Newswise — Chocolate, wine and romance aren't just the quickest ways to your true love's heart. A University of Michigan Health System cardiologist says these Valentine's Day traditions are also the way to a healthy heart.
"The spirit of Valentine's Day, with intimacy, a little wine, some chocolate, bringing home flowers or sweets, is a tradition we should follow throughout the year. It's one day of celebration that we should continue on a daily basis," says Melvyn Rubenfire, M.D., director of Preventive Cardiology.
Chocolate's little secret
Don't feel guilty if you bring home a box of chocolates for your sweetheart as part of your Valentine's Day celebration this year. "Chocolate has good antioxidants that are cardiac- or vascular-protective," explains Rubenfire.
These antioxidants — also known as flavonoids — are also found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and red and white wine, and they reduce the risk of blood clots and heart disease.
The amount of flavonoids in a particular chocolate depends on processing. White chocolate has the fewest flavonoids, while dark chocolate has the most. Rubenfire says it isn't clear whether milk or dark chocolate is better for you, "but there are benefits to chocolate that go beyond their good taste." Oddly, in addition to protecting the heart, chocolate also may alleviate coughing, for instance.
A recent study in England found that cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, contains the flavonoid theobromide, and that theobromide was nearly three times more effective in stopping persistent coughs than codeine.
While there are many potential benefits from eating chocolate there is a limit to how much we should eat. "Just like most foods, eating chocolate in moderation can have benefits but it's full of calories from fats and sugars, so we've got to be very careful not to eat too much," explains Rubenfire.
Rubenfire notes that chocolate is relatively high in fat and dark chocolate is high in saturated fat; still, it isn't as dangerous as palm and coconut oils found in some sweets.
Warming up with wine
As you cozy up to your loved one with a glass of wine or champagne this Valentine's Day, take heart. Wine and other alcoholic beverages can also have benefits for your cardiovascular health.
"Wine and other spirits are actually associated with a better long-term prognosis in adults. Longevity is increased with moderate use of alcoholic beverages of all types," says Rubenfire.
In particular, wine seems is a good choice because of its high antioxidant content. "Moderate use of wine is pretty well demonstrated to be healthy for us, and of course makes us feel good," he says.
Alcoholic beverages increase the amount of the "good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins " HDL cholesterol " in the blood.
"All alcohols produce them to a similar degree. As you raise the levels of HDL cholesterol, the risk of heart attacks and strokes can decrease," says Rubenfire.
Still, drinking alcoholic beverages should be done in moderation. To reap the benefits, limit your intake to an average of one serving per day for women and two per day for men. A serving is equal to:
"¢12 ounces of beer"¢4 ounces of wine"¢1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits"¢1 ounce of 100-proof spirits
Drinking to excess can counteract the positive effects of alcohol and actually increase the risk of accidental deaths, alcoholism, liver disease (including cirrhosis), obesity, stroke, some cancers, high blood pressure, heart muscle disease, fetal alcohol syndrome, irregular heart beat and even sudden death.
According to a study published by the American Heart Association, drinking an average of three or more alcoholic beverages per day over the long-term is associated with these increased risks. Alcohol use should not be viewed as a way to prevent or treat heart and vascular disease and should be avoided during pregnancy.
The romantic side of heart health
"The intimacy and spiritual relationships or connections that one can have with their significant other are very important to your health " cardiovascular and otherwise. Longevity and the feeling of health and wellness are all promoted by the Valentine's Day spirit," says Rubenfire.
There's good evidence to show that regular sexual activity is beneficial for both men and women, he says. Research has shown that, for men, having sex at least three times per week cuts the risk of stroke and heart attack in half. In addition, a satisfying, emotionally intimate relationship seems to be a key ingredient in our overall health.
"It's very important to realize that support systems and social relationships are very important to our wellness. We've all heard of the married couples who are married for many, many, years and when one of them dies, the other dies shortly thereafter," he says.
Rubenfire attributes this to the fact that there is a lot of evidence that suggests people who are ill but who have a good support system through a spouse, friends or family, live longer than people who don't.
Healthy Valentine's Day suggestions
"¢Give a box of chocolate-covered strawberries to your valentine instead of solid chocolates. They're lower in fat and calories."¢For those who prefer not to drink alcoholic beverages, mix your favorite fresh fruit juice with sparkling water to toast your romantic evening.
The heart-healthy Chocolate Valentine Cake recipe:
Ingredients:
"¢1 1â„2 cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips"¢2 cups or one 19-ounce can of cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans) drained and rinsed"¢4 eggs or 1 cup of egg substitute"¢1â„2 teaspoon baking powder"¢1 Tablespoon powdered sugar"¢1â„2 cup fresh raspberries (optional)"¢1 teaspoon powdered sugar for garnish "¢9-inch non-stick heart shaped or round cake pan
Why chickpeas? They're delicious. Using legumes instead of flour adds fiber and protein and reduces unhealthful spikes in blood sugar.
Directions
"¢In a small bowl, melt the chocolate in a microwave oven for two minutes on medium power."¢In a blender or food processor, combine the chickpeas and eggs."¢Add the powdered sugar, baking powder and chocolate and process until smooth."¢Pour the batter into your cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. "¢Allow the cake to cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar and fresh raspberries
For more information, visit:Medline Plus: Wine and heart healthhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/ency/article/001963.htmAmerican Dietetic Association: Attention chocolate lovershttp://www.eatright.org/Public/NutritionInformation/index_12404.cfm
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