Stuffed With Goodness – Why Christmas Dinner is Actually Good for You

So the big day is here. Whether you’re not-so-patiently biding your time, already on second helpings or have cleared every last crumb – today is mostly about one thing. Food. We know you’ll already hear plenty about how many calories we take in over the Christmas break, so we figured it was time Christmas dinner itself got a break. Here are some amazing health benefits of a traditional Christmas dinner. What’s that? Suddenly discovered some extra turkey room in that tummy? We thought so. ___________________________________   Sugar… aw, Honey, Honey If ham forms part of your Christmas dinner, go for honey-baked. Honey is one of nature’s best inventions, containing antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease.   Nice Bird Whether you’re a breast or a leg devotee, turkey gets a thumbs up for tryptophan. Your typical Christmas bird contains the amino acid the body needs to make certain proteins, which in turn are used to build new cells.   Get Saucy Cranberries get the health nod for their antioxidants quotient too. Cranberries contain large amounts of phenols, linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, stroke and heart disease. That, and they block bad bacteria from forming on our teeth. Good news if you’re hoping for a Christmas shift.   Feeling Green Surely the most divisive foodstuff on the dinner table come Christmas day, you really should opt for some sprouts on that plate. As well as being an excellent source of Vitamin C, they also contain sulforaphane, a chemical that is thought to contain anti-cancer properties.   Roast with the Most Even the humble (but delicious) roastie has health benefits to offer. Potatoes are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B-6 and potassium. To double up on the good stuff, eat them with their skins to up your fibre intake.