Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
Holiday Superfoods That Help Get and Keep You Well
0 Comments
Lets Talk Turkey
Go ahead and admit it. It’s almost Thanksgiving, and for most Americans, that means nothing short of diving into a hearty meal you’ve been thinking about for months. Sure, some of us might feel a little guilty about the calories, but unless you over-indulge on fatty or sugary foods, there is good reason to push your guilt aside. Many holiday foods are brimming with good nutrition, if prepared in a healthful way. Along with the epicurean centerpiece of the traditional American Thanksgiving meal—a golden-brown roasted turkey—plenty of traditional side dishes can be savored for the holidays and throughout the rest of the year too. Getty Images
Turkey
Skinless turkey breast is one of the leanest meat protein sources available. Low in unsaturated and total fat, Turkey has only 115 calories per 3 ounce serving. Turkey is stuffed full of nutrients including zinc, selenium and heart-healthy vitamins B-6, niacin, and B-12 that can help boost the immune system, protect cells against cancer and reduce the risk of heart disease. Turkey meat is also a good choice for people going through cancer treatment. It is well tolerated and can be incorporated into many healthy dishes.
Pumpkin
This fiber-rich winter squash is bursting with the antioxidant beta-carotene, which give the pumpkin its deep orange color. It is also rich in vitamins E and A, zinc and lutein. These nutrients have been linked to lowering the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and age-related eye problems as well as reviving sun-damaged skin. Canned pumpkin is an easy way to boost the nutritional value of soups, breads, puddings and baked goods year-round. Try the recipe below for a healthy way to incorporate this delicious vegetable into your meals. Getty Images
Cinnamon
This age-old earthy spice is more than just a holiday garnish for eggnog. One teaspoon of cinnamon has as many antioxidants as one cup of pomegranate juice or one-half cup blueberries. Emerging research suggests that some compounds in cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamon isn’t just for sweets. It’s also a great addition to savory dishes such as stews, pork and roasted vegetables. Getty Images
Cranberries
These bold berries pack a punch as a natural defense against urinary tract infections, bacteria and viruses. Cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and other cancer-fighting phytonutrients. Opt for a fresh berry sauce made with juice, orange zest and a pinch of sugar. Freeze in small portions and add to yogurt, grains and lean proteins—such as turkey for an easy roll-up sandwich like the one below—for a nutritious burst of flavor. Getty Images
Sweet Potatoes
Similar to pumpkins, eating fiber and potassium-rich sweet potatoes has been found to lower blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Dr. Paul Lachance, a nutrition professor at Rutgers University, said the sweet potato gives you half of your daily value of vitamin C and 20 percent of your daily value of vitamin E in only a 4-oz serving. “That’s a very difficult nutrient to get from natural sources,” he said. For a healthy lunch or side dish, serve them baked or mashed and sprinkled with cinnamon or a light drizzle of honey. Getty Images
Two Great Recipes
In addition to helping you stay well, these five superfoods can all be good choices for cancer patients who have unique nutritional needs. During treatment a person’s appetite may change daily based on the type of therapy they are receiving. Although nutrition is critical to getting well from cancer, eating is often one of the hardest things cancer patients have to face due to treatment side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores, swallowing problems, and unexpected weight loss. A new cookbook from the American Cancer Society, What to Eat During Cancer Treatment, provides cancer patients and caregivers with recipes and useful, comforting advice about cancer nutrition. What’s more, the recipes not only meet the needs of a person undergoing treatment, but are also perfect for the entire family, delicious, and easy to prepare. Check out our Turkey Roll-Up with Cranberry-Orange Relish and Pumpkin Custard recipes Article by Lynette Summerill Getty Images
Add a CommentComments
There are no comments yet. Be the first one and get the conversation started!