097&source=hp&ei=6N2dYZPSAvLYytMPuYWcgAQ&iflsig=ALs-wAMAAAAAYZ3r-JBEvGmVIKOyzc1gVKiv_TsQB0yj&oq=vita&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAEYADIECCMQJzIECCMQJzIECCMQJzIECAAQQzIECAAQQzIHCAAQsQMQQzIOCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQowIyCAguELEDEIMBMgQIABBDMggIABCABBCxAzoHCCMQ6gIQJzoRCC4QgAQQsQMQgwEQxwEQowI6CwguEIAEEMcBEKMCOggILhCABBCxAzoOCC4QgAQQsQMQxwEQ0QM6EAguELEDEIMBEMcBEKMCEEM6DQguEIAEEMcBEKMCEAo6BwgAEIAEEAo6BQgAEIAEOgcILhCABBAKOg0ILhCABBDHARDRAxAKUJ0GWK4NYLMnaAJwAHgAgAFQiAH_ApIBATWYAQCgAQGwAQo&sclient=gws-wiz

6. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-turkey#1