Carols help dementia and turkey lowers cholesterol – all the ways Christmas saves your life

MINCE pies and mulled wine alongside all the Christmas chores can make us feel stuffed and stressed.

But the good news is that Yuletide excesses can also be good for you.

Cranberries have been labelled a winter superfood, meaning your seasonal dollop alongside the turkey is packed full of health benefits.

It’s not the only part of Christmas that is better for your wellbeing than you might think.

From boosting heart health to aiding your memory, Laura Stott looks at all the bonuses of festive foodie traditions.

TURKEY

A GENEROUS portion of lean turkey will load up your body with protein – and contains less saturated fat than some other meats.

Try a leg or thigh for a B-vitamin boost, which helps increase energy levels by supporting red blood cell formation.

CRANBERRY SAUCE

A GOOD portion of cranberry sauce contains immune-boosting Vitamin C and energy-lifting Vitamin B.

It is loaded with antioxidants, which can neutralise free radical particles that damage DNA and cause diseases such as cancer.

FAMILY FUN

GETTING together with your nearest and dearest is actually great for reducing stress and anxiety – and can increase levels of feelgood serotonin in the brain as well as foster feelings of contentment.

So remember that before bickering!

CHRISTMAS SPICES

TRADITIONAL mulled wine and the spices we associate with the festive season – such cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves – are antioxidants and contain polyphenols, which offer great gut benefits.

They help control blood sugar, enhance circulation and digestive health.

SPROUTS

BOILED, roasted or even cooked in the air fryer, sprouts are loaded with vitamin C, which can keep your immune system strong, as well as vitamin A, which is great for eyesight.

Sprouts are also dense in sulphur-containing compounds called sulforaphane, proven to lower blood pressure.

CHEESEBOARD

WHATEVER you prefer on your cheeseboard, most varieties contains high levels of calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis and promotes good bone health.

A few nibbles are also great for your digestive health and will boost numbers of beneficial gut bacteria in the body.

FINE FIZZ

CHEERS! A flute or two of sparkling wine can boost short-term memory.

As well as being lower in calories than a typical glass of white or red wine, grapes used to make fizz are also loaded with antioxidants.

The froth can also help to lift our mood owing to its affect on levels of potassium, magnesium and zinc in the bloodstream.

CAROLS

WHETHER it is belting out Oh Come All Ye Faithful or even warbling along with Mariah Carey, singing has been proven to help with memory, concentration and attention span.

Alongside better lung function and breath control, singing tunes in a group has been shown to lift your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.