If you’re one to indulge in your favorite treats this time of year continue to do so,
but just make sure to also indulge in treats that bolster your health.

Bolster your health?
Yes, a few chocolate chip cookies or a few slices of ham or lasagne won’t do too
much harm, but have them everyday, then you’re looking at higher blood pressure,
higher cholesterol levels and a higher BMI (body mass index) and to avoid these
health issues, include the Christmas treats that’ll do your health some good,
what types of treats are those, you ask?

Look below, for the answers.

a) A Glass Of Red-
More specifically, mulled wine. Also called glogg or wassail, mulled wine not only
helps you unwind after a long day of Christmas shopping, cooking and cleaning, it
can also boost your ability to concentrate. Red wine contains compounds that help
prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s, it also contains something called resveratrol,
which improves short-term memory and focus. And the last helpful benefits:
It (the wine) is simmered in cinnamon and cloves, which enhance energy, reduce
harmful inflammation (throughout the whole body) and improves circulation in
the body, especially to the brain.
To enjoy mulled wine, simmer a glass or two in a small pot and add 1/4 tsp.
of each, cloves, ground ginger and cinnamon for 3 to 5 minutes, remove from heat,
allow to cool down, sit back and sip slowly.

b) Chestnuts-
If you only enjoy chestnuts from the Nat King Cole song, you’re missing out and
should start eating them. And the best reason to eat them is that they’ll help you
keep holiday weight gain at bay. The nuts are rich in fiber and hunger-proofing
protein, and they have the lowest calories out of all the nuts.
The lowly chestnuts are loaded with ample amounts of vitamin C, which helps
the body break down fat, especially the stubborn fat that’s situated around
your midsection. (belly-fat)
Not sure how to roast chestnuts? Go to youtube.com and type how to roast
chestnuts in the subject line.

c) Beef-
Yes, it’s a dirty word to a lot of people, but if you haven’t sworn off beef, have a
steak, some filet mignon, prime rib or even a grass-fed burger this time of year
and you’ll lower your stress levels, (especially the stress caused by the Christmas
holiday).
Researchers say that consuming about 16 oz. of beef per week, can
boost up your happy hormones, helping you feel calm, relaxed and more
upbeat. The combination of fat and protein in steaks, hamburgers or roasts
prods the brain to produce more of its own antidepressant hormones.

d) A Cup of Hot Cocoa-
Although many of us enjoy it year round, it’s especially important this time of year
if you’re concerned about aging. Aging? Yes, aging of the body and face. A cup of hot
cocoa has more anti-aging properties than green tea and it tastes better.
Cocoa has copper, magnesium, and zinc, all skin-smoothing nutrients.
Try and have 1 to 3 cups of a good quality hot cocoa each day and please, refrain
from having it with age inducing treats like muffins, biscuits, doughnuts, brownies,
cookies, pies, cupcakes and cake.
One more benefit: If you or a loved one suffers from a chronic cough this time
of year, add a cup or two of hot cocoa to your daily menu and see if it helps.
Hot cocoa can stop the cough reflex, improve lung function and even protect
you from asthma and bronchitis.

e) A Piece of Gingerbread-
If you must have a sweet treat with your hot cocoa, make it gingerbread.
A little gingerbread can ease the type of stress that causes those painful
headaches. Ginger can relieve headaches by easing muscle tension, relaxing
blood vessels, and ending the pain-causing signals from prostaglandins to the
brain. Another benefit: The molasses used to make gingerbread is also a natural
stress reliever, thanks to the copper, selenium, iron and B vitamins in it.
Important tip: Avoid gingerbread made with sugar (as sugar puts pressure on
delicate brain vessels that cause the headaches) and look for one (or bake one)
made with molasses.

f) A Glass of The Bubbly-
No, not wine, but Champagne. Yes, it’s traditionally drunk on the last day of the year,
but you may want to make an exception and have it throughout the month.
Why?
It (champagne) can protect your heart and with the stress and eating that comes
from the winter and holiday season, your heart needs all of the protection it can get.
The fizzy bubbles are responsible for the added protection to your heart, they (the
bubbles) increase circulation and your levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps
relax tiny blood vessels in and around the heart. Plus, it reduces inflammation
and protects against plaque, (a top cause of heart disease) and the alcohol in it,
also reduces your risk of a heart attack by another 40%.
So, if you’re reluctant to drink champagne because of the price, remember it
helps prevent heart attacks and strokes.

That’s it for today.
Good Luck, Good Eating and Good Health!

Sources:
* American Heart Association (AMA)
* The British Journal of Nutrition
* Georgetown School of Medicine
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