Every Christmas Eve, millions of Britons excitedly leave out a mince pie and a glass of sherry for Santa, as well as a carrot for his hardworking reindeer.
But this year, scientists are urging Britons to ditch these traditional treats in favour of ‘healthier alternatives’.
Professor Adam Taylor, director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre at Lancaster University, claims that Santa is an alcoholic.
The telltale sign lies in his rosy cheeks, according to Professor Taylor.
‘Santa’s ruddy cheeks could be the result of alcohol flush sydrome,’ he explained in an article for The Conversation.
‘This is triggered by the body’s intolerance to alcohol, and affects 8% of the general population.
‘Alcohol sensitivity can indicate an increased risk of high blood pressure and some cancers.
‘So he should avoid – or at least limit – his alcohol consumption.’
Every Christmas Eve, millions of Britons excitedly leave out a mince pie and a glass of sherry for Santa, as well as a carrot for his hardworking reindeer. But this year, scientists are urging Britons to ditch these traditional treats in favour of ‘healthier alternatives’ (stock image)
In most modern depictions, Santa Claus is shown 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 doesn’t suggest Santa’s in the best of health,’ Professor Taylor said.
In particular, Professor Taylor raises concerns about Santa’s rosy cheeks, which he claims could be a symptom of either rosacea or alcohol flush syndrome.
‘From drinking all the sherry and beer left for him to carrying heavy loads of presents, to windburn from flying through the air on his sleigh, Santa’s lifestyle seems to include many of things that can exacerbate rosacea,’ the scientist explained.
‘Santa lives in a cold climate in the Arctic circle, and spends long periods of time on his sleigh travelling in the stratosphere, where temperatures can get as low as -80°C.
‘It also exposes him to high levels of UV radiation – even in the dark.
‘Lifetime UV exposure is a significant environmental factor associated with developing rosacea.’
If Father Christmas is suffering from rosacea, Professor Taylor claims that he needs better protection from these chilly conditions.
The telltale sign lies in his rosy cheeks, according to Professor Taylor (stock image)
‘Santa’s beard and traditional fur-lined outfit, then, aren’t enough to protect his face from the elements,’ he added.
‘He should be using sun block and wearing a scarf over his face, as well as goggles – to minimise the damage caused by his Christmas Eve delivery duties.’
Santa’s heavy boozing also puts him at high risk for alcohol poisoning and alcohol related liver disease (ARLD).
‘Just 12 units of alcohol are enough to cause alcohol poisoning,’ Professor Taylor said.
‘Most people would reach this level after four or five pints, especially if they’re drinking quickly.
‘As for ALRD, this condition comes from years of high alcohol consumption.
‘It develops when the liver is subjected to more alcohol than it can process, causing toxic metabolites to kill the liver cells.
‘Santa’s liver may well show the hallmarks of the condition, including fat deposits, inflammation and scar tissue.’
However, it’s not all doom and gloom.
‘The good news is that research shows that overweight alcohol drinkers are less likely to suffer from cold-induced injuries,’ Professor Taylor added.
Based on his findings, the expert is now urging Britons to leave healthy treats for Santa Claus this Christmas Eve, rather than the usual boozy offerings.
‘Perhaps those of us who leave refreshments for Santa on Christmas Eve might consider offering some healthier alternatives to the traditional mince pies and cookies,’ he concluded.
