Williamsburg, Va

Contributed by Mary Griffith

Happy New Year, and welcome to blustery January! How are we going to stay warm and healthy? And beat the doldrums of winter? Well, I propose some wine and chocolate to fill that prescription!

Did you know that both wine and chocolate are both considered healthy for your heart? I know that everyone becomes a little more health and weight conscious this time of year, but we need to get our hearts healthy for February, right? Both chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, and red wine have several properties that are good for our heart. Of course, I am not a doctor, but I have read many articles that confirm this fact and would just remind you that anything can be alright in moderation. Specifically the flavonoids and antioxidants may help the body protect itself against aging, heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

Here is some information featured on one website I visited to give you more information about these two aspects of wine and chocolate as well as resveratrol:

"Flavonoids help modify the body's reaction to allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. They have anti-inflammatory properties, and they are powerful antioxidants, protecting against free radical damage. Reactions between free radicals and DNA are thought to be the root cause of many forms of cancer. Free radical damage to cells can also cause aging, and may be linked to Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's.

Free radicals are a necessary part of life, but the body has ways to minimize and repair damage caused by them. Antioxidants, most commonly the vitamins A, C, and E, and polyphenols, are part of the frontline of defense.

Resveratrol, a substance in red wine, stimulates genes that mop up free radicals, stabilize blood glucose levels, and make cells healthier. However, you may have to drink so much wine to produce significant effects from Resveratrol that the negative effects on your body would outweigh the positive ones.

The FDA suggests that one to two glasses of red wine per day might help reduce cholesterol and decrease the chance of cancer. We also know that alcohol itself might be beneficial to organs, including the heart and brain. However, with wine or any alcoholic drink, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. In excess of moderate consumption levels (1-2 drinks per day for women, and 2-3 drinks per day for men), alcohol's negative effects on your body would cancel out any positive effects from flavonoids or antioxidants."

Don't overdo a good thing, but do enjoy a little chocolate and wine each day! Get ready to enjoy some events offered by Virginia's Finest Chocolates for all ages while getting your heart in shape!

Mary Griffith is the owner of Virginia's Finest Chocolates. She welcomes corporate, personal and customized orders for her delectable chocolates, gourmet gift baskets and delicious logo cookies. Mary loves to educate people about wine and chocolate, and holds special chocolate camps for children and adults, throughout the year. You can reach her at 757-258-5465 or at ' ); // -->This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it " target="_blank"> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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The Recipe for A Heart Healthy New Year: Wine and Chocolate

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