Essential beauty: Christmas food

by Taryn Davies | 21 December 2012

Christmas turkey

Christmas is a foodie’s favourite time of year but almost half of women feel ‘pangs of guilt’ when it comes to eating Christmas food, a recent survey by the Sanctuary Spa has revealed.

However, as some of our much-loved Christmas treats have skin-boosting properties women needn’t worry about indulging in their favourite foods this Christmas.

The study of women’s attitudes towards festive food was commissioned by the Sanctuary Spa and showed that a quarter of women consider Christmas dinner unhealthy, with over half planning a January detox to combat the effects of a food-filled festive season.

Sanctuary Spa skincare expert and celebrity facialist Nichola Joss can reveal that Christmas can be a great time of year to give your skin a boost from within. Nichola says: “Seasonal Christmas foods can be a perfect skin booster, by making smart choices you can really enhance your existing beauty regime.”

“The high levels of zinc in turkey can boost skin elasticity and cinnamon can lock in moisture, whilst Vitamin A in sprouts helps maintain the skin cell’s membranes to keep us looking younger” says Nichola Joss.

Topping the poll of womens’ favourite Christmas foods was turkey, with one in five listing turkey as their favourite Christmas food, great news for the youthful looks of the nation. Yet, a third of Brits only eat turkey at Christmas. Nichola says: “Turkey contains trace minerals of zinc and selenium which have been shown to benefit cell and tissue repair and growth, plus zinc also helps and preserves the skins elasticity. Turkey also contains carnosine that has been known to slow the deterioration of collagen in the skin. The evidence is clear, when it comes to better looking skin, turkey is for life and not just for Christmas!”

Three quarters women think that Mince Pies are the unhealthiest Christmas treat, yet Mince Pies, Christmas Cake and traditional Christmas Pudding all contain mixed fruits and berries which have antioxidants, vitamins and essential acids to help rid the skin of the free radicals responsible for ageing. Nichola says: “When it comes to fighting wrinkles, berries are a girl’s best friend. The high levels of potassium and calcium have an anti-wrinkle effect that helps boost elastin in the skin.”

Traditional Christmas spices such as cinnamon and cloves are the perfect antidote for dry, winter skin. Nichola explains: “Cloves are high in flavonoids, a property that functions in the body as an anti-oxidant, whilst cinnamon is high in calcium and helps lock moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated and healthy.”

Ladies who struggle to stomach Brussels Sprouts this Christmas might think twice about avoiding the little green vegetable as Nichola reveals they pack a powerful punch: “Sprouts are an excellent source of Vitamin A that maintains healthy membranes in the skin. They’re also a great source of Vitamins C and E, anti-oxidants that protect the body and skin.”

Surprisingly, over one in ten women questioned think that cranberry sauce is an unhealthy Christmas food. However, Nichola explains: “Cranberries are a fantastic natural source of antioxidants that help to protect the body against the damage caused by free radicals.” To maximise the skin benefits, Nichola suggests finding a low sugar sauce, or time permitting, make your own. She says: “Making your own cranberry sauce dramatically reduces the sugar content and maximises the skin benefits of the antioxidants. For a shot of skin-boosting Vitamin C, add a little freshly squeezed orange juice to your sauce.”