Dietician: Some Indulgences Are Actually Heart Healthy in Moderation!

It is certainly another hot day all over the country. My goodness, it is going to be 117 in Vegas. I hope that you are drinking enough good spring water, resting, and staying in the shade. Do stay away from all the artificially sweetened sodas and beverages, though. Sorry, I just have so much info on artificial, substitute sweeteners, I can't help but say something. Maybe I'll post a blog on that here someday. If you want to know sooner, let me know, OK?

As much as I love chocolate and choose it over other sugary sweets, I do enjoy healthy eating and lifestyle. But, since I am, also, a wife, mother and grandmother, there are birthdays, holidays, and times of entertaining that call for those extra special treats and desserts. As an old doctor once told me a long time ago, "It's not what you do once in awhile, it's what you do on a daily basis."

I believe that's why all the experts agree that if you eat chocolate, as I pointed out in one of my earlier blogs, choose a treat that consists of a small portion. If it's a chocolate candy confection, have a piece of no more than two or three bites. Make sure that the confection is of the finest, darkest Chocolate you can find, and then savor every little morsel slowly.

It's not a guilty indulgence. It can be healthy. But, eat it by the "nibbles," not the box. OK?

According to the Hollister Free Lance, dietician Jennifer Zapata says indulgences like dark chocolate, red wine and even coffee can actually help keep your heart healthy if consumed sparingly. Be sure to read the related article, Cocoa is loaded with anti-cancer phytochemicals and compounds, says research.See more articles like this one athttp://www.newstarget.com/Original news summary: (http://www.freelancenews.com/lifestyles/contentview.asp?c=161430&siteID=33)

Each time you gulp a cup of coffee, sip a glass of red wine or nibble on some dark chocolate, not only does your mouth smile, your heart does, too.

For years, millions of health-conscious Americans diligently avoided the three foods, thinking they were doing their bodies a favor. But research has shown that consuming the delights - in moderate amounts, of course - may yield health benefits, most notably keeping a healthy heart.

First, flavonoids reduce the production of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. Second, flavonoids boost high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, also known as good cholesterol.

Jennifer Zapata, a registered dietitian at Hollister's Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, said studies have shown that it's not just red wine that may decrease the risk of heart disease, but any form of alcohol.

The specific substance found in the antioxidants of the skin of red grapes, called resveratol, also may inhibit tumor development in some cancers, Zapata said. In addition to flavanols, cocoa contains magnesium, iron, zinc and copper.

However, dark chocolate's milk and white counterparts don't share the same health benefits, said Karmen Paley-Blount, a clinical dietitian at Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy.
Even so, dark chocolate still contains a significant amount of calories - about 85 to 110 per ounce.
So before popping a box of truffles in the assumption you're being healthy, consider how much chocolate you should be consuming, the dietitians said. Six of the studies showed that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80 percent less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. "There was a concern that the caffeine might impact blood pressure and possibly increase the risk of heart failure. Posted 6/25/05 -

As an added note of mine: In a previous blog, I mentioned people 55 to 64 years old who were in a clinical study that were eating dark Chocolate for the benefit of their heart. They cut back, however, on their intake of other foods with high, empty calorie carbohydrate and fat content inorder to compensate for the calories in their diet from the Chocolate.

So make sure that you watch your caloric, fat, and carbohydrate intake at all times. It's really very important and very easy to do. Just be balanced, moderate, wise, and, of course, exercise. Walking is simple and very good for you. Don't forget plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. And, as always, before you do Anything-check with your doctor when making any changes in your lifestyle and diet.

(If some of the links in the articles that are posted have been ones I've already shared with you, please pardon the repeats. When posting, they ask that they're left as they are printed.)

I was wondering: Would you help me with something? I am putting together an E-book of wonderful Old-Fashioned Recipes of chocolate treats, luscious cakes, and special chocolate confections that will be as delightful as they are delicious.

Do you have an old-fashioned recipe that you have been searching for: You know, the ones like your Grandmother made when you were little that bring back to mind fond memories? Do you have any cooking questions that you would like to know about?

If you would leave your questions or comments here on my blog, as a thank you for being so kind as to help me with my research, I will send you a copy of the book FREE of charge when it is ready in 3 to 4 weeks. All I ask is that you let me know what you think of it-a little review-that I can use. Thanks so much. I really appreciate your help.

Have a wonderful weekend, and stay safe.

Keep cool,
Donna