December Newsletter 2009
Hello and welcome to the Christmas 2009 issue of The Nutrition Link newsletter. This month we take a look at the nutritional advantages and disadvantages of Christmas food. We've also got a christmas present for every reader, a roundup of the latest nutrition news and a delicious recipe to try so keep on reading....!
What's on Your Plate? Christmas Dinner Nutrition
We traditionally think of Christmas as a time of excess and unhealthy eating, but it doesn't have to be that way. Many of the elements of Christmas dinner are quite healthy and some of our favourite Christmas treats may actually have some health benefits too! Let's look at each of the elements in more detail...
1. Turkey
High in protein, low in saturated fat and rich in vitamins and minerals such as phosphorous, selenium, vitamin B3 and B6, turkey is a very healthy choice for your Christmas day lunch. Oh and it's also rich in an amino acid (one of the building blocks of protein) called tryptophan, important for making the feel good neurotransmitter serotonin!
2. Carrots
We all know that vegetables are good for us, but what's so special about carrots? Rich in fibre and vitamins A, C and K, carrots help support stong night vision and healthy colon and lung health.
3. Brussels Sprouts
Often the least favourite element of Christmas dinner, brussels sprouts are nutritionally very beneficial. Rich in substances called glucosinolates, sprouts boost the liver's ability to deal with toxins and are especially helpful at protecting us from cancers..
4. Roast Potatoes
Possibly one of the tastiest elements of the Christmas meal, the roast potatoes unfortunately are not the healthiest element, being high in saturated fat and calories. However they do contribute some potassium and vitamin C and also help to boost serotonin!
5. Cranberry Sauce
This condiment is to my mind pure delight! Cranberries are extremely high in cancer protective antioxidants as well as helping to protect against tooth decay, urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal infections. Plus they can help lower the bad (LDL) cholesterol and boost the healthier (HDL) cholesterol. Be careful if you are on blood thinning medication such as warfarin however as cranberry sauce may be contraindicated. Try and choose a sauce that is low in sugar
6. Stuffing and Bacon Rolls
One of the least healthy parts of Christmas dinner, stuffing and bacon rolls tend to be high in fatty, low quality meats - one to go easy on!
7. Christmas Pudding
If you've got any room left after a large Christmas dinner then a good quality Xmas pud rich in dried fruits and nuts will provide you with a wide range of vitamins, minerals, although Christmas pudding is very high in calories especially when combined with brandy butter, custard or cream
Nutrition In The News
Link between antidepressants and increased stroke risk....
High sugar consumption increases risk of depression and schizophrenia say researchers...
Calcium and Vitamin D supplements may improve colorectal health....
Click below for full details of these and other news stories
Christmas Recipe - Dairy Free Chocolate Truffles (Perfect for Xmas Presents or an indulgent treat!)
Ingredients
250mg good quality dark chocolate
2oz dairy free margarine (such as Pure. Butter may be used if tolerated)
21/2 floz oat cream or soya cream (double cream may be used if tolerated)
cocoa / icing sugar / chopped nuts to coat
Flavourings such as 4 tsps of brandy / rum / cointreau or 2 tsps of vanilla essence
Cut chocolate into squares and place in a bowl with the margarine or butter
Place bowl over a saucepan with boiling water until the chocolate and margarine have melted.
Stir in the oat / soya cream or double cream
Add flavourings
Place mixture into a fridge until nearly set. This can take between 30-40 minutes
Take small handfuls of the mixture and roll into balls.
Coat the balls in cocoa / icing sugar / chopped nuts as desired
Place into truffle cases and keep in the fridge.
They can be presented in pretty little boxes as gifts, but tell the recipient to keep them in the fridge!
A Christmas Present From The Nutrition Link!
Ever wondered whether something you are eating is disagreeing with you? Thought about having food intolerance testing done, but been afraid to take the plunge? Well now you can....
This Christmas The Nutrition Link would like to offer you the opportunity to have a free indicator test which will give you a definitive yes or no as to whether you have a food intolerance. If you'd like to take up this great opportunity please contact us on 01727 764 832 e-mail paula@thenutritionlink.co.uk
Well that's it from us this month and all that remains is to wish all our customers a very merry Christmas! In the meantime if you need help with a health issue or would like to talk to us about the comprehensive selection of health tests that we offer please contact us on 01727 764 832 e-mail paula@thenutritionlink.co.uk www.thenutritionlink.co.uk
To Your Good Health!
Paula