Eat Your Way to Good Health This Holiday Season

These classic foods have surprising health benefits.

Scents to Welcome - Stand out this season with scents featuring spicy and woodsy undertones. Also, opt for ingredients and fragrances that are associated with fall and winter, such as deep chocolate, winter roses, eggnog and even pumpkin spice. (Photo: Godiva)

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Chocolate - In many ways, your favorite holiday foods are better for you than you think. We’ve rounded up some popular dishes and ingredients that you can feel good about all season long. By Britt Middleton Packed with powerful antioxidants called flavonoids, cacao (the main ingredient of chocolate) can help fight inflammation, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. Be sure to reach for dark chocolate because milky and semi-sweet varieties are loaded with cream, sugar and butter, which dilute the cacao’s benefits. (Photo: Godiva)

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Peppermint - Here are more reasons to crack into a candy cane this season: peppermint can help soothe everything from indigestion to nausea. Try sniffing a whiff of pure peppermint oil to help curb food cravings and even boost concentration.   (Photo: Arata Photography/GettyImages)

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Hot Apple Cider - Rich with pectin, which has been found to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, apples also pack a punch of disease-fighting antioxidants and vitamins. Since apple cider is made from the whole fruit, you’ll get the added health benefits not present in pasteurized apple juice. However, this sweet treat can be high in sugar, so be sure to check the ingredients. (Photo: GettyImages) 

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Sweet Potatoes - These sweet spuds are an excellent source of calcium and immunity-boosting vitamin C and vitamin A. Try roasting them will olive oil to bring out their natural sweetness; you may find you enjoy them better without the added sugary toppings. (Photo: Liza McCorkle/GettyImages)

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Cranberries - Tart and sweet, cranberries are a staple on the holiday table and a superfood in terms of their benefits. They’re rich in Vitamin C, vitamin E and phytonutrients, naturally occurring chemicals that fight free-radicals that cause inflammation and increased risk for cancer. (Photo: Brian Yarvin/GettyImages)

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Pecans - Before you go overboard on the pecan pie, remember that the best way to enjoy these nuts is raw (try snacking on a small handful in between meals to keep blood sugar steady). Pecans are also high in fiber, which keeps you feeling fuller longer, as well as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. (Photo: Jason Poole/GettyImages)

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Red Wine - Red wine contains a number of heart-healthy antioxidants, including resveratrol, which helps protect blood vessels from damage. But remember to enjoy in moderation, as excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk for heart disease, cancer and a host of other illnesses. (Photo: Dennis McColeman/GettyImages)

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Green Beans - We know you’ve been dreaming about indulging in your favorite holiday treats, but don’t forget the greens! Green beans are bountiful this time of year and are rich in beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are essential nutrients for healthy eye function. Top with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a real zing. (Photo: Annabelle Breakey/GettyImages)

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Ginger Root - While the added butter and sugar in gingerbread aren’t exactly waistline friendly, you can at least reap the benefits from the ginger root it’s made from. This spicy, antioxidant rich root is prized for soothing gastrointestinal issues such as upset stomach and nausea, fighting arthritis pain and strengthening the immune system.  (Photo: Riou/GettyImages)

Whar Are You Thankful For? - With Turkey Day right around the corner, Americans are reflecting on things they're thankful for — from family to health and more. Check out BET.com’s list of things Americans should be thankful for. — Dominique Zonyéé (Photo: Fuse/Getty Images)

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Roasted Turkey - Low in saturated fats and high in protein (the building blocks for lean muscles), roasted turkey, specifically the breast, is a great option if you’re watching your weight this holiday season. It also contains small amounts of selenium, which is known for its cancer-fighting properties. (Photo: GettyImages)