St. Patrick’s Day, observed every March 17th, is around the corner. Millions will come to celebrate the age-long Irish tradition. The day will be filled with parades, good luck charms, traditional food, and everything GREEN. When it comes to feasting, the tables are served with rich Irish delicacies.
On this day, Irish or non-Irish serve themselves with these popular foods:
- Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Irish Soda Bread
- Colcannon
- Guinness
However, keeping the celebration aside, these traditional meals offer certain health benefits.
Corned beef and cabbage serves as the centerpiece delight for St. Patrick’s Day. This item is high in minerals like iron which helps in the making of red blood cells. It also provides the required amount of Vitamin A for antioxidant benefits. Cabbage is a disease-fighter as it provides Vitamin C and folic acid. High in antioxidants, this cruciferous vegetable reduces inflammation. Beef contains B-vitamins, thiamine, and protein with high amounts of fat too, so controlled intake is recommended. A bowl of this dish helps in boosting collagen in the skin, strengthens cartilage and ligaments and of course increases the blood vessel counts.
Irish Soda Bread is 100% natural. It is made of whole wheat flour, thus healthier and heartier. It contains fiber and phytonutrients and other vitamins and minerals to build up immunity. The bread is low in saturated fat and reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases. It is free of processed sugar and low in cholesterol, making it a healthier option for people working on losing weight. It’s not just a generic sugary dessert but one loaded with multiple health benefits. So, a few slices of a freshly baked Irish soda bread is ideal for the Irish holiday celebration.
Colcannon is a traditional Irish mashed potato is comfort food. It’s a buttery blend of four health packed items – potatoes, cabbage, kale and bacon(optional). A bowl packed with nutrients- kale and cabbage are super-foods with zero cholesterol and rich in fiber to improve digestion and detoxify the body, potatoes serve the starch requirements of the body while protein is gained in abundance from the bacon and cream.The food is wholesome, hearty and mouthwatering enough to lift the spirits on St. Patrick’s Day.
Guinness is known around the globe and very popular during St. Patrick’s Day celebration. No St. Patrick’s Day is ever complete without pints of Guinness. It is more than just a beer. Filled with antioxidant compounds, this slows down cholesterol build-up in the arteries. It is rich in iron content and promotes bone density given the presence of phytoestrogen. Guinness is low in calories and rich in flavonoids to fight cell damage. Along with barley and the rich iron content, which boosts immunity, it is the answer to weak and tired muscles.
Our health is our responsibility. Nothing in excess is good. Holidays are all about food and going out and making merry with friends. However, be mindful of food and drinks to stay safe and debunk nutrition myths like higher calorie intake in the evening contributes to weight gain or using microwave is terrible for your health.
This St. Patrick’s Day stay fit, healthy and raise your glass of Guinness to sláinte!
