Following a healthy diet, quitting smoking and regular exercise are all part of a total program to keep the heart healthy. In general the goal is to limit fat and cholesterol consumption and to watch calorie intake, so that extra weight can be lost or a healthy weight can be maintained. However, small amounts of dark chocolate and red wine can also be heart healthy. It is always best to check with a medical professional first, as wine or chocolate may be harmful for some patients.
Lower Blood Pressure
Some forms of chocolate contain flavonols which have antioxidant properties as well as chemicals that may help to lower blood pressure. Flavonols are highest in cocoa and products made with it, so unprocessed dark chocolate has the most protective benefits. When cocoa is processed to help reduce its strong taste, flavonols are lost as well. The more processing that occurs the less flavonols there are.
Limit intake of chocolate products that have caramel, nuts and other substances that add fat and calories. At this time there is no scientific research that identifies exactly how much chocolate can provide cardiovascular benefits, so current recommendations are to consume a small amount just a few times a week.
Inhibits Blood From Clotting
A little dark chocolate may be good for the heart, but eating too much adds fat and calories to the diet which is not heart healthy. Ingesting about 1 oz. of chocolate with cocoa appears to inhibit blood clots. When the blood does not clot as well, it cannot block an artery that supplies the brain or heart. This in turn reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Reduces Bad Cholesterol Levels
More research is needed to fully understand the link between red wine and heart disease. However red wine contains an ingredient called resveratrol which has many benefits, including lowering the level of low density lipoproteins, or the bad kind of cholesterol. LDLs are considered the bad kind because this form is stored in the body.
Resveratrol is found in the skin of grapes used to make wine. Since red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than white wine is, red wine contains more resveratrol. It may be that eating grapes and other foods with this ingredient, which includes peanuts, blueberries and cranberries, may provide just as many benefits.
Raises Good Cholesterol Levels
Moderate intake of red wine may help the heart, however drinking too much can cause heart disease, warns the American Heart Association. A moderate amount is equal to one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
This amount may help to raise the level of high density lipoproteins which are the good kind of cholesterol because they are excreted from the body. However, HDL levels can also be raised by getting regular exercise and fruits and vegetables have antioxidants that provide the same benefits.
Individuals who do not drink are not encouraged to start, as there are lifestyle changes that can be just as beneficial.
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