These 7 Thanksgiving Foods Tastes Good and Promote Skin Health

Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together in unity around the kitchen table. It’s one of the few days out of the year we give ourselves permission to overindulge! As you pile your favorite dishes onto the plate, you can indulge guilt-free with these 7 Thanksgiving food staples that will leave your skin glowing.

1. Cranberries and Pomegranate. From savory sauces to breakfast and dessert tarts, adding cranberries and pomegranate to your Thanksgiving menu will satisfy your dinner guests and give them amazing skin benefits. Cranberries and Pomegranate provide a robust source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vitamin C alone is a powerful antioxidant that helps with collagen production in your skin. Don't be shy about making that homemade cranberry chutney, apple cranberry sauce or even a decadent brown sugar cranberry tart to kick off your Thanksgiving festivities.

2. Sweet Potatoes. Personally, the sweet potato is the Holy Grail of Thanksgiving pleasures in my family. This starch is one that gives the spud family a brand redux thanks to incredible skin benefits. Beta-carotene is one of its most powerful ingredients promoting the growth of new skin cells and skin rejuvenation. The Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C mixture moisturizes your skin and help get rid of layers of dead cells that cause dryness. Say "Yes!" to more sweet potatoes pies, sweet potato casserole, and any other delicious sweet potato-inspired meal at the dinner table this year.

3. Pumpkin. You can't mention sweet potato without giving ode to the pumpkin. And whether or not you've got a preference of one over the other, both of them can give what needs to be given. Beta-carotene is what makes pumpkin one of the most effective foods for the skin. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant essential in boosting the immune system, protecting overall health. It's perfect for those suffering from dry, itchy, scaly skin since pumpkin can help moisturize your skin as it gives you a young-looking glow and complexion. Let your dessert selections overflow with pumpkin pies, ginger-pumpkin pies and sticky pumpkin mousse tart.

4. Turkey. It's probably not surprising that Turkey makes this list. Fried turkey is a preference but you'll be happy to know it's OK to "gobble" up turkey prepared any way you slice it. Turkey is high in zinc, a mineral essential in collagen production. Collagen helps provide structure and strength to the skin, hair and nails. Also, turkey is rich in Niacin. Niacin, part of the B vitamin family helps improve the skin’s cellular function by helping cells retain moisture. When your skin cells are hydrated it can reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve your skin’s elasticity. Dark meat lovers you'll be happy to know the legs and thighs contain twice the amount of beneficial Zinc and Riboflavin that helps with skin development, digestion, improve blood cells, and supports brain function.

5. Greens (Green Beans, Spinach, Kale, Collards). Let's agree dark, leafy greens of any kind have great health benefits. Whether it's collards, spinach or kale (or all three) at the dinner table, you're doing the right thing! If you're aiming to boost collagen production for anti-aging and wrinkles, maintain your youthful glow, keep the skin firm and supple or protect your skin from free radicals, these vegetables will give you what you need. These super nutrients are packed with antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C, E and K, essential minerals like manganese, chlorophyll, iron, folate and many more.

6. Olive Oil. Need I say more? Olive oil's rich, fat-soluble vitamin E is crucial in keeping your skin’s elasticity and glow. Vitamin E acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that enables your skin to glow with a clearer complexion. Use olive oil as a great substitute for flavored oil and butter. It can also be used as a salad dressing.

7. Almonds, Pecans & Walnuts. Nuts are rich sources of protein, fiber, iron and zinc and have high levels of vitamin E that help reduce inflammation and promote clear complexions. They are filled with antioxidants and zinc that keep your hair and skin healthy. Almonds and walnuts are great for snacking, and you can include them as ingredients in salads, desserts, and other dishes.

With these staples on your Thanksgiving table, you're satisfying your well-deserved self-indulgence, and you're feeding your skin the nutrients it needs to keep you looking and feeling your best.

If this inspired you in any way, feel free to 'thank me' with a tip, like or share! I’m a GlobalCitizen. Screenwriter + Content Creator with a passion to leave the world better than I found it. Founder @tmorrisonglobal. Traveler | Wanderluster | Living a Manifested Life. On My Terms!