Five Thanksgiving Foods Your Skin Will be Grateful For

If you were worried about Thanksgiving taking a toll on your skin and health, don’t! It turns out certain festive foods can benefit your hormones and promote glowing skin. From zinc-packed turkey to cranberry sauce loaded with vitamin C, the dishes you’ll find on your holiday spread contain powerful vitamins and minerals that can minimize breakouts, promote cell turnover, and boost collagen production. So load up your plate with these Thanksgiving favorites—your skin will be thanking you for it.

Sweet Potato / Yams

Sweet potatoes contain potassium and magnesium that help boost circulation and detoxify the skin. Keep in mind that they both contain plenty of natural sugar, so try to refrain from the extra sweeteners which can worsen breakouts. 

Pumpkin 

Pie to help the skin? Okay, maybe it’s a stretch. But pumpkin is loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, which can help promote cell turnover and regeneration, brighten and soothe the skin. Pumpkin also contains beta carotene which helps protect the skin from free radical damage, toxins, and pollution. We’ll take a (big) slice! 

Cranberries

Arguably one of the most controversial Thanksgiving dishes, but we’re here for it and here’s why. Cranberries are chocked full of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant contained that encourages collagen production and gives your skin that healthy glow. Cranberries also contain antiseptic properties which can help reduce breakouts. So team-canned or team-homemade? Opt for homemade, so you can control the amount of added sugar to this Thanksgiving staple. 

Turkey

Turkey is rich in lean protein which helps boost the health of your skin, hair and nails. It’s also high in zinc which encourages collagen and elastin production. Dark or light meat? Load up the dark meat without the skin-- it has the highest vitamin and mineral content. 

Olive Oil/ Nuts

Olive oil is another powerful antioxidant that can help boost skin health and tackle dry skin and premature wrinkles. That, along with other sources of healthy fats, like nuts and seeds, can make a profound impact on your hormones and skin with their glow-inducing vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Your holiday spread contains loads of skin-loving vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. So pack your plate wisely, with moderation in mind, and your skin and hormones will both be grateful. And don’t forget to cheers with some antioxidant-packed red wine!