The festive season is well know to be a time when we over indulge, but some of the Christmas food favourites are definitely good for us, although others that are not quite so popular they also have the 'Superfood'* label!

So have these foods over the festive period and don't feel guilty. They are good for you!

1. Turkey

A great 'Superfood' we tend to eat only at Christmas but is so good it should be eaten all year round. Turkey is a good source of protein, vitamin B6 and B12, potassium and zinc. Remove the skin, & the flesh is actually low in saturated fat so it’s a much healthier option than you might think. It's so versitile, the meal possibilities really are endless, so don't let it go to waste, try to make use of that left over turkey this Christmas.

2. Cranberries

These red berries are packed with plant chemicals called anthocyanins, which prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract wall.  So many women will know, cranberries are great for helping to beat cystitis. Studies show that these same chemicals may also guard against the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers and gum disease. Enjoy a dollop of cranberries with your turkey dinner, or use cranberry juice as a mixer for spirits.

3. Brussels Sprouts 

Here they are! Brussels you either love or hate them. Brussels are a great source of folic acid, potassium, fibre and vitamin C. These are all important for helping wounds to heal, protecting cells and keeping the immune system working well. So eat up! I love them cooked with bacon lardons, very yummy. 

4. Nuts

Nuts are high in fat, but it's the healthy monounsaturated kind which is good for your heart. In fact, research shows that eating unsalted nuts can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 15 per cent. Almonds, contain vitamin E for healthy and younger-looking skin, and Brazils, which contain selenium, a mineral with anti-ageing properties.

A handful of walnuts provides more than 100 percent of the daily recommended value of plant-based omega-3 fats, along with copper, manganese, and biotin. Studies show that eating walnuts may help to reduce the risk of cancer of the prostrate and breast, and keep your heart and brain healthy.

5. Mulled red wine

Fancy a festive tipple? A glass of mulled red wine is a good choice. Red wine contains antioxidants which mop up the destructive free radicals that can cause cell damage and lead to cancer. All those spices contain powerful anti-inflammatory polyphenols which when consumed regularly may help lower your risk of diabetes.

Studies show that cinnamon slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, which in turn reduces the rise in blood sugar after eating, helping you to feel fuller for longer.

6. Cheese

Don't forget to bring out the cheese board! Cheese may be high in fat but it's also a good source of calcium, which helps to prevent osteoporosis later in life.

Studies show that calcium may help you lose weight by speeding up the rate at which your body burns fat. Research shows that obese people who ate three to four daily servings of dairy foods as part of a reduced-calorie diet lost more weight than those who didn't.

7. Satsumas

Pass by the crisps and snack on satsumas instead. Naturally low in calories and packed with vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system and fight off colds and flu. Eating vitamin C also helps collagen to form, which helps keep skin smooth and younger looking

 * Superfood is a marketing term used to describe foods with supposed health benefits