The month of February is all about your heart – Valentine’s Day is dedicated to the love in your life, and because it’s American Heart Month, February reminds us that maintaining a healthy weight and eating right can lower your risk of heart disease. Don’t be surprised to learn that chocolate is good for your heart and your romance.
A growing body of research shows chocolate is in fact heart-healthy. Chocolate – particularly dark chocolate – contains antioxidants that promote heart health, as well as flavonoids (also found in green tea, red wine, apples and grapes) that are linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Dark chocolate also contains cocoa phenols, which studies have found to lower blood pressure.
But chocoholics shouldn't take this as license to indulge – chocolate is high in calories and should be consumed in moderate amounts as part of a diet rich in a variety of beneficial foods like fruits and vegetables. When eating chocolate, choose recipes that combine it with wholesome ingredients like fruit or feature small portions, such as Banana and Cocoa Small Cake or Chocolate Raspberry Meringues. Double Chocolate Chip Biscotti are another good option, being naturally low in fat. Still, sometimes the best way to indulge your chocolate craving (and woo your sweetheart) is with one rich, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth truffle or a Bittersweet Chocolate Soufflé – the definitive chocolate fix. Also try Warm Chocolate Fantasy – the perfect end to a romantic dinner outside of the firehouse.
Cheesecake is another sweet treat that’s perfect to share with your Valentine. But consider the main ingredients: eggs, cream cheese and sour cream. Hardly the stuff of a heart-healthy diet! Luckily, with a little ingenuity, you can make a rich, creamy cheesecake without the artery-clogging fat. Try New York Style Cheesecake or Ricotta Cheesecake.
Although research is still preliminary, doctors and researchers are getting excited about the cholesterol-fighting potential of cinnamon. A study by the USDA showed that half a teaspoon a day lowered LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol. So why not cuddle up with your loved one and enjoy a heart-warming mug of Cinnamon Hot Chocolate? It’s a great way to heat up a chilly winter day!
To learn more, see Foods for a Healthier Heart.
Recipes
Banana and Cocoa Small Cake
Chocolate Raspberry Meringues
Double Chocolate Chip Biscotti
Bailey’s Irish Crème Truffles
Bittersweet Chocolate Soufflés
Warm Chocolate Fantasy
New York Style Cheesecake
Ricotta Cheesecake
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
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