Food: The health benefits of festive food

Festive Food: 5 Christmas dishes and their health benefits

Lindsay POUI-DI

22 Dec 2014

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:34

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Black blood sausage: high in iron
This contains the most iron. It is estimated that one woman in four lacks sufficient levels of iron, which causes fatigue because this mineral participates in the transportation of oxygen via red blood cells. This is an excellent reason why we should enjoy the holiday season and consume a lot of blood sausage along with cooked apples for their contribution of soft fibre and vitamins.
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Oysters: fights viruses
They are rich not only in iodine, but also in zinc - a key trace element that helps to boost the immune system. It is estimated that 80% of women suffer from a weak immune system. Thus Oysters, shells and other seafood have to be on the menu to help fight viruses.
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Salmon: some good fat
Good fats (omega 3) fight against our small fat pads, but more importantly, they protect the heart, maintain brain health and corrects imbalances in our emotional state. Perfect to improve the Zen state of mind and spirit.
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Champagne: exhilarating bubbles
Not a dish per se but still an important part of the Christmas menu.
Even though excesses are not recommended, champagne is considered to be delicately exhilarating (thanks to the carbon dioxide in its bubbles) and rich in antioxidant polyphenols. What’s more, it aids digestion (by stimulating salivary secretion and by calming digestive cramps) and even combats some viruses and bacteria such as staphylococcus. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was even used against cholera! That makes it well worth a small glass.
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Chocolate: happy pill
Thanks to polyphenols (antioxidants), chocolate protects the heart, reduces bad cholesterol, helps prevent diseases caused by ageing and improves intellectual functions. In addition, the magnesium it contains chases away stress and fatigue and fights depression. It would be a pity to deprive yourself of it.

Not all festive dishes are our enemies. Some are even allies when it comes to our well-being, and this is the ideal occasion to take advantage of them.

This Christmas as you sit at the dinner table, there’s no need to nitpick at your food. Instead, indulge in all of the glorious dishes because they’re surprisingly good for your health.

We have specifically picked 5 items on the menu and decoded them to reveal their health benefits – so there’s no reason to go hungry this festive season.

Isabelle Delaleu

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Festive Food: 5 Christmas dishes and their health benefits

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