Valentine's 'Sinful Indulgence'

By Super

Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 15:57

Other than boosting your love life, Valentine's days are also good for your health. A study showed that the sweet indulgence in to chocolate, wine and romance within moderate limits are actually good for health.

Tart cherries, grapes and wine have components that can lower blood pressure and protect heart muscle, as declared by Dr. Steven F. Bolling, professor of cardiac surgery at the U-M medical school. He also adds that a glass of wine and massage relieves from stress and anxiety.

"There are many fruits associated with Valentine's Day, most commonly cherries, of course. In cherries there are compounds called anthocyanins, which also can be very good for your heart. Perhaps we could even take the cherries and dip them in chocolate to make a very good, heart-healthy Valentine's snack," says Bolling. The same is not for chocolates, as only dark chocolates are good for a healthy heart.

"People have asked the question which is better for you red wine or white wine? Probably wine in itself is good for you, just because it reduces stress and anxiety; let's not over do it. But red wine has specific agents, perhaps in the dark skin of red wine grapes that are heart-healthy and heart friendly," warned Bolling. The recent study shows that grape intakes lowered blood pressures and improved heart functions in lab rats. This is due to the high level of phytochemicals - naturally occurring antioxidants - that grapes contain.

Same goes for tart cherries. "A 'tart, heart-smart diet' has shown to be very beneficial in terms of heart health, heart function and also really reducing belly fat and changing your metabolic obesity syndrome, all very helpful," said Bolling.

Animals that received powdered tart cherries in their diet had lower total cholesterol, lower blood sugar, less fat storage in the liver, lower oxidative stress, and increased production of a molecule that helps the body handle fat and sugar. Cherries had properties that could alter factors leading to heart diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Other 'sinful' indulgence is a long, soothing massage.

"There is proven research that indicates that massage itself is beneficial in the post-operative state, in hospitalized patients to reduce stress and anxiety and even probably to reduce blood pressure," said Bolling.

He added: "All of these indulgences really do not have to be limited to Valentine's Day itself and certainly will lead to a much better heart-health status if we practice them everyday."
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