Thanksgiving is known for many things. Family, appreciation of what you have, but arguably the most loved is the food. It is a favorite meal of many people due to its flavors, but the most underrepresented aspect is how good it actually is for you. Dishes like cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, and turkey all have great health benefits. For example, the cranberries used in cranberry sauce are packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C. These antioxidants can help your body protect you from germs, improve your gut health, and lower blood pressure.

Likewise, sweet potatoes also produce a lot of antioxidants, and studies have shown that they can help reduce the chances of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Not only that, but they are also one of the leading sources of vitamin A among vegetables! Brussels sprouts, also commonly found at Thanksgiving dinners, can greatly reduce the risk of cancer, as well as improve gut and heart health. 

We would be remiss if we neglected to mention turkey. It would truly be a crime not to talk about the food most commonly associated with Thanksgiving. Turkey itself has numerous health benefits, namely being high in protein. However, it is also a solid source of selenium, zinc, and phosphorus, which are all needed to keep your body working and operating properly. The stuffing included with the turkey is also a good source of carbs, which are needed to properly fuel the body.

All in all, Thanksgiving is FILLED with superfoods that can aid your body in many ways. So before you regret eating all of that food, remember how good the food is for you. Then eat some more.