Magusto and health: celebrating tradition with balance and well-being

November is the month of Magusto — one of Portugal’s most cherished traditional celebrations. Around the bonfire, with roasted chestnuts and shared laughter, people celebrate St. Martin’s Day and the so-called “summer” that bears his name.

But beyond the gathering and the tradition, Magusto is also an opportunity to reflect on health, balance, and mindful eating. After all, celebration is part of well-being, as long as both body and mind are cared for.

Chestnuts: the healthy heart of the tradition

Chestnuts are the symbol of Magusto and a truly functional food. Rich in fibre, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, they help strengthen the immune system and protect the heart. Their low fat content and high amount of complex carbohydrates make them an excellent source of slow-releasing energy — ideal for the cool autumn days.

In addition, they are natural, gluten-free, and easy to digest, making them suitable for almost all ages. Regular consumption of chestnuts can help to:

• regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels;
• improve digestion;
• reduce tiredness and fatigue;
• support muscle and nervous system function.

👉 Healthy tip: choose roasted or boiled chestnuts, without added salt or sugar. Three chestnuts are roughly equivalent to one small slice of bread — meaning they are delicious, but should be enjoyed in moderation.

The value of sharing for mental health

Magusto is a celebration of connection and togetherness, and that may be its greatest contribution to health. Sharing simple moments with family and friends stimulates the production of well-being hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin, which reduce stress and promote emotional balance.

In a time often marked by fast-paced routines and social isolation, these traditions remind us that human connection is also a way of caring for the mind. Laughing, talking, and feeling part of a community have a direct impact on mental health — and even on immunity.

A tradition with meaning: the example of St. Martin

According to legend, St. Martin shared his cloak with a beggar on a cold, rainy day, and the sun immediately appeared — the famous “St. Martin’s Summer.”

This gesture symbolizes solidarity, empathy, and compassion — values that continue to inspire the work of Misericórdias Saúde. True health begins not only with caring for the body, but also with the way we relate to others and to our community.

Celebrating with balance

Magusto can be enjoyed in a healthy and pleasurable way. A few simple recommendations make all the difference:

• Eat mindfully: savour the chestnuts slowly, appreciating the food and the moment.
• Avoid excess: both in alcohol and rich foods.
• Stay active: walking, dancing, or joining Magusto activities helps balance extra calories.
• Keep hydrated: water remains essential, even on colder days.

Celebrating with balance is the best way to honour tradition without compromising health.

Magusto: warming the body, nourishing the soul

More than a gastronomic event, Magusto is a celebration of life, community, and health. Chestnuts warm the body, togetherness feeds the spirit, and sharing strengthens the heart.

Living Portuguese traditions with mindfulness and moderation is a way of caring for oneself and for others — because health and well-being are also built through small gestures and moments of connection.