With Thanksgiving less than three weeks away, LSU Dining got an early start on the American holiday Thursday by promoting cranberries as the “Superfood of the Month.”LSU Dining partnered with the Student Health Center to introduce cranberries as November’s superfood in the 459 Commons and Highland Dining Hall. The “Superfood of the Month” program began during the summer when representatives from the Student Health Center and LSU Dining talked about creating a project to promote nutrition in the dining halls.Each month a new superfood is offered in the cooking area of the dining halls. Winter squash was the superfood for October, and various nuts will be the December superfood.”Because of the popularity of our display cooking area, we feature a monthly superfood in that area, which provides an opportunity for discussion around the food and the health benefits,” said LSU Dining Director David Heidke.The introduction of new foods is geared to help students experience unfamiliar healthy foods.”The goal is to get students to try a nutritious new food and learn how to incorporate it into their lives,” said Vanessa Richard, Wellness Education Dietitian.Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which can prevent urinary tract infections and certain types of cancer, Richard said. Cranberries also raise good cholesterol levels and reduce the aging process.The 459 Commons served spinach salad pitas with cranberries and creamy cranberry stuffed celery, created by Chef Michael Foster, Thursday during lunch. “I really liked the taste of them, especially how they prepared the pita,” said Kurstin Strange, English junior.Even though it was a first experience for some students, other students enjoy cranberries on a regular basis.”I like to eat a handful of cranberries,” said Suchi Saxena, psychology freshman. “They are delicious.”Cranberries will be featured in various dishes in the 459 Commons and Highland Dining Hall each Thursday until the end of November.—-Contact Michael Lambert at [email protected]