During the Christmas season we tend to eat a lot and feel guilty about it, well, I know I do!! But many of the foods traditionally eaten at this time of year, are actually very good for you (eaten with in reason of course!). Here’s a list of my top 10 festive superfoods…
Turkey
For many of us, this is traditionally Christmas dinner; turkey is high in protein, low in fat and rich in B vitamins and minerals such as zinc.
Salmon
All fish is a source of good-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, but oily fish such as salmon also contains omega 3 fats that reduce blood clotting and inflammation. Studies show that eating oily fish dramatically reduces the risk of having a heart attack, even in older adults
Brussel Sprouts
Rich in cancer fighting phytonutrients, sprouts actually contain more vitamin C than broccoli and strawberries. I’m in the ‘hate ‘em’ category, so they maybe a great superfood but they will not be part of my Christmas!
Carrots
Carrots are rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene and vitamin A, as well as calcium pectate, which is thought to lower cholesterol.
Potatoes
Potatoes play an important part in a healthy, balanced diet as they contain chemicals known as kukoamines, which scientists believe can lower blood pressure. Just don’t have them roasted in goose fat
Broccoli
Broccoli beats most other vegetables when it comes to health benefits, delivering a mother lode of vitamin C and calcium and has been strongly linked to cancer prevention.
Cranberries
Cranberries, the perfect accompaniment to turkey, are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients and are great at protecting us from heart disease, cancer and urinary tract infections.
Nuts
Nuts are high in protein, B vitamins, selenium, omega-3 and other good fats. Just 6-8 Brazil nuts everyday can give you the recommended daily amount of selenium (Note: chocolate covered brazils can give you an expanding waste-line!!).
Red Wine
Red wine is full of heart-protecting antioxidants. If you enjoy mulled wine, the added spices, usually cloves and cinnamon, can lower levels of bad cholesterol, improve cognitive function and ease joint pain.
Tea
Tea has a range of useful properties. The caffeine content is helpful for stimulating alertness, mood and motivation.Tea counts towards the recommended eight cups of fluid daily, which is the minimum to avoid dehydration.Tea, whether black or green, is a rich source of the antioxidant called catechins. Studies suggest that catechins protect the artery walls against the damage that causes heart disease and prevents formation of sticky blood clots.Some population studies suggest as little as one cuppa a day seems to offer some protection.
Now, you can enjoy you’re Christmas dinner without feeling quite so guilty!!
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O comments on "Top 10 Festive Superfoods"
brillant cause!!!!
Thank you so much Hugh for binging this to the forefront of the nation.One hing that really concerns me is are we really getting free range eggs from the supermarket.i think they are telling lots of lies about this.every “free range” egg that i have had from he supermarket looks nothing like a free range egg to me.i was brought up in a farm and i am also a chef,so i do know a bit about the food chain.there is no way in a million years that supermarkets are giving the consumers free range eggs.you just have to look at the colour of the yolk.this should also be part of your campaign as well Hugh.anyway good luck and i am behind youself and Jamie all the way.
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