The good stuff in your Thanksgiving meal

We've all heard of beta carotene, but it turns out there's something else lurking in vegetables that may be better for you: alpha carotene.

People who consume high levels of alpha-carotene -- which is found in several vegetables -- may live longer, researchers have found.

Although there has been much research into the relationship between beta-carotene and risk of disease, less attention has been paid to the role of alpha-carotene, which is found in high concentrations in yellow-orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins and dark-green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and leaf lettuce. 

The two compounds are chemically similar, but studies have found that alpha-carotene is better at inhibiting the proliferation of human neuroblastoma cells, the tumor-promoting action of glycerol in lung carcinogenesis, and skin tumor promotion. It has also been found to be a potent inhibitor of liver carcinogenesis.

Consumption of high levels of alpha carotene appears to reduce the risk of dying of all causes by up to 39%.

Grandma has plans for Grandpa

Oh, and to spice things up after the game, don't forget the pumpkin pie.

According to a new study, besides satisfying their sweet tooth, the smell of pumpkin pie really turns men on. "The number one odor that enhanced penile blood flow was a combination of lavender and pumpkin pie," Alan Hirsch, Director of Chicago's Smell and Taste Treatment Research Center, says.

But it goes beyond the pumpkin scent. The seeds themselves are great for men's sexual health and are even recommended if guys have issues with their little friend.

No wonder Thanksgiving became a national holiday. Then again, vanilla and strawberry were two other scents that received high responses in Hirsch's test, but, he says, "Every odor we tested aroused the participants."

Let's see. Soak the strawberries in vanilla and apply liberally to the top of a pumpkin pie ...