Ever wondered if Thanksgiving’s
perfect bird
really makes ya sleepy? Or if a second helping of
cranberries can ward off UTIs? We’re tackling food myths before the
biggest eating day of the year arrives. Now, can someone please pass
the gravy?
Candied yams are made from animals
The confusion with candied yams comes
from the marshmallows typically used as a topping. While some
marshmallows are made from artificially produced gelatin, most use
gelatin created from animal products. There are, however, recipes for
candied yams that don’t call for marshmallows at all.
Turkey makes ya tired
Turkey does contain tryptophan, an
amino acid that causes drowsiness. However, you have to eat an awful
lot of it on an empty stomach for it to make you sleepy. The more
likely cause of your post-feast desire for a nap? All of those carbs.
Sweet potatoes are better for you
than mashed potatoes
When you’re looking at a naked sweet
potato vs. a naked Yukon potato, sweet potatoes do have more
nutrients. But once you add marshmallows, butter and sugar to one,
and heavy cream to the other, you’re splitting hairs when it comes
to nutrition. Take a look at your recipes and then the nutrition
label on various add-ons before making your choice.
Green beans = totally healthy
Green beans are a great veg by
themselves, but when you add the condensed mushroom soup and the
fried onion topping that the traditional casserole calls for, you’re
adding tons more salt and fat than you bargained for. Have a small
serving to satiate your palate, but don’t pack your plate with this
tasty but not-so-healthy option.
Cranberry sauce treats UTIs
Research has shown that drinking
cranberry juice as a part of your daily diet can help your body ward
off urinary tract infections (UTIs). But it has not been
proven to treat an infection, nor has the affect of cranberry
products, like sauce, been studied.
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 11/22/2011 3:00:00 PM
POSTED IN eating, health, nutrition, holiday, thanksgiving