Health Benefits Hidden In Well-Known Christmas Recipes!

You better watch out,
You better not cry.
Better not pout,
I'm telling you why…
Santa Claus is coming to town!

Yay!!! Christmas is coming Ho-Ho-Ho!!!

Christmas carols that are traditionally sung during the joyful festive holiday season, are one of the most outstanding emblems of coming holiday (Christmas day)! Most people usually experience a unique and magical ambience that no festive holiday can give – though out the year. The wonderful and colorful decorations, sparkling Christmas lights that almost cover the buildings around you, the green Christmas tree garnished with twinkling light, flamboyant garlands, candles and many lively ornaments; can completely make the town come to life!

Christmas is celebrated differently around the world. What always comes with this happy time is usually a special traditional dinner that varies from culture to culture. But it never fails – a special dinner with close family and friends. And this is the point that I would like to talk about. 

Did you know that during the holiday season, there are various kinds of foods that look very tasty. Many people consume a lot without too much concern about their health, and that can lead unhealthy conditions such as high cholesterol, becoming over-weight, constipation, flatulence and so on. So regarding this reason, I would be happy to recommend some Christmas dishes packed with healthy benefits.

1. Turkey 

Image credited to www.bartonplacefarm.co.uk

Turkey is considered as Christmas classic menu that is rich in nutrients as follows:

• Trytophan: strengthens the immune system and produce serotonin.

• Vitamin B6 and Niacin: promotes energy production.

• Selenium: beneficial for Thyroid hormone metabolism and the immune system.

2. Cranberries

Cranberries should always be part of holiday celebration due to its amazing health benefits:

• Vitamin C: a natural antioxidant responsible for treating free radicals and preventing infection from taking ahold of the body. 

• Vitamin E: an antioxidant involved in the immune system that plays a key role to prevent or delay chronic diseases caused by free radicals.

• Fiber: useful for lowering blood pressure together with cholesterol levels. It also has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity, along with enhancing weight loss for obese individuals. Diminishing risk for developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and certain gastrointestinal diseases are also some of the effective properties of cranberries as well.

• Vitamin K, Manganese and Phytonutrients: beneficial to preventing harmful free radicals from mutating within the body, as well has preventing inflammation with in the body and cancer as well.

3. Honey baked ham 

Image credited to www.coxshoney.com

Honey, which is a natural sweetener, is recognized as healthy food too. It is packed with many benefits for overall health – just as follows:

• Infant gastroenteritis: E. Haffejee and A. Moosa revealed that honey has ability to shorten the duration of bacterial diarrhea.

• Diminishing allergy symptoms: regarding some research, honey is regarded as excellent natural medicine to relieve seasonal allergies.

• Killing infections: scientists from the Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam, discovered that honey does a better job of killing bacteria.

4. Brussel sprouts 

Brussel sprouts are recognized as a traditional Christmas veggie that can strengthen the body with an abundant of health benefits:

• Lowers cholesterol (if you cook by a steaming method)
• Enhances the stability of DNA inside of white blood cells
• Prevents cancer 
• Improves bone health
• Diminishes glucose levels 
• Maintains vision

5. Potatoes 

A Christmas roasted potato, is one of the most popular dishes for Christmas, of course - because potatoes are packed with several health benefits as well.

• Boosts antioxidants
• Fights with cancer cells
• Facilitates digestion
• Improves skin health
• Reduces inflammation
• Relieves high blood pressure
• Enhances brain function

However, all of the above mentioned foods - should be properly cooked in order to keep as many of the beneficial nutrients as much as possible. Lastly, I hope that you would delight in preparing your exclusive dinner for your love ones on this coming holiday season. I also would like to wish that your life would be filled many blessings in this Christmas.