Love, chocolate and wine are good for you

Love, chocolate and wine are good for you

By Liz Lockhart

A cardiologist from Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute says that being involved in a healthy, loving relationship is good for the heart.  Furthermore, it is likely to bring lower levels of stress and anxiety in day-to-day life.  Julie Damp M.D. says ‘There are a couple of different theories behind why that might be.'

She also says that people who are married or who are in close, healthy relationships tend to be less likely to smoke, are more physically active and are more likely to have a well-developed social structure.

Damp added ‘There is a theory that people who are in loving relationships may experience neuro-hormonal changes that have positive effects on the body, including the cardiovascular system.’  She explained that there are certain hormone levels in the body that vary depending on the level of an individual’s stress and anxiety.

‘This has not been proven, but the idea is that being in a relationship that is positive may have positive effects on your cardiovascular system over long periods of time’ Damp said.

Studies have shown that there is an increase in risk for coronary artery disease for people who are involved in relationships which involve conflict or negativity.

More good news is that giving your loved one a box of dark chocolates and a bottle of red wine is also good for you.  Studies have shown that these are also good for the heart.

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids.  Flavonoids are antioxidants which have a positive effect on many different body systems including the cardiovascular system.  Dark chocolate has a high concentration of cocoa which it seems is what offers the flavonoid benefit.

‘Dark chocolate has been shown to be associated with lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels and improvement in the way your blood vessels dilate and relax,’ Damp said, although further study is required to show exactly which type of chocolate and what quantity is the most beneficial.  Previous studies have shown that people who eat chocolate more than one a week are at a lower risk level for heart disease and stroke, compared to those who eat it less often.  ‘Fat and calorie content of chocolate also needs to be taken into consideration and kept consistent with a healthy, balanced diet,’ Damp added.

Red wine also contains flavonoids.  Moderate consumption of alcohol is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks.  A safe level of consumption is considered to be one drink a day for women and one to two for men.  Watch the size of the glass though.

People who do not currently drink are cautioned not to start as there is not enough evidence to encourage this, Damp cautions.  She added that there are potentially negative health effects with long-term alcohol use and that the flavonoids found in red wine can also be found in other food and drinks such as fruits and vegetables and grape juice.

‘A good message is that these things should be done in moderation in conjunction with your physician’s plan for you to lower your cardiovascular risk,’ Damp concluded. 

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