As we prepare for Christmas, families all over prepare for a delicious feast.
We often eat more than usual this time of year, but did you know that some of our favorite holiday foods can be good for us?
Scientists at Newcastle University in the UK have been studying traditional Christmas foods. They’ve discovered that some of these dishes are tasty and quite healthy.
Brussels Sprouts: More Than Just a Side Dish
Let’s start with Brussels sprouts. These small green vegetables might not be everyone’s favorite, but they’re packed with good stuff. The researchers say we should avoid soggy sprouts. Instead, steaming them is the way to go.
This method helps keep essential nutrients called glucosinolates. These nutrients can help our bodies fight serious health problems like diabetes and cancer.
Brussels sprouts are part of a family of vegetables that includes broccoli, cabbage, and kale. They’re all full of health benefits. Glucosinolates, found in these vegetables, are especially good. They help fix damaged DNA and can even help stop cancer cells from growing.
The team at Newcastle University checked different ways of cooking Brussels sprouts. They looked at roasting, boiling, and steaming.
They found that steaming keeps the most health benefits. Dr. Kirsten Brandt, a nutrition expert at the university, says boiling loses a lot of good compounds in the water, and roasting breaks them down. So, steaming is best.
Carrots: A Colorful Cancer Fighter
Next, let’s talk about carrots. This popular vegetable is not just for snowmen’s noses during Christmas. Eating carrots can actually help lower the risk of cancer.
A study published in a major food science journal says that eating carrots regularly can make a big difference. Having five servings a week can reduce your cancer risk by 20%. Even just one serving a week is beneficial.
Researchers reviewed almost 200 studies involving 4.7 million people. They found that the entire carrot, not just the beta-carotene that makes it orange, can help fight cancer. This benefit was seen in various types of cancer and in different groups of people.
Charles Ojobor, a Ph.D. student at Newcastle University, led this study. He points out that while many have focused on beta-carotene in carrots, their study looked at different compounds called polyacetylenes.
These don’t have color but are very effective against cancer. Eating five portions of carrots weekly showed a significant reduction in cancer risk.
The Perfect Potato for Your Festive Roast
Finally, let’s talk about potatoes. A perfect roast potato is a must in any Christmas dinner. The university’s research team studied over 250 types of potatoes.
They found that potatoes are not just tasty; they’re full of fiber and great for health, especially when cooked in an air fryer.
But with so many types, which one is best for roasting? Sophia Long, a Ph.D. student, recommends Rooster potatoes. They have red skin and a golden inside, making them ideal for a crispy, delicious roast.
In conclusion, this holiday season, enjoy your festive feast, knowing that some of your favorite dishes are not just filling but also beneficial to your health. Happy holidays!
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the best time to take vitamins to prevent heart disease, and vitamin D supplements strongly reduce cancer death.
For more nutrition information, please see recent studies about plant nutrient that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
The research findings can be found in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
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