Everyone Christmas Eve, millions of Britons are leaving Santa a mince pie and a glass of sherry, as well as a carrot for his hard-working reindeer.
But this year, scientists are urging Britons to abandon these traditional practices in favor of ‘healthier alternatives’.
Professor Adam Taylor, director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Center at Lancaster University, said Santa is an alcoholic.
The telltale sign is in her smooth cheeks, according to Professor Taylor.
‘Santa’s red cheeks may be due to alcohol flush sydrome,’ he explained in the article Discussion.
‘This is caused by the body’s intolerance to alcohol, and affects 8% of the general population.
‘Alcohol exposure may indicate an increased risk of high blood pressure and other cancers.
‘So he should avoid – or limit – his alcohol consumption.’
Every Christmas Eve, millions of Britons leave Santa a mince pie and a glass of sherry, as well as a carrot for his hardworking reindeer. But this year, scientists are urging Britons to abandon these traditional customs in favor of ‘healthier alternatives’ (stock image)
In many modern images, Santa Claus is depicted as a white-haired old man with a white beard, glasses, and gray cheeks.
“While his appearance may be similar to the sweet weather, it does not necessarily mean that Santa is in good health,” Professor Taylor said.
In particular, Professor Taylor raises concerns about Santa’s cheeks, which he says could be a sign of rosacea or alcoholism.
‘From drinking sherry and beer left behind to carry a heavy load of presents, to heatstroke from flying in the air on his scale, Santa’s life seems to include many things that can increase rosacea,’ explained the scientist.
‘Santa lives in the cold Arctic Circle, and spends a lot of time on his sleigh traveling in the stratosphere, where the temperature can drop to -80°C.
‘It also exposes him to high levels of UV radiation – even in the dark.
‘Constant UV exposure is an important environmental factor in the development of rosacea.’
If Father Christmas suffers from rosacea, Professor Taylor says he needs to be well protected from these cold conditions.
The telltale sign is in his smooth cheeks, according to Professor Taylor (stock photo)
“Santa’s beard and traditional fur clothing are not enough to protect his face from the elements,” he added.
‘He has to use sunscreen and wear a scarf over his face, as well as glasses – to minimize the damage caused by his Christmas delivery job.’
Santa’s heavy drinking also puts him at greater risk of alcohol poisoning and alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD).
“Just 12 units of alcohol is enough to cause poisoning,” Professor Taylor said.
‘Most people reach this level after four or five pints, especially if they drink quickly.
‘Regarding ALRD, the condition is caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
‘It develops when the liver absorbs more alcohol than it can produce, causing toxic metabolites to kill liver cells.
‘Santa’s liver can show signs of the disease, including fat, inflammation and scarring.’
However, it’s not all doom and gloom.
‘The good thing is that research shows that people who drink too much alcohol are less likely to suffer from cold injuries,’ added Professor Taylor.
Based on his findings, the expert is now urging Britons to leave healthy food for Santa Claus this Christmas night, instead of giving alcohol.
‘Perhaps those of us who leave refreshments for Santa on Christmas Eve should consider some healthy treats instead of mince pies and cakes,’ he concluded.
