Home Chef Cooking Tips

Walnuts - Image by funadium

Believe it or not, there are actually a few things on your Holiday table that are quite healthy for you. If you happen to be the one hosting the family gathering this year, make sure these in your pantry, and they find their way onto your table.

Roasted Nuts

Nuts are heart healthy for two reasons, protein and unsaturated fat. The protein in nuts is high in the amino acid arginine that relaxes blood vessels. The unsaturated (good) fat in nuts also lowers blood cholesterol. Additionally, the unsaturated fats trigger a chemical reaction in your body that will cause you to digest food slower, which means you’ll feel fuller longer (and less likely to have that second round of desserts).

Chocolate

As far as sweet indulgences go, a good quality chocolate (at least 70%) has several health benefits. High percent chocolate doesn’t contain the milk fat of lesser quality chocolate. Also, dark chocolates are rich in a specific type of antioxidant called flavenoids, which have been shown to lower risk of heart disease, lung cancer, prostate cancer, asthma, and type 2 diabetes. Flavenoids also reduce the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream, which can lead to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Cranberries

The health benefits of cranberries are totally under appreciated. Like chocolate, cranberries also are high in flavenoids and provide the same health benefits. Additionally, cranberries have been shown to reduce cavity and plaque producing bacteria in the mouth. This means better breath and fewer cavities.

So as the Holiday season gets in full swing, instead of reaching for another chip full of dip, or helping of sausage stuffing, try adding a little more of these healthy powerhouses to your plate. Your body will thank you for the healthy snacks.