Gratitude is top of mind for many during November, especially as we approach Thanksgiving. There are studies that indicate that feeling gratitude and appreciation more frequently and regularly can lead to more positive feelings, better sleep, and even improve immunity. Keeping a gratitude journal or shifting your thoughts and feelings from stressful topics to those of gratitude can make your entire day more positive. It’s been proven that too much stress (physical, mental or emotional) can decrease one’s immune system – it only stands to reason that gratitude and positive feelings then will increase immunity!

Food that increases immunity is Pomegranates. They are loaded with antioxidants, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium, and a bit of iron. Pomegranates have anti-inflammatory properties, are believed to help with fighting prostate cancer, breast cancer, and may also help to lower blood pressure. To increase your pomegranate intake, many grocery stores sell pomegranate seeds that can be added to any salad, smoothie, or yogurt. Or one can buy the pomegranates whole and scoop out the seeds to eat them (only the anils or seeds are edible). And of course, one can enjoy NADI Pomegranate Rose Hips juice and get the tremendous health benefits of both the pomegranates and the rose hips in one refreshing beverage!

There are many traditions on Thanksgiving that go beyond the turkey and stuffing. Vegetarian Thanksgivings and blending cultural foods in with the traditional Thanksgiving turkey and side dishes are just a few. A NADI tradition this time of year is to gather and have a big Georgian meal in Atlanta with the NADI team members, in thanks and in celebration! Blending American and Georgian dishes is a Thanksgiving Day tradition. Blending American, Bahamian, gluten-free and vegan dishes has become a tradition for my family.

Tart Cranberry NADI Sauce Recipe – great dish to make in advance!

• 1 bottle NADI pomegranate rose hip juice (or grape rose hip juice if you like it a bit sweeter)
• 1 bag organic whole cranberries
• May add a bit of stevia or pure maple syrup for sweeter palettes (optional)
• Try adding cinnamon (optional)

Pour the NADI juice into a saucepan and warm over medium heat. Pour in the cranberries and stir while cranberries pop. Turn off the heat once cranberries are done popping. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Written by:

Teri Reitan

NADI Ambassador who is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.