Our Favorite Heart-Healthy Treats

We’re all about healthy, strong hearts this month…and every month! In the spirit of love, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite heart-healthy treats. We selected the extra-delicious ones you’re sure to love.
 
Raspberries & Strawberries
According to WebMD.com these delicious berries are loaded with antioxidants that will help reduce the free-radicals in your body.  LiveScience.com notes, “free radicals are associated with disease (and) aging.” Umm, no thank you! Red berries are also full of fiber and Vitamin C, making them the perfect guilt-free snack to curb your sugar craving.   
 
Dark Chocolate
As if you needed a reason to indulge in chocolate, science is backing this one.  Cacao (the plant that chocolate is made from) is full of flavonoids called polyphenols.  Flava-whaaaat? Polyphenols are you new best friends.  They help lower your blood pressure, prevent blood clots and act as an antioxidant.  Too good to be true?  There’s a catch – sort of.  Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa – more flavanols, less sugar. You’re welcome.
 
Red Grapes
This snackable fruit is full of resveratrol - which keeps platelets in your blood from sticking together.  Prefer to drink your resveratrol?  Yeah, you know what we’re talking about.  Red, red wine!  Ok, so, here’s the deal:  according to Health.com, red wine in moderation may have some healthy advantages because it can contain small doses of resveratrol.  Does that make it medicinal?  Maybe?! Does it mean you should increase your alcohol consumption? Nope!  Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that this will be safe for you. When it doubt, just grab some grapes to get your fix.
 
Pomegranate
These beauties are more than just a pretty fruit.  You can juice ‘em, eat the seeds as a snack, or a topping on your favorite salad (or anything really!).  They’re full of antioxidants and polyphenols and other micronutrients which help prevent hardened arteries.  Heathline.com notes that these micronutrients are best consumed through foods naturally containing them. In some studies, a daily dose of pomegranate juice over three months has shown to improve blood flow to the heart. 
 
So, there you have it.  This February, indulge in snacks that are both delicious and nutritious! Be sure to share the heart-healthy love with your loved ones.