These greens are a very good source of folic acid a chemical
Posted in General on 23. Oct, 2010
These greens are a very good source of folic acid, a chemical that helps to protect the unborn child against developing spina bifida It is especially important in early pregnancy. Sprouts also contain vitamin C to help ward off New Year flus and colds.Average calorie count: 32Roast potatoesPotatoes are rich in vitamin C and are also a good source of carbohydrate, giving you lots of energy. However, the potential benefits are outweighed when you cover them in fat. Gail Goldberg from the British Nutrition Foundation advises using olive oil for roasting. “If you want to cut down on fat, don’t roast your potatoes in the same tin as the turkey and steer clear of lard or goose fat,” she says. “It’s also important to remember that you don’t need much oil or fat to roast them.”Average calorie count: 127GravyThere’s not a lot lurking in the gravy pot.
It’s mostly water, so as long as you skim off as much fat as possible before you put it on the table, feel free to ladle as much as you like onto your plateful. However, if you are looking to cut down your salt intake to reduce your blood pressure, it’s one to watch as a large amount of seasoning can be used to give it flavour.Average calorie count: 17Cranberry sauceThis popular accompaniment to turkey is a nutritionist’s dream. It contains beta-carotene which protects the capillaries and, according to nutritionist Ian Marber, can reduce the visible signs of ageing. “It won’t make you look 20 years younger by the end of the festive period,” he says. “But it can certainly help.” The sauce also contains vitamin C. “Cranberries saved America’s founding fathers from dying of scurvy,” says Gail Goldberg. “You may not be in such an extreme position, but you’ll probably get your daily intake of vitamin C from a generous dollop of cranberry sauce.” It also contains hippuric acid which has anti-viral properties to help you stay healthy over Christmas and is especially good for cases of cystitis.
The only downside is the high sugar content of many shop bought brands, but in the context of such a large meal, nutritionists agree that it’s nothing to worry about.Average calorie count: 45ParsnipsParsnips are a diuretic and will improve your bowel action, which may well come in useful after the over-indulgences of the Christmas holidays. Unlike potatoes, these root vegetables count as one of the five portions of fruit and vegetables recommended by the Government for a healthy diet. “Some people find it hard to eat enough fruit and vegetables. But Christmas is a really good opportunity to get your full complement,” says Ian Marber. “You could just about get your daily dose in your Christmas dinner alone.” As with roast potatoes, the negative aspects of eating these vegetables are entirely man-made. They are naturally fat free so, once again, if you think about how you prepare them, you can all but eliminate their saturated fat content.Average calorie count: 102Christmas pudding”Saying that Christmas pudding is really good for you because it contains lots of fruit is pushing it slightly,” says Ian Marber.