Holiday Traditions Making Health

As the holidays come and go, certain traditions stay with families; major traditions remain in food choices. Whether it’s roasting chestnuts over an open fire or making cranberries into a sauce for a turkey dinner, holiday foods doesn’t have to be guilt inducing. Some of these food traditions can be a fantastic source of nutrition, making holidays better for the body than most may think.

Chestnuts are tasty to roast, perfect for stuffing turkeys, and make a wonderful gluten substitute. It can be used to make breads, soups, butters, and creams with a nutty flavor. This is perfect because it’s low fat and low calorie, even for a nut. It’s packed full of vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium. These traits make it comparable to sweet potatoes or corn, which also come as holiday favorites. Those eating chestnuts will find them also a good source of high quality protein, fiber, and exceptional amounts of vitamin C and folates. Folic acids are the building blocks for blood cells and synthesizing DNA, which are both pertinent during pregnancy for a well developed baby. On top of all that, it lowers bad cholesterol and promotes the good kind. Whether it’s used as a gluten-free substitute or not, chestnuts can make the holidays happier for everybody.

Another tradition with holidays incorporates the use of cranberries into dinners and desserts. These are not only a beautiful brilliant red, but also packed full of antioxidants that protect urinary tract infections. The antioxidants work by clinging to the bacteria that may build up or become introduced to sensitive body areas. They disarm it and make the bacteria unable to cling to cell walls, thus preventing it from infecting any other cells or becoming detrimental. These antioxidants also kill H. Plyori bacteria, which cause cancer and stomach ulcers.

Holiday traditions tend to make people feel like they’re putting on pounds, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Chestnuts and cranberries alike, if used properly, can make the holidays into healthy days with just a couple cookies or a ruby red sauce.