Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and football. But let’s not forget about your health and well-being!
Here are some of the health benefits of our favorite (traditional) Thanksgiving foods and why they are so crucial to our careers.
Cranberries
“…intake of cranberry extracts has shown the ability to improve multiple aspects of immune function, and to lower the frequency of cold and flu symptoms in the subjects.”*
And when you aren’t sick, or sick less often, working is much more bearable. Showing up to work sick is never a good idea. You are not only risking the health of yourself, but of your coworkers as well.
Green Beans
“Low intakes of vitamin K have been associated with a higher risk for bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption improves bone health by acting as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improving calcium absorption. One cup of green beans provides 14.4 micrograms of vitamin K (almost 20% of daily need)”**
Try imagining doing your job with a cast on your dominant arm. Probably doesn’t sound ideal. Improving your bone health is the base for the rest of your body, be sure to keep those bones strong.
Sweet Potatoes
“Sweet potatoes are a good source of magnesium, which is the relaxation and anti-stress mineral.”***
Umm, no explanation needed. You know as much as your coworkers, a relaxed office runs much smoother than a chaotic one. Share those sweet potatoes this year, everyone needs a little relaxation!
Mashed Potatoes
“Consuming mashed potatoes boosts your vitamin B6, which helps support your metabolism and helps you produce neurotransmitters—a family of chemicals your nervous system needs to function.”****
The actual definition of metabolism is “the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.” That sounds pretty important. Forget doing your job well, you need mashed potatoes to do your job at all!
Turkey
“Tryptophan, which is found in turkey meat, is used by the brain to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which calms the mood and leads to a sense of well-being. Selenium is another nutrient found in turkey which promotes sleep and boosts immunity.”*****
So go ahead and take that turkey induced nap after dinner, you deserve it!
The holidays can be stressful, now add in a stressful job and chances are you aren’t taking very good care of yourself. Be mindful that your health is what allows you to do anything, treat it well! And enjoy that extra slice of pie. Happy Thanksgiving!
Sources:
*http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=145
**http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/285753.php
***http://www.care2.com/greenliving/9-reasons-to-love-sweet-potatoes.html
****http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/mashed-potatoes-healthy-8048.html
*****http://www.diethealthclub.com/health-food/turkey.html
