Forget the presents under the tree — here are the gifts you need to feel merry and bright this December
Happy Christmas to… YOUR HEART
Tracy Parker, Heart Health Dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, says: ‘Firstly, make sure that you have a healthy, filling breakfast on Christmas morning, which will stop you picking at fatty and sugary foods by mid-morning. Some nice ideas could be cinnamon fruit toast or a banana yogurt smoothie. When it comes to Christmas dinner, boil or steam vegetables rather than roasting them, to keep the calories down. Lay off any added salt or butter too. No one will miss these extras with everything else that’s on offer. Staying active is also good for your heart. So try to head out for a winter walk with family and friends, perhaps with a flask of tea or coffee.
Happy Christmas to… YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
It’s not often we give thanks to the humble sprout, but your immune system just might! Brussels sprouts, which are high in fibre, vitamins and antioxidants, have been shown to help digestion, lower inflammation and support a healthy immune system. Furthermore, they are rich in vitamin K, which studies suggest may help promote good bone health.
Happy Christmas to… YOUR LUNGS
There’s nothing quite like a few Christmas carolsto help get us into the festive spirit. Not only do they help to improve our mood and develop a sense of social connection, but studies have shown that the breathing techniques and muscle control used in singing may be beneficial for certain lung or breathing conditions. Dr Andy Whittamore, Clinical Lead at Asthma and Lung UK, says: ‘My patients tell me that regular singing helps them to feel more in control of their breathing. The festive season is the perfect opportunity for those living with a lung condition to join a group and do some indoor carol singing. It’s a fun way to socialise and exercise your lungs.’
Happy Christmas to… YOUR MUSCLES
Feeling guilty about that mulled wine, mince pie and extra slice of turkey? Well, don’t! You may actually be doing your muscles a favour. That’s because cloves, cinnamon, oranges and red wine are all high in polyphenols — chemicals which recent studies suggest may help to reduce muscle damage or soreness following exercise. Meanwhile, turkey is an excellent source of protein, which is vital for helping to build and maintain healthy muscles.
Happy Christmas to… YOUR LIVER
Want to enjoy a drink but still be kind to your liver this Christmas? Try to make sure you’ve had your roast turkey, potatoes and vegetables before you have a drink! This is because drinking on an empty stomach can increase the levels of alcohol in the blood more rapidly, whereas eating protein-rich foods and carbohydrates, which take the body longer to digest, help slow down the rise. Swapping that bottle of prosecco for Buck’s Fizz, which has a lower alcohol percentage, will also help.
Happy Christmas to… YOUR BRAIN
Want to know the best gift you could give your brain this year? It’s just being around those you love. Not only has socialising been shown to increase happiness and wellbeing, but it also protects memory and helps to slow cognitive decline. Even better, try socialising outside. Whether you’re building a snowman or just going for a wintery walk, having fun — especially in nature — is great for getting those stress-zapping endorphins flowing and promoting feelings of calm and relaxation.
● For more information about heart and lung health, visit bhf.org.uk and blf.org.uk