Red Wine and Dark Chocolate. Guilt Free Pleasures That Romance the Heart

Resveratrol which lowers blood sugar and relaxes arteries is found in red wine and also dark chocolate, making them ideal for heart holidays like Valentine's Day and year round consumption for heart health.

Red wine, and Green Tea provide catechins, which lower LDL and total cholesterol and relax blood vessels for blood pressure control. To say nothing of boosting mood!

Dark chocolate, (70 percent or higher cocoa content) is a treat you do not have to feel guilty about. When was the last time you were really excited about eating healthy? “Truffles, soufflés and even hot chocolate can be a great source of resveratrol and cocoa phenols (flavonoids) as long as dark chocolate with a high content of cocoa is used.”

Other heart healthy choices?

Salmon/tuna - “Especially white, or albacore, tuna and salmon are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and canned salmon contains soft bones that give an added boost of calcium intake.”

Oatmeal - “Cooked for a breakfast porridge or used in breads or desserts, oatmeal is a good source of soluble fiber, niacin, folate and potassium.”

Black or kidney beans – These foods provide niacin, folate, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, soluble fiber.

Walnuts and almonds - “Both walnuts and almonds contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, fiber and heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats.”

Blueberries/cranberries/raspberries/strawberries - “Berries are a good source of beta carotene and lutein, anthocyanin, ellagic acid (a polyphenol), vitamin C, folate, potassium and fiber.” Yes! You can dip them in dark chocolate!

Your hearts desire..if you're a chocoholic...

A study at Cambridge University has found a delicious answer to reducing heart disease: Chocolate. Polyphenol rich chocolate consumption can slash your risk of heart disease by about a third. One likely mechanism is an increase in nitric oxide which might lead to healthier blood vessels, reductions in stickiness of platelets and beneficial affects on blood pressure, insulin resistance and lipid levels. The findings were presented today at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Paris.

Food for Thought...dark chocolate lowers blood pressure! mmmm....

The next time you crave chocolate, give in. Besides lifting your mood, the flavonols in dark chocolate may protect against high blood pressure and stroke, in part by improving the elasticity of your blood vessels.



When choosing chocolate, go as dark as your taste buds can stand. Check labels for the percentage of cacao, which is the source of all that antioxidant goodness. Dark chocolate typically ranges from 60 percent to 80 percent cacao. Note.. eat a square or two, not the whole bar.


Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Talk about decadent...I know this is not everyday fare..but please try them, make them for your honey...

6 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

7 ounces semisweet chocolate, such as Green and Black, chopped

½ teaspoon Starbucks VIA instant coffee granules, 

   (or your favorite other brand...)

3 tablespoons Grand Marnier liqueur

2 tablespoons Agave nectar

Big beautiful long stemmed strawberries

Set up a double boiler type arrangement using a strong oven safe glass bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water.

Heat the cream and orange zest. Add the chocolate, coffee, Grand Marnier, and agave nectar and stir constantly until the chocolate is just melted and smooth. 

Keep the chocolate warm in a fondue pot or leave the glass bowl set over the simmering water. Serve the warm chocolate with a large plate of long-stemmed strawberries for dipping. You can dip pieces of pineapple, marshmallows, bananas...pound cake...fingers...

February is Heart Month....

Although heart health risks, including high blood pressure, stroke and high cholesterol, are the top health concern for many people, people still struggle to incorporate “heart-healthy” foods into their diet. For example, while eight out of 10 in the US are aware of the relationship between omega-3s and heart health, less than half (48 percent) of Americans are currently consuming omega-3s for this benefit.

A diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and sodium can help reduce your risk for heart disease…think more fruits and vegetables, less burgers and fries…and along with the fruits and veggies…look for while grains and fiber…so we are talking about a diet like the Mediterranean Diet.

 

Foods that promote heart health include:


Nuts: As a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fat, nuts are a powerhouse food that can promote heart health. Almonds and hazelnuts are also high in vitamin E, which helps promote the function of a healthy cardiovascular system.

“Heart Healthy” Fats: Both monounsaturated fat (olive oil, walnuts, avocado) and the Omega 3’s may help promote heart health. Salmon, sardines, herring, trout and tuna are terrific sources of omega-3 fatty acids,as are some eggs.

Soy Protein: Getting your daily protein from soy sources can also help to reduce your risk of heart disease. Look for soy protein in nutrition bars, fortified soy beverages, tofu, soy cheese and edamame or try adding soy protein to your favorite smoothie.

Sterols and Stanols: These plant-based food components help block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, which can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. They are found in foods like corn, soy, wheat and some fortified foods like soft table spreads, orange juice and yogurt.

Dark Chocolate: Some dark chocolates can contain helpful components called flavanols. These cocoa-derived flavanols have been shown to help support the cardiovascular system, which helps move blood to and from the heart. When included in moderation, dark chocolate can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Red wine and something in red wine called resveratrol might be heart healthy. The studies supporting red wine suggest antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. These antioxidants come in two main forms: flavonoids and nonflavonoids.

Flavonoids. These antioxidants are found in a variety of foods, including oranges, grape juice, apples, onions, tea and cocoa. Other types of alcohol, such as white wine and beer, contain small amounts, too, but red wine has higher levels.These are just a few of the many healthful foods and food components that can promote heart health.

Dark Chocolate~Orange Martini

Now I'll admit I haven't made this yet...but the weekend is upon us! And really...what's not to love about this little sip of orange-chocolate deliciousness? Remember...dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that protect the body. A little bit of dark chocolate (think Dove dark chocolate bar) daily gives you the antioxidant flavonoid compound epicatechin which promotes the elasticity of blood vessels and healthy circulation.

A small daily serving of dark chocolate helps support: 

•   healthy blood pressure levels

•   reduced LDL cholesterol levels

•   reduced risk of blood clots

•   increased levels of pleasurable endorphins such as phenylethylamine

•   increased levels of the good mood neurotransmitter serotonin

Dark Chocolate~Orange Martini 

(Adapted from Food Network's Chefs Recipe)

Mix 2 tablespoons each raw turbinado sugar and finely chopped dark chocolate on a plate. Use a chefs knife with a rocking motion and grind up a dark chocolate bar. Dove will do nicely...perfectly ok to nibble a bit as you go. Combine 2 ounces each chocolate liqueur and vodka, 1 ounce chilled espresso, 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice and a strip of orange zest in a cocktail shaker with ice; shake well for 10-15 seconds. Run a slice of orange around the rim of a chilled martini glass and dip it in the sugar-chocolate mixture. Strain the cocktail into the glass and garnish with an orange wedge.

I was thinking this would also be delicious if you went raspberry instead of orange...I'd use Chambord instead of the orange liquor, leave out the espresso...( Oh does that mean more vodka?) Moisten the rims with the berries for extra flavor and float a couple of fresh berries in the glass..I'll try it and report my findings...