Christmas' Healthy Flavors

For many people, the holidays are a time to blow their diets and gorge on special desserts. Occasional splurging on sweets is usually permitted, but the holidays can also offer tastes with healthful benefits. The following Christmas flavors will add great taste to the holidays and may even enhance one’s health.

The scent of Juniper is as wonderful as it is wintry. Its association with Christmas probably stems from its evergreen appearance. While juniper berries are the main flavor of gin, they are also highly regarded for their medicinal properties. Juniper berries have a stimulating and antiseptic effect on the body. Juniper has been prescribed for people who suffer from chronic bladder infections. Historically, Native Americans used juniper to treat diabetes. The berries have also been used in many folk remedies and are said to relieve the symptoms of gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and even kidney infections. With its Christmas-time scent, a cup of juniper tea might be just the thing for a relaxing December evening before the fire.

Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. The Vegetarian Society suggests 'eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect.

- GourmetSlueth

Anise is also a popular Christmas flavor.While it is most often featured in baked treats like cookies or cake, anise can also be taken in tea where it provides many health benefits.Centuries of folk medicine practitioners have prescribed anise to reduce abdominal ailments.Anise is said to greatly relieve symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and indigestion.Anise is also regarded as a powerful expectorant—which can be most helpful when dealing with a winter cold.Anise is also believed to reduce stress, nausea, and even heartburn.

Where would Christmas gingerbread houses be without ginger? Ginger is a most healthful spice that has been used medicinally since ancient times.As a natural remedy, ginger has been used to treat everything from cancer to migraine headaches.Ginger is also commonly taken to reduce pain, inflammation, morning sickness, and menstrual cramps.Its pungent, pleasing taste can be used to flavor everything from tea to savory meals.In addition to these powerful health benefits, ginger may also help people ward away winter colds and flu.

The cool, refreshing taste of peppermint is a famous Christmas flavor.Throngs of candy canes adorn Christmas trees and clamoring hands alike.But peppermint offers more than great taste.People have traditionally eaten peppermint to remedy upset stomachs and ease the digestive process; this is why peppermint candy is frequently given out at restaurants at the end of a meal.Peppermint oil has also been used to cool and relax the skin; a peppermint rub can be most soothing after an afternoon of shoveling snow.Some folk remedies call for peppermint to relieve headache symptoms as well.

Although cinnamon is usually enjoyed the year round, it is a famous flavor of Christmas used to spice many holiday treats and desserts.One of cinnamon’s most important health benefits is its ability to lower bad LDL cholesterol in the body.Some studies suggest that cinnamon can be helpful to people suffering from diabetes; the spice appears to have the power to regulate blood sugar.Moreover, cinnamon is said to reduce arthritis pain, increase brain function, and even prohibit bacteria growth. Sprinkle cinnamon on ice cream or in coffee to enjoy its healthful properties.

Christmas would not taste like Christmas without these traditional holiday flavors.These tastes pair well with many meals, desserts, and beverages.Enjoying them during the holidays is a wonderful way to add their health benefits to your diet.