Every Christmas Eve, millions of Brits excitedly leave a mince pie and a glass of sherry for Santa, as well as a carrot for his hard-working reindeer.
But this year scientists are urging Brits to ditch these traditional treats in favor of ‘healthier alternatives’.
Professor Adam Taylor, director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Center at Lancaster University, claims Santa is an alcoholic.
The telltale sign, according to Professor Taylor, lies in his rosy cheeks.
“Santa’s rosy cheeks could be the result of alcohol flushing syndrome,” he explained in an article for The conversation.
‘This is caused by the body’s intolerance to alcohol and affects 8% of the general population.
‘Alcohol sensitivity may indicate an increased risk of high blood pressure and some forms of cancer.
‘So he should avoid – or at least limit – his alcohol consumption.’
Every Christmas Eve, millions of Britons excitedly leave a mince pie and a glass of sherry for Santa, as well as a carrot for his hard-working reindeer. But this year scientists are urging Brits to ditch these traditional treats in favor of ‘healthier alternatives’ (stock image)
In most modern images, Santa Claus is depicted as a portly old man with a white beard, glasses, and rosy cheeks.
“While his appearance may be synonymous with the season of goodwill, it does not mean Santa is in good health,” Professor Taylor said.
Professor Taylor raises particular concerns about Santa’s rosy cheeks, which he says could be a symptom of rosacea or alcohol flush syndrome.
‘From drinking all the sherry and ale he has left, to carrying heavy loads of presents, to the windburn from flying through the air on his sleigh, Santa’s lifestyle seems to include many things that can worsen rosacea.’ , the scientist explained.
‘Santa lives in a cold climate in the Arctic Circle, and spends long periods of time on his sleigh as he travels through the stratosphere, where temperatures can reach -80°C.
‘It also exposes him to high levels of UV radiation, even in the dark.
‘Lifelong exposure to UV is an important environmental factor linked to the development of rosacea.’
If Santa Claus suffers from rosacea, Professor Taylor claims he needs better protection from these cold conditions.
The telltale sign, according to Professor Taylor, lies in his rosy cheeks (stock image)
“So Santa’s beard and traditional fur-lined outfit are not enough to protect his face from the elements,” he added.
‘He should use sunscreen and wear a scarf over his face, as well as goggles – to minimize the damage caused by his Christmas Eve delivery work.’
Santa’s heavy drinking also puts him at high risk for alcohol poisoning and alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD).
‘Just twelve units of alcohol are enough to cause alcohol poisoning,’ said Professor Taylor.
‘Most people reach this level after four or five pints, especially if they drink quickly.
‘As for ALRD, this condition results from years of high alcohol consumption.
‘It occurs when the liver is exposed to more alcohol than it can process, causing toxic metabolites to kill the liver cells.
‘Santa’s liver may show signs of the condition, including fatty deposits, inflammation and scar tissue.’
However, it is not all doom and gloom.
‘The good news is that research shows that overweight alcohol drinkers are less likely to suffer from cold-related injuries,’ added Professor Taylor.
Based on his findings, the expert is now urging Brits to leave healthy treats for Santa this Christmas Eve, instead of the usual drink offerings.
‘Perhaps those of us who leave refreshments for Santa on Christmas Eve could consider offering some healthier alternatives to the traditional mince pies and biscuits,’ he concluded.