Christmas is a season when we indulge in an array of festive foods that aren't usually on the menu throughout the rest of the year. Our plates are heaped with turkey, pigs in blankets, honey-roasted vegetables and all the trimmings.

However, there's one common side dish that graces every Christmas dinner table and boasts some unexpected health benefits - cranberries. While they're often touted as a home remedy for urinary tract infections, these little berries also offer a host of other health advantages that might surprise you.

These benefits extend to improving cholesterol levels and promoting heart health. The fruit, available in various forms, is brimming with plant compounds known for their protective properties and antioxidants, particularly found in the berry's skin.

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It's worth mentioning that dried cranberries retain the same amount of fibre, vitamins, and minerals as their fresh counterparts, albeit with a slightly reduced antioxidant content.

Cranberries have been recognised for their significant impact on heart health and cholesterol levels. WebMDhas highlighted that the fruit can help reduce pressure and cholesterol, with some studies suggesting that regular consumption of low-calorie cranberry juice can increase HDL (good) cholesterol and decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, reports Surrey Live.

Health specialists at BBC Good Food have also highlighted that the juice may help lower risk factors associated with heart disease. The fruit is believed to influence the reduction of homocysteine, a substance known for harming blood vessel linings.

In 2022, research published in Food and Function demonstrated that consuming 100g of fresh cranberries daily for one month enhanced cardiovascular function in male participants. Those who ate cranberries experienced notable improvements in flow-mediated dilation (FMD), indicating better heart and blood vessel performance.

According to Kings College London, FMD is regarded as a 'sensitive biomarker' for cardiovascular disease risk and assesses how blood vessels expand when blood flow increases. The research suggested that including cranberries in a balanced diet could potentially lower cardiovascular disease risk by enhancing blood vessel function.

Dr. Christian Heiss, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study said: "Our findings provide solid evidence that cranberries can significantly affect vascular health even in people with low cardiovascular risk. This study further indicates that specific metabolites present in blood after cranberry consumption are related to the beneficial effects."

Therefore, when Christmas Day arrives and you're filling your plate, think about adding a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce.