Foods That Fuel Romance, Heart Health

MELROSE PARK, Ill.Just in time for Valentines Day, the Loyola University Health System is serving up a romantic menu of healthy foods that not only promise to boost the romance but also provide heart-health benefits all year long.

According to Susan Ofria, clinical nutrition manager at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital and a registered dietitian at the Loyola University Health System's Melrose Park campus, said chocolate and red wine are ideal gifts of and for the heart. Red wine and dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or higher contain resveratrol, which has been found to lower blood sugar. Red wine is also a source of catechins, which could help improve "good" HDL cholesterol.

"You are not even choosing between the lesser of two evils, red wine and dark chocolate have positive components that are actually good for your heart," she said.

Ofria recommends adding the following foods to boost heart health year-round.

Red Wine. Pinots, shirahs, merlots are popular red wines, but all reds wines are a good source of catechins and resveratrol to aid good cholesterolhigh-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Dark Chocolate. Truffles, soufflés and even hot chocolate can be a good source of resveratrol and cocoa phenols as long as dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content is used.

Salmon and Tuna. 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.

Flaxseeds. Choose either brown or golden yellow, and have them ground for a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and phytoestrogens.

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. Beans are a good source of niacin, folate, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and 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 and Strawberries. Berries are a good source of beta carotene and lutein, anthocyanin, ellagic acid, vitamin C, folate, potassium and fiber.