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.

The recipe is a simple one and can be played with at will, though sometimes play may sacrifice some of its benefits. All it takes is a heaping spoonful of organic cocoa powder mixed in a cup of organic soy milk. A scoop of espresso adds a kick of energy and small additions of cinnamon and cayenne pepper give it a kick that really adds flavor. If doubtful about the amounts, make sure to add little bits of spices and increase them to taste. Just a dash of sweetener, while not traditional, certainly makes it more palatable.

To start the drink, make sure to use soy milk. Cow’s milk has an enzyme that will neutralize the affects of the cocoa powder and render the drink nearly useless. Soy itself has its benefits anyway. It contains extra protein and fiber that cannot be found in cow’s milk, as well as isoflavones that help prevent cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. While organic soy milk may not taste as silky as that of a cow, it’s not so bad when spiced up.

The cocoa that is added to the milk is important. Pure ground cocao bean does wonders for the body and cannot be substituted with normal Hershey’s cocoa powder. While it may say 100% pure cocoa, it contains alkalis which neutralize the cocoa’s benefits, rendering it just a decadent dessert. Making sure the cocoa powder is 100% organic cocoa is vital–it also tends to be cheaper, as there is nothing added.

Adding spices to a drink may be the most fun in concocting it–and half the healthiness of it as well. Cinnamon and cayenne both happen to be chock full of nutrients. If 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon is taken a day it has been shown to reduce cholesterol. Mix that with a tablespoon of honey and there’s a quick and easy arthritis pain reliever. Cayenne increases metabolism and revitalizes vein structures, ultimately leading to a healthy heart. Finally, add a kick of espresso to help lift the eyelids and pump in some extra antioxidants, finishing off a body-friendly drink.

While some may not appeal to the somewhat bitter taste, there are ways to improve the taste. A spoonful of sugar is a common remedy to flavor issues, and holds true to this as well. A scoop of soy ice cream could also turn this into the healthiest milkshake anyone could ask for. Honey is also great for cutting through bitterness and, in conjunction with the cinnamon, could create an arthritis-fighting drink. Do what works best and experiment until the best flavor is obtained.

Aztec cocoa may be an acquired taste, but if you can get over the bitter flavor, it could be the perfect alternative to morning coffee, or even just an added drink whenever your body is feeling low on goodness. The ingredients are natural, simple, cheap, and wonderful on the body, not to mention easy to obtain. Just a few extra moments paying attention to your health and some creativity could make all the difference.

Free radicals are the reason antioxidants are necessary. A free radical can be absorbed through inhaling or as any damage to the body such as x-rays, sun damage, or pollution in the air. They can be characterized by having an unmatched electron, making them unstable. Once in the body, the free radical searches for another cell from which it will steal an electron to stabilize itself. This cell could be anywhere in the body, depending on where that particular free radical is best suited to attack. When it steals the electron, it turns the victim cell into a free radical. This creates a chain of damaged and mutated cells, which replicate and create more mutated cells. Disease and cancer is often found in the wake of a free radical chain. These chains can either be stopped by two free radicals meeting, thus stabilizing themselves when their extra electrons meet, or by the power of antioxidants.

Antioxidants can be explained by their names; they slow oxidation levels in the body. Oxidation is when something loses or gains an electron. A sliced apple will turn brown. A car will rust. Naturally, cells also die. Oxidation is, at an unaided rate, natural. However, free radicals speed up the process and, in a sense, age the body faster. Antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that capture and neutralize free radicals, slowing that aging process. Certain types of antioxidants work better in certain areas of the body, which is why different types of antioxidants are necessary.

Many commonly known vitamins are antioxidants. Vitamin A improves vision and can be obtained from carrots, liver, whole milk, spinach, kale, peppers, apricots, mangos, and peaches. Citrus fruits are full of vitamin C and are good for tissue growth and repair, and the health of collagen, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C cannot be created or stored within the body, but is vital to proper health. Selenium is necessary in small amounts, and can be found in beef, cod fish, cottage cheese, eggs, turkey, breads, pastas, oatmeal, walnuts, and brazil nuts. Brazil nuts are the most potent source of selenium, and thus should be limited. Selenium is important in regulating thyroids. Despite all of these, berries remain the most popular source of antioxidants. Blueberries held the biggest reputation before acai berries won as the most potent and concentrated source of antioxidants.

With antioxidants in a person’s system, their body will perform better and more efficiently. A person will feel more awake and energized. More efficient bodies will also burn fat better. Antioxidants are all around good for the body, working as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and quick pick-me-up.

Some might now feel like running out to devour as many antioxidant rich foods that they can when they find out the full potential of these nutrients. Anything if taken in excess, however, can become dangerous and do more harm than help. Supplements and better diets are commendable, but always beware of overdosing. Antioxidants aren’t to be taken for granted, nor to be forgotten. Without them, the body would be at the complete mercy of its surroundings.