Longevity science

Don’t blame the turkey. You’ll most likely find the calorie culprits right next to it: the sides. Many popular Thanksgiving cooking techniques include breading, frying or smothering with high-fat sauces that significantly increase calories and saturated fat. And we often miss out on the opportunity to incorporate beneficial foods such as whole grains and vegetables.

This year, start by eating a healthful breakfast and sensible snacks throughout the day to avoid overeating during dinner. And when you do get to the big event, remember that Thanksgiving’s main star, the turkey, can be enjoyed healthfully.

Most of us start with the most basic technique....grilling.  Think steak, hot dogs and burgers placed directly over the hot coals.  The fats drip and the flames flare.  Great taste. Delicious.  Memories of childhood summers. 

Well, the research finds that this type of cooking not only destroys the nutritional value of foods.  It also makes the foods harmful.

Overcooked and charred meats have been shown to be more highly linked to heart disease and cancer than meat more carefully prepared.  

High temperature, direct heat cooking causes fatty acids - the building blocks of oils and fats - to oxidize...