[ ARTICLE INDEX ]

Guilt-free Indulgence: The Cardioprotective Properties of Wine and Chocolate.

Chocolate and wine are guilty pleasures for most people. But did you know that dark chocolate and red wine contain loads of antioxidants that are good for your heart? Studies correlate the consumption of red wine and cholcolate to lower rates of heart disease and decreased blood pressure. So what are the key cardioprotective ingredients in red wine and dark chocolate?

Reserveratrol

There is still a lot of research being conducted on the benefits of this chemical compound that is primarily found in the skin of red grapes and berries. The reserveratrol content of red wine has been linked to the low rates of heart disease found in countries with high rates of wine consumption. What are some of the cardioprotective properties of reserveratrol?

Benefits of Reserveratrol
  • Powerful Anti-oxidant helps stop free radical damage
  • Promotes production of nitric oxide - relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow
  • Prevents coagulation (sticking together) of blood cells
Red Wine with highest Reserveratrol

Not all red wines are high in reserveratrol. So which wine contains the highest amounts of reserveratrol? Pinot Noirs tend to have a higher reserveratrol content due to the conditions in which they are grown. The grapes are grown in a humid climate and therefore produce high amounts of reserveratrol to defend against environmental damages.

Flavonoids

Many people forget that chocolate is derived from a plant. Cocoa beans are rich in flavonoids, plant-based anti-oxidants that have therapeutic properties and help protect against disease. When buying chocolate, I recommend organic dark chocolate (70% cocoa) which still retains much of the flavonoids, unlike milk chocolate.

Benefits of Flavonoids
  • Antioxidant property prevents diseases caused by free radical damage.
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Dilates blood vessels for improved blood flow
  • Prevents platelet aggregation

Although some red wines and dark chocolates have many heart-healthy benefits, please consume responsibly and in moderation. Don't forget that wine does contain alcohol and dark chocolate does have calories!

 

 


 

NYC PERSONAL TRAINER BINDU NAMBIAR: Strength, speed, and peak performance fitness coaching.

For professional athletes, amateur athletes, and motivated individuals from the corporate sector.
Headquartered in New York City: also serving Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey.