feel-good food

Our Christmas menus don’t have to be guilt-inducing. In fact, some festive foods are real winners in the wellbeing stakes.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

So they’re not everyone’s festive highlight, but skip these green spheres and you could be missing out. Part of the cruciferous vegetable family, they contain cancer-fighting antioxidants and are rich in fibre for a healthy gut.

CHOCOLATE

in moderation, this treat can help keep colds at bay. ‘go for at least 80% cocoa, which is packed with polyphenols, highly protective antioxidants that help your immune system to combat colds,’ says nutritional therapist Judy Watson. ‘it also contains theobromine, which works as a remedy for chronic (longterm) and acute (sudden) coughs, by blocking the nerves that trigger the cough reflex.’

Clementines

apart from being packed with immune-boosting vitamin c, this christmas stocking favourite can help lift your mood. its scent can be both uplifting and calming, according to an austrian study.

BRAZIL NUTS

as another year ends, anything that helps us turn back the clock is a winner in our books. these nuts are loaded with antiageing selenium. ‘as little as 20g (about six nuts) provides nearly all your RDA,’ says healthspan nutritionist Rob hobson.

Cinnamon

one sniff and it’s christmas. apart from epitomising the festive season, this spice balances blood-sugar levels, helps conquer sugar cravings and reduces heart disease.