It may seem like an oxymoron to speak about the benefits of Christmas meals, but yes, we also have to ma?ke the most of our Christmas meals and look on the bright side.

This is a time in which we can take advantage to eat more nuts, shellfish and crustaceans, pate, dairy products, roasted meat or fish, etc. We'll tell you which products you can make the most of:

• Seafood: they all have a high concentration of nutrients and very few calories. These nutrients include vitamins and minerals, like vitamin E, which is an antioxidant; vitamin A, which is good for the skin and sight; vitamin B complex, and folic acid, which is particularly important for pregnant women and to prevent anaemia. In terms of minerals, we can highlight iodine, potassium, calcium, iron, sodium and magnesium.The best way to prepare them is boiled and served with lemon, sautéed with good quality fat, like extra-virgin olive oil, or with fibre-rich dishes like sautéed shrimp with vegetables, for example.

• Pate: although it is high in calories, it also has good nutritional properties. In general, it is worth noting its vitamin A and vitamin B complex content, including B2 and B5. Its concentration of these last two make it highly useful in fighting migraines, stress, anxiety and insomnia.These properties may vary depending on the type and variety of pate. You can also take advantage to make homemade pate, with cream cheese and walnuts, garbanzos, avocado and tuna, olives, etc.

• Nuts: they are high in calories and rich in good quality fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce blood cholesterol levels. Their high fibre content prevents constipation. They contain minerals like phosphorous, selenium, potassium, etc. that are beneficial for those with degenerative diseases.

• Roasted fish or meat: using fish increases consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and are rich in iodine, sodium, potassium, etc. In terms of meat, red meat is the most popular this time of year, which is rich in iron, or poultry like duck or turkey, which are good sources of tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps calm the nervous system, preventing anxiety, stress and depression.

And the biggest benefit of Christmas meals: spending time with family and friends, which helps us forget about our daily problems and stress and enjoy ourselves with those we love. Don't forget that social relationships are important to our health.