Are those popular classics — red roses, chocolates and red wine — good or bad for your health?
Roses undoubtedly soothe the psyche. But every few months, it seems, a new study extolls or dismisses the medical benefits of dark chocolate and red wine. What’s a health-minded person to do?
Moderate consumption of both, it turns out, can contribute to heart health, even for people with a history of cardiovascular disease, said cardiologist Dr. Ailin Barseghian El-Farra, who is part of the UCI Health cardiovascular team.
Cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, and alcohol, including red wine, contain antioxidants that have been shown to:
- Increase good cholesterol (HDL)
- Decrease bad cholesterol (LDL)
- Improve blood vessel and blood-clotting functions
Both also appear to have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, said Barseghian, who specializes in interventional and preventive cardiology.
What is in alcohol and chocolate?
The benefits of moderate use of alcohol are thought to come from plant-based non-alcoholic ingredients, polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cacao beans also are full of polyphenols known as flavonoids, which help protect the cacao plant from toxins and repair cell damage. Flavonoids are also found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including:
- Apples
- Berries
- Grapes
- Onions
- Nuts
- Tea
- Red wine
Experts believe people can achieve considerable health benefits by including these so-called super foods and beverages in their diets.
A recent study showed that consuming a half-ounce to 3.5 ounces of chocolate daily is associated with cardiovascular health, even a lower risk of stroke. Although the study participants ate more milk chocolate than dark, the higher the cocoa content, the more concentrated are the bioactive components. Some experts recommend 72 percent cocoa content or higher.
Barseghian tends to agree.
“Caution needs to be taken with the sugar and fat content in commercially available chocolate snacks,” she said. “Cacao beans alone are low in sugar and, despite their high fat content, they do not appear to adversely affect lipid (cholesterol) levels.”
When it comes to red wine, though, she said it remains uncertain whether it is “more cardio-protective than other forms of alcohol.”
Don’t overdo
Whatever your alcohol preference, imbibe in moderation, Barseghian said.
“The benefit of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular health is dose-related. The recommended dose is a maximum of one drink for women and two drinks for men per day.”
A drink is defined as:
- 4 ounces of wine
- 12 ounces of beer
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits
- 1 ounce of 100-proof alcohol
People who don’t drink shouldn’t feel they need to start. Moreover, “these recommendations exclude binge drinking and heavy consumption,” she said. “Additionally, women who drink alcohol, even in moderation, may be at increased risk of breast cancer.”
Prevention is best
In fact, the single best action to improve heart health is to prevent heart disease, said Barseghian, who recommends following the American Heart Association’s seven steps:
In the meantime, what about the chocolates and red wine for your sweetheart?
Go ahead, get the dark chocolates and red wine, she said, “but enjoy them responsibly.”
You can also buy as many fragrant red roses as your wallet can afford.
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FAQs
Eating dark chocolate provides a variety of benefits for your heart, including better blood circulation, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and a lower risk for stroke. The antioxidants and resveratrol found in red wine also provide similar benefits, studies show.
What do chocolate and wine do to the body? ›
Cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, and alcohol, including red wine, contain antioxidants that have been shown to: Increase good cholesterol (HDL) Decrease bad cholesterol (LDL) Improve blood vessel and blood-clotting functions.
Is chocolate good for heart problems? ›
Research continues to point to dark chocolate as having many health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes, preventing blood clots, improving memory, lowering cholesterol and even preventing some types of cancer.
Can I eat chocolate while drinking wine? ›
Wine and Chocolate Tasting
It never hurts to start with something bubbly and end with something sweet. For example, white chocolate with Chardonnay, milk chocolate with Pinot Noir, caramel-filled chocolate with Shiraz, and dark chocolate with Zinfandel.
Why is wine and chocolate good? ›
The creaminess and richness of chocolate can be balanced by a wine with good acidity or a slightly higher alcohol content, which cuts through the fat, cleansing the palate between bites. Wines with a hint of sweetness can also complement the sweetness of the chocolate.
Is wine and chocolate good for your heart? ›
Studies show that the antioxidants in red wine and dark chocolate can be beneficial for your heart. Eating dark chocolate provides a variety of benefits for your heart, including better blood circulation, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and a lower risk for stroke.
Why can't you eat chocolate with alcohol? ›
Chocolates. Having a bit of dark chocolate every day is considered good for the heart and also has a number of other health benefits, but when you combine it with alcohol the effect is not exactly the same, says Mistry. The nutritionist says that it can actually be harmful for your intestine lining.
Is red wine good for your heart? ›
Those who drink regular, limited amounts of alcohol, including red wine, seem to have a lower risk of heart disease. Drinking regular, limited amounts is called drinking in moderation. But there might be other reasons for the lower risk of heart disease in people who drink red wine in moderation.
What chocolate is the most heart-healthy? ›
Optimally, you should look for dark chocolate that has a higher percentage of cocoa, which is generally a good indicator of the amount of flavonoids it contains. Don't expect to get the same heart-healthy effects from milk chocolate or white chocolate.
Is chocolate good for irregular heartbeat? ›
Eating a moderate amount of chocolate has been linked to a reduced risk of atrial fibrillation (AF), new research has suggested, but is the picture really that simple? AF is one of the most common forms of abnormal heart rhythm and a major cause of stroke.
Traditionally, dark chocolate has always been paired with the likes of vintage port. We know this definitely works (see here for a pairing we have for such aficionados). But dark chocolate also works extremely well with many other red wines. And indeed, dark chocolate works well with many other spirits and drinks.
What is better for you wine or chocolate? ›
Red wine and dark chocolate can both provide numerous benefits when consumed in moderation. From improved heart health thanks to red wine's polyphenols to boost iron levels from eating dark chocolate, there are plenty of reasons why these decadent treats should be a part of your regular diet!
What should you not eat when drinking alcohol? ›
Don't forget to pin it for later!
- Salty Snacks. One of the worst things alcohol does to your body is dehydrate you. ...
- Salad. While leafy greens are good for your body in a lot of ways, we all know that eating a simple salad before going out is like going out on an empty stomach. ...
- Sushi. ...
- French Fries. ...
- Super-Spicy Apps.
Milk chocolates also go very well with wine. For a good match, you should go for fruity wines: Tawny: these ports with their dried fruit, coffee and cocoa aromas are ideal to accompany your milk chocolate tasting.
How do you take wine and chocolate? ›
Start with the lightest in both wines and chocolates and work your way toward more intense pairings. By starting light and working your way dark, you will be able to taste the subtler notes at play. If you began with a dark chocolate and then tried white or milk, you'd miss out on a lot of the flavors.
Can you eat chocolate with statins? ›
Thus, lipophilic drugs are better absorbed in the presence of fat; thus, simvastatin, atorvastatin, and lovastatin are likely to be better absorbed after consuming chocolate, whereas fluvastatin and pravastatin, due to their hydrophilic nature, in the presence of wine [43].
What chemical is in wine and chocolate? ›
The key to mastering the complex art of wine and chocolate pairing is understanding the shared chemistry between the two. Both wine and cocoa contain polyphenols, antioxidants, flavanols and tannins (dark chocolate). These components can manifest as a bitter taste on your palate.
What does chocolate liquor do to your body? ›
The flavonoids present in chocolate liquor have been linked to improved blood flow, reduced blood pressure, and enhanced vascular function. Additionally, these compounds exhibit antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to a lower risk of heart disease.
What does drinking chocolate help in the body? ›
The abundant antioxidants in cocoa, primarily flavonoids, contribute to cardiovascular well-being, enhancing blood flow and reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These compounds also show the potential to fortify cognitive function and lift mood, offering a holistic approach to health.
What can a lot of chocolate do to your body? ›
What are the consequences of eating chocolates? Chocolate receives a lot of bad press because of its high fat and sugar content. Its consumption could be associated with acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. Keep in mind that cocoa contains caffeine and related chemicals.
