Babbage from The Economist (subscriber edition) Surviving Christmas: your evidence-based guide
Dec 17, 2025
Join Slavea Chankova, Healthcare correspondent, as she reveals the dark truths about sugar's impact on health and offers festive food strategies. Benjamin Sutherland, Science correspondent, dives into the science of hangovers, explaining why they worsen with age and providing tips for mitigating drinking-related damage. Tim Cross, Senior science writer, discusses the societal benefits of moderate drinking and shares tactics for a successful holiday party experience. It's a blend of science, health, and holiday cheer!
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Sugar's Metabolic Sameness
- All common sweeteners are largely the same chemically, mainly fructose and glucose.
- Excess intake of either drives spikes, insulin dysregulation and risk of type 2 diabetes.
Prefer Solids Over Sugary Drinks
- If you must eat sugary things, prefer solid foods over liquids to slow absorption.
- Choose cakes with fiber, nuts or protein rather than sugary drinks or spongy sweets.
Control Chocolate Portions
- Buy small chocolate bars rather than large family-size blocks to limit intake.
- Keep portion control simple by choosing 25g bars or individually wrapped pieces.