Seasonal Foods of Gratitude – Nutrition From Pumpkin to Cranberries

Autumn brings a harvest table full of color and nourishment. Beyond tradition and flavor, many of the foods we enjoy around Thanksgiving carry incredible health benefits—reminding us that gratitude can also be found in what nature provides.

Take pumpkins, for example. Their bright orange flesh is loaded with beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision and boosts immunity. Sweet potatoes, roasted with cinnamon or nutmeg, are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Cranberries, a holiday staple, are packed with vitamin C and help support urinary and digestive health. Even humble Brussels sprouts and green beans bring essential vitamins and minerals to the table.

When we see holiday foods as gifts of nature rather than indulgences, it changes how we experience them. A warm slice of pumpkin pie can be both comfort and nourishment. A bowl of roasted vegetables can be a celebration of the season’s richness.

This Thanksgiving, pause to notice not just the taste but the meaning of the foods before you. Each ingredient tells a story of the earth’s cycle, of harvest, and of care. Gratitude, after all, can begin with the very meal on our plates.

Lilly Botto -Writer -” House & Garden” Category