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.

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Some parts of Christmas are better for your wellbeing than you might thinkCredit: Getty

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

Turkey contains less saturated fat than some other meats

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Turkey contains less saturated fat than some other meatsCredit: Getty

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

Cranberries contain immune-boosting Vitamin C and energy-lifting Vitamin B

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Cranberries contain immune-boosting Vitamin C and energy-lifting Vitamin BCredit: Getty – Contributor

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

Being with your family can increase levels of feelgood serotonin in the brain

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Being with your family can increase levels of feelgood serotonin in the brainCredit: Getty

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!

I’m a skincare pro, don’t chuck your Christmas dinner leftovers, use them for skincare

CHRISTMAS SPICES

Christmas spices offer great gut benefits

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Christmas spices offer great gut benefitsCredit: Getty

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

Sprouts are loaded with vitamin C which can keep your immune system strong

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Sprouts are loaded with vitamin C which can keep your immune system strongCredit: Getty

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

Cheeseboards contain high levels of calcium

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Cheeseboards contain high levels of calciumCredit: Getty

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

Fizzy wine can boost short-term memory

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Fizzy wine can boost short-term memoryCredit: Getty

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

Carolling has been proven to help with memory, concentration and attention span

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Carolling has been proven to help with memory, concentration and attention spanCredit: Getty

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.