Swapping roast spuds for artichoke mash could stave off the traditional festive feud.
Scientists claim the high incidence of arguments over the Christmas dinner is down to its high amount of carbohydrates, which cause a yo-yoing effect on blood sugar levels, making people irritable.
Large helpings of potatoes, bread stuffing and sauces, as well as Christmas pudding, were high on the list of culprits, according to scientists involved in a tv programme to be shown on the UKTV Food channel this week
Meanwhile, the surge in salt intake from crisps and nuts can lead to increased thirst which is often quenched by alcohol - a further cause of stress.
The scientists suggest that foods which are digested slowly, such as artichokes, sprouts and mixed berries, should be favoured over foods with a high-glycaemic index which impact blood sugar levels more significantly.
“One of the main changes is to include foods which are rich in flavanoids, natural compounds which act as tranquilisers. We hope this gives a calmer, more relaxing Christmas,” said Paul Clayton, a pharmacologist at the Royal Society of Medicine.
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