Valentine’s Day is Here! Celebrate with a Healthy Heart

In more ways than one, Valentine's Day fare may be beneficial to the heart. Chocolate, red wine, and romantic gestures may improve heart health as well as make thumpers pitter-patter in a romantic manner.

Research found that chocolate, red wine, and love can play a role in keeping the blood flowing throughout the body. Despite the stigma of chocolate not being healthy -- causing things like tooth decay and weight gain -- it can do good things for the body!

Benefits of the components in chocolate

According to registered dietician (RD) Susan Moores, A component in cocoa called flavonoids can be heart helpful. Flavonoids are a great antioxidant. These antioxidants are known to protect against free radicals in the body. They can help lower the level of “bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL).

Dark chocolate seems to have a stronger antioxidant effect because it contains more cocoa beans, which are a natural source of flavonoids.

Study of chocolate effects in the human body

According to Joe Vinson, a chemistry professor at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, dark chocolate's flavonoids may also help the endothelium (the lining of arteries and veins). In one study, he claims, people with one heart disease risk factor (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high triglycerides) drank a single 6-ounce glass of cocoa, which is high in flavonoids. After just one drink, researchers claim to have discovered a significant improvement in artery flexibility.

The human heart is the most important organ in the human body because it is responsible for pumping blood throughout our body. It supplies oxygen, nutrients and removes toxins and waste. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for most groups of all ages, genders, and ethnicities.

What are some basics for keeping your heart healthy?

By making some changes to your lifestyle like eating a healthy diet but also having a sweet treat like chocolate, engaging in physical activity, and managing your cholesterol and blood pressure.

All the information mentioned previously is a great start to keeping your heart healthy! This is especially important not just for patients, but for healthcare professionals with high-stress jobs (or even desk jobs).

At Novarad, we’re committed to increasing your radiology practice’s value, so you can provide your patients with the best quality service. An important part of supporting heart health for your patients and your facility means having a reliable cardiology solution as part of your workflow.

Feel free to reach out to our workflow specialists today to learn more about how we can help improve your practice and support your patient's needs!