There are many surprising nutritional benefits in a Christmas lunch. Where the Christmas season is usually associated with over indulgence and gluttony, the nutritional tale of Christmas day lunch might be of a surprise.
There are many seasonal staples that come out around the Christmas season that have some amazing hidden healthy benefits. If you make sure you include them in your Christmas season food wish list, you will find the jolly season not as damaging as you might believe.
Sprout to Health
Brussel sprouts may not be on everyone’s Christmas menu, but they go extremely well with all vegetables and especially well with the traditional Christmas turkey.
Evidence suggests that the humble Brussel sprout contain super concentrated levels of key nutrients.
There are many studies suggesting that there are positive health benefits of this cruciferous vegetable in relationship to cancer.
‘This connection between Brussels sprouts and cancer prevention should not be surprising since Brussels sprouts provide special nutrient support for three body systems that are closely connected with cancer development as well as cancer prevention. These three systems are:
- The body's detox system,
- Its antioxidant system, and
- Its inflammatory/anti-inflammatory system. Chronic imbalances in any of these three systems can increase risk of cancer, and when imbalances in all three systems occur simultaneously, the risk of cancer increases significantly.
Among all types of cancer, prevention of the following cancer types is most closely associated with intake of Brussels sprouts: bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer. The World's Healthiest Foods
Turkey
Turkey is a rich source of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is used to create the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is then converted to a neurotransmitter called melatonin, which helps induce a deep sleep. Therefore, eating turkey can help you sleep! It is important to consume tryptophan rich foods with a carbohydrate source such as baked potatoes to allow the amino acid to cross the blood brain barrier where it can be converted efficiently.
This would explain the post-Christmas dinner coma!
