Vegging Out This Holiday Season

November 4, 2024|

1 minute read

Summary

In a sea of rich holiday foods, organic fall and winter vegetables provide some much needed balance. If you’re looking to serve a delicious and healthful holiday feast, consider adding an extra vegetable side or two. Below are some of our favorites for enhancing the nutritional profile of your holiday meal.

Sweet Potatoes

Bananas have earned a reputation for being a good source of potassium, but they are not alone. A medium-sized sweet potato contains over 500 milligrams of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral, critical for blood pressure regulation, and proper muscle and nerve function. Our bodies can’t produce potassium, so we must obtain it through food or supplement sources. Sweet potatoes are also considered to be complex carbohydrates. Unlike simple carbohydrates like sugary snacks and sodas, which are digested quickly and can cause a spike in blood sugar, complex carbohydrates digest more slowly and gradually release glucose into the blood stream.

Brussels Sprouts

A member of the cruciferous family of vegetables, Brussels sprouts are nutrient rich and full of flavor. They are an excellent source of Vitamin K, a vitamin key to maintaining bone health and proper blood clotting. Brussels sprouts are also high in fiber, which helps to regulate blood sugar and aid in digestion. During a season where you might be eating more sugar than usual, or eating outside of your typical diet, a little extra digestive support is very much appreciated.

Carrots

Carrots are a versatile vegetable that can work well in both sweet and savory dishes. Their rich orange coloring comes from beta- carotene, a powerful carotenoid antioxidant that is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is beneficial for eye health, skin health, and immune function.

Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, and collard greens are among the most nutrient dense foods available. They are packed with a wide array of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Leafy greens are rich in folate, a B Vitamin essential to cell function and our body’s ability to produce DNA and RNA. Folate also supports heart health and brain health.

Topics:

Body Care

Wellness