Thanksgiving is naturally not the best day to keep your healthy eating habits, but you do have a few options when it comes to healthy Thanksgiving meal alternatives. In addition, some of the most cherished ingredients have some powerful hidden beauty benefits. So, may we say, keep these skin-benefiting ingredients in mind as you plan your Thanksgiving menu.
CRANBERRIES
This tart superfood is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, that work to keep your skin clear of pimples and promote a healthy, clear complexion. It also makes for a wonderful pairing with your Thanksgiving turkey. However, opt for homemade cranberry sauce and go easy on the sugar (which can counteract the benefits of this amazing berry).
PUMPKIN
Rich in potassium and a great source of vitamins A and B, pumpkin helps renew the skin by promoting new cell growth. When pumpkin is in your face wash or skincare product, it further acts as a natural exfoliator, removing dried and dead skin cells to reveal a fresh and glowing complexion.
SWEET POTATOES
Far more nutritious than their white-potato cousins, these orange vegetables contain the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that your skin will love. It is also packed with beta-carotene, which your body converts into an active form of vitamin A, or retinol, which helps boost healthy skin cell production. To add, sweet potato has a high concentration of vitamin c, which also helps boost collagen production. Munching on this dish has also been found to help with hair growth thanks to its B vitamins, potassium, and Zinc.
SQUASH
More than Fall ornament, this nutrition-packed food, especially yellow varieties, is a natural source of vitamins A, B6,C in addition to folate, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Squash can protect against premature aging as well as provide skin oil-regulating benefits, according to Dermatologist Jeannette Graf who spoke about this dish with Women's Health.
POMEGRANATE
High in antioxidants and vitamins, pomegranates are not only great for healthy skin but also do wonders for your body. The antioxidants in pomegranate work to reduce cellular damage and decrease inflammation (a component that also benefits your skin, especially if you suffer from acne or eczema). To boot, studies show that this superfood may also have anti-aging properties. As for the best way to get all of these benefits, try eating the seeds or drinking the natural juice, as opposed to processed juices that may be packed with added sugars.
BEETS
While beets aren't usually the first food to land on anyone's Thanksgiving plate, you might want to give them a try this year. This low-calorie vegetable is rich in vitamins and minerals that can prevent wrinkling and help ease the symptoms of skin allergies. Studies show that beets’ high concentration of vitamin C may have something to do with this due to the vitamin’s antioxidant properties and crucial role in collagen synthesis.
Cheers to healthy skin and a happy Thanksgiving. If you would like to find more on nutrition and recipes, click here.
