Let’s have a conversation on one of traditional Thanksgiving side dishes – Sweet potatoes
First, why do I call it “smart”? It’s a cancer-prevention-wise vegetable, period. Here are top 3 benefits of sweet potatoes:
- Rich in beta-carotene, a cancer-preventative antioxidant: Sweet potatoes also contain polyphenol antioxidants. Antioxidants can eliminate cancer-causing free radicals and protect our cells from damage.
- Rich in fibers: Fibers stimulate intestinal movements and reduce toxin retention for colon cancer prevention.
- Good sources of carbohydrates and micronutrients, so they are immune-boosting.
Next, how about we share some healthy cooking and side dishes? Here are some tips:
- Instead of deep-frying, bake sweet potato fries.
- Instead of canned yam, roast sweet potato and turnip cubes – sprinkled with dill (or parsley); or grill sweet potato slices/chunks mixed with green onions.
- Instead of having sugar- and fat-rich desserts, bake a sweet potato cake with cranberries and walnuts (or pecans, whatever desirable) – taking advantage of its natural sweetness, which can also be served as a side dish.
As an alternative to the well-known mashed sweet potatoes, there are a variety of recipes out there, such as:
- Cinnamon sweet potatoes with vanilla
- Garlic-thyme sweet potato rounds
- Apple cider glazed sweet potatoes
- Grilled sweet potato with wilted kale salad (as photo shown)
Just by mentioning a few, it makes me mouthwatering… Need more sweet potato recipes? Check Better Home & Garden or Food.com.
Finally, we all look forward to Thanksgiving dinner, should we consider –
- Easy and stress-free preparations
- Healthy food, yet tasty, delicious, and gorgeous looking (if possible)
- Important – Memorable time?
Photo credit: By Tasty Yummies