Red Wine & Dark Chocolate Pairings: Doctor’s Orders
There is a lot to love about February, not only is it the host month for the sweetest holiday, Valentine’s Day, but it is also national heart month. While it is important to remember the ones we love and heart health all year round, February gives us a time to increase our awareness and make sure we know what is best for our bodies.
With Valentine’s Day treats and sweets top the list of items for loved ones, and though you may be thinking what a mean twist to have these highlighted at the same time you are trying to protect your heart health, studies show that they may be the perfect match to keeping you and your loved one’s heart beating strong. Susan Ofria, clinical nutrition manager at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, says that red wine and dark chocolate are actually good health choices!
“You are not even choosing between the lesser of two evils, red wine and dark chocolate have positive components that are actually good for your heart.”
Ofria credits the two with containing resveratrol, found to lower blood sugar, as well as red wine being a good source of catechins which can help improve “good” HDL cholesterol. So go for that second bite of dark chocolate this Valentine’s Day, remember Doctor’s orders!
Click here to see a list of heart-healthy ingredients recommended by Ofria.
