Thanksgiving is a time for being with friends and family, watching football and parades, and of course, eating. People do countless things to prepare for the grand Thanksgiving feast, and if you’re reading this, you’re likely one of them! Diets, new exercises, loose pants, and more are all part of the preparation for the big meal. To put your mind at ease at least a little, some of the foods on your plate are actually giving you amazing beauty benefits. With these foods on your plate, you’ll be eager to get seconds, guilt-free.
Turkey
The star of the show, turkey offers many health and beauty benefits. Turkey is a great source of protein, which is vital for good health. The white meat provides structure for your body’s hair, nails, teeth, and skin. This aids in the production of collagen. Collagen is a structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues, making it essential for a quality beauty routine. Collagen makes your skin strong, firm and supple, so chew your turkey happily.
Spinach
Of course, no Thanksgiving plate is complete without the salad you feel obligated to eat. Try to load up a little more, though, because spinach offers countless beauty benefits. You’ll get plenty of vitamins with this power source, including vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. Spinach also includes a great amount of antioxidants, which are responsible for maintaining clear skin, protecting against free radicals, and fighting signs of premature aging.
Sweet Potato
Whether you’re a mashed sweet potato lover or a sweet potato pie kind of person, you can enjoy all of the beauty benefits sweet potatoes provide. Like spinach, sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that aids in the production and growth of new skin cells. With the help of vitamin A, your skin will be firm and strong. When preparing dishes with sweet potato, though, be conscious of how much and what type of sugar is being used, as that can negatively impact the collagen and protein in your skin.
Pumpkin
Get excited for pumpkin pie, because not only does it taste amazing, but it also will make your skin radiant and hydrated. Pumpkins are rich in vitamin C, fighting sun damage and free radicals that can damage your skin and overall health. Vitamin C also aids in fighting signs of premature aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Pumpkins are also full of vitamin A, providing the beauty benefits mentioned above. Finally, pumpkins are made of alpha hydroxy acid, a fruit acid that increases cell turnover and keeps the skin radiant.
Cranberries
Some love it, some hate it, but don’t skip over the cranberry salad this Thanksgiving! Cranberries provide many health and beauty benefits to keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Vitamin C is a big player in the composition of cranberries, acting as an antioxidant that boosts collagen production and providing youth-preserving benefits to the skin. Cranberries work to fight free radicals, protecting your skin from sun damage while locking in moisture. Again, be mindful of the sweeteners used when creating these dishes.
This Thanksgiving, remember to worry less about the food and focus on enjoying time with loved ones. Simply be mindful of what is on your plate, and enjoy all of the beauty benefits it can offer!
