Since Valentine’s Day is almost here and February is American Heart Month, we thought it’d be fun (and educational) to go over Valentine’s Day that’s actually good for your heart!

 

The Classic… Chocolate

It sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s true! Chocolate, or cocoa, has flavonoids that are good for your heart. Those flavonoids are antioxidants that help protect against free radicals,unstable atoms that cause illness and aging, in your body. Additionally, these free radicals have been studied and researched to be a cause of cardiovascular diseases.  

Therefore, the antioxidants in chocolate can lower the “bad” cholesterol and increase “good” cholesterol in your body! While regular chocolate has these flavonoids, dark chocolate has more cocoa which means more antioxidants. Dark chocolate can even enhance the lining of your veins and arteries too. Just remember that all good things are good in moderation. A whole box of chocolates in one sitting may not be the best for your overall health!

 

Beverage of Choice? Wine!

Just like chocolate, flavonoids in wine also have a great heart benefit for your health. These flavonoids come from the grape skins when making the wine.

 

 

Let’s also not forget that even white wines have those wonderful flavonoids that keep your blood vessels from clotting! The reason red wine is recommended more is due to the fact that red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than white wine, and contains more antioxidants that white wine. However, you can still cook with your leftover wine, red or white. Here are some recipes you can use with your leftover wine:

Fresh Tomato Sauce with Balsamic and Red Wine

A simple dish you can’t go wrong with! 

Poached eggs in a red wine sauce

Different take on using leftover wine with another simple ingredient: an egg!

Vegan Scallops in a White Wine Cream Sauce over Pasta 

Or you can use real scallops! Either way, it sounds like a delicious meal.

 

Dinner at Home vs Take-out?

Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day can be stressful having to share date night or dine-out time with every couple in your city. Are you planning a dinner at home instead of waiting in line or trying to put in a last minute reservation at a restaurant? Here are some recipes from recipes.heart.org: 

 

Spinach Stuffed Baked Spinach

Salmon has many benefits for the heart. These benefits include omega-3 fatty acids, rich protein, antioxidants, B vitamins, and more which help with cardiovascular issues, inflammation, weight control, and brain health. Serve this recipe above with leafy greens and vegetables for one filling meal!

 

Spiced Brisket with Cranberries

What? Brisket can be healthy for your heart? Yes, brisket has been found to contain a high level of oleic acid. Oleic acid is an omega-9 fatty acid, found in canola and olive oil, that helps reduce your risk of heart disease by increasing “good” cholesterol. Cranberries are also great for your heart too. They contain antioxidants (of course) and help fight free radicals that can cause diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

  

Lastly, if you are planning a night in and want to order healthy take-out, here are some tips: 

• Order “pick-two” or half portions so that you can have a more diverse meal with better portion sizes to consume. Sometimes this can lead to having leftovers which is like having a second, healthy meal ready to go!
• Pick healthy meats and proteins! Look for the words “loin” or “round” for lean pork or beef options. Fish, turkey breast, or chicken are also great healthy options for take-out.
• Eat larger portions of vegetables to get more fiber-rich food in your diet.
• Choose water or tea as your beverage if you are skipping wine and alcohol for Valentine’s Day. These are much better options than sugary drinks.

Remember, we are happy to help answer any questions you have about your health. You can schedule an appointment with us today at any of our three locations! Have a happy, healthy Valentine’s Day!