Seasonal Holiday Ingredients

There is something to be said about eating seasonal foods. In every season, nature provides us with nutrient-rich foods and spices that can be very healing and healthful. When we think of Christmas dinners and holiday meals, we automatically picture heavy, fattening foods that make us feel guilty. Let’s explore some of the autumn/winter ingredients in many common holiday meals that are actually healthy, taste amazing and can even be healing.Cranberries: Cranberry is good for the entire urinary tract, high in antioxidants, and has more direct health benefits than taking vitamin C or antioxidant in a pill form. Vitamin pills can’t compare to the fresh, whole food variety. Plus, so many phytonutrients are lost during the processing of supplements. The phytonutrients and antioxidants present in cranberries and in fresh cranberry juice can be good preventative measures against cancer and heart disease.

Cinnamon: Regulates blood sugar, reduces insulin resistance, lowers cholesterol, an amazing anti inflammatory, and is rich in calcium.

Sweet Potato and squash: Sweet potatoes are a low calorie, zero fat squash. They are rich in beta-carotene, are loaded with potassium and various minerals. These antioxidant nutrients, such as beta-carotene, help to protect against heart attack and stroke. The potassium helps balance fluid and electrolyte balance in the body cells, as well as regulate normal heart function and blood pressure.

Pumpkin and pumpkin seeds: High in fiber and beta-carotene, and a good source of vitamin C, niacin, pantothenic acid, potassium, iron, calcium and many more nutrients. Pumpkin contains high levels of antioxidants and carotenes (natural source of vitamin A), specifically vitamin C and E and therefore may lower cancer risk, heart disease, cataracts and strokes. The carotenes, such as lutein, are good for eye health. The pumpkin seeds and oil are rich in zinc and essential fatty acids. Pumpkin seed oil is amazing for the skin, energy and mental function.

Hazelnuts: Extremely high in Vitamin E, 15% protein, rich in good fats, good source of B vitamins and high in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and much more. They are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants.

Ginger: Has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Ginger is a great anti inflammatory, healing both joint and immune system inflammation. Great for nausea and motion sickness. Great for digestion and gas. Increases circulation – keeps that body temperature warm. As an antioxidant, ginger can help lower cholesterol and strengthen the heart.

Brussel Sprouts: These cruciferous vegetables are well known for their anti-cancer properties. They are very high in vitamin A and C, folic acid, fiber, and many minerals such as calcium and iron. Brussel sprouts are also high in protein.