What Christmas dinner benefits? Christmas dinner: a time for family, feasting, and…health benefits? Believe it or not, some of your Christmas staples might be packing more than just flavor. Experts at Newcastle University have been digging into the science behind festive favorites, and their findings could change your perspective on the holiday smorgasbord. Here are a few ways your Christmas feast can actually be good for you:
Help Fight Chronic Conditions
Say goodbye to mushy sprouts – they’re not just a taste disaster, they’re also missing out on key health benefits. Steamed Brussels sprouts retain their glucosinolates, potent molecules that help fight chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer. These cruciferous veggies, like broccoli and kale, are loaded with this important compound, which interacts with proteins that repair damaged DNA and promote cell death in tumors. While raw sprouts boast the highest glucosinolate content, cooking plays a role. Newcastle University researchers compared roasting, boiling, and steaming, and found:
- Boiling: Bye-bye, beneficial compounds! They leach into the water.
- Roasting: Heat breaks down some glucosinolates, but not all.
- Steaming: The winner! It delivers the most of these tasty and healthy compounds.
Carrot Powerful Against Cancer
This festive favorite isn’t just for Rudolph – it could help reduce your cancer risk by almost 25%! A new study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that five servings a week can significantly lower your risk for all types of cancer. Even one serving per week offers a 4% reduction compared to carrot abstainers. Researchers analyzed nearly 200 studies with 4.7 million participants, revealing that the whole carrot, not just beta-carotene, delivers the anti-cancer effect. Their analysis showed reduced cancer incidence across various factors, including geographic region, exposure, and cancer type. Dr. Charles Ojobor, lead author of the study, explains:
“Previous research highlighted the benefits of carrots, which is why we had so much data to analyze. However, most studies focused on beta-carotene, which doesn’t show much benefit in controlled experiments. We studied carrots for their polyacetylenes, another type of phytochemical with strong anti-cancer effects. Our analysis showed a 20% reduced cancer risk for those who eat five portions of carrots per week.”
Perfect Roast Potato
Newcastle University scientists have delved into the world of potatoes, studying over 250 varieties for their qualities. They’re rich in fiber and ideal for air frying, the healthiest way to achieve that golden crisp. But with so many options, which spud reigns supreme? Sophia Long, a PhD student involved in the research, reveals:
“Rooster potatoes are perfect for the ultimate roast potato. They have a beautiful red skin and, when peeled, reveal a lovely golden interior – perfect for your Christmas feast!”
Bonus Festive Feast Tips:
- Parsnips: Roast these sweet root vegetables alongside your carrots for an extra dose of cancer-fighting vitamins.
- Cranberries: Top your turkey with this tart superfood, packed with antioxidants that protect your cells and boost immunity.
- Brussels Sprouts: Don’t forget these cruciferous cousins of kale! Steaming them preserves their glucosinolates and gives your body a weapon against chronic diseases.
So this Christmas, go ahead and savor your festive feast. With a little mindful cooking and choosing, you can turn holiday indulgence into a health-boosting celebration. Remember, steaming those sprouts, crunching on carrots, and roasting up Roosters are just a few ways to make your Christmas dinner a nutritious masterpiece.
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