Valentines Day, the largest chocolate and flower day of the year happens tomorrow. Youre welcome to all the gents reading this, you've still got time to pick up something for your sweetheart.
In addition to flowers, chocolate, wine and heart-shaped pizzas, paradoxically February is also heart-health month. As much as wed like to believe consuming a box of dark chocolates and a bottle of red wine after dinner can be good for the heart, the palette is by far the body part experiencing the greatest benefits.
Now, before you all go labelling me as anti-chocolate and no fun, I am a chocolate lover. In fact Ive created several chocolate recipes that are not only delicious, but healthy. Something Ive been able to share and help my clients stay on track with their health goals and not feel deprived. And on the rare occasion, Ill have a glass of red wine.
Dark chocolate and red wine both contain resveratrol, a component that does promote heart health. What most people dont know however, is that the amount of resveratrol youd ingest over dessert with your sweetheart, isnt enough to make a significant difference in your health.
As youve heard (or read) me say before, we can get all the nutrients our body needs from food. Theres no question God gave us great stuff here on this planet. The question is, do we? An article published by the Kressler Institute in 2018 reported, More than half the calories Americans consume, come from nutrient-depleted, ultra-processed foods... and went on to say that Nearly one-third (31%) of the U.S. population is at risk for at least one vitamin deficiency or anemia.
United States stats are always easier to dig up, but trust me, Canadians are right there too.
Since were smack dab in the middle of heart month, let's look at three supplements that are known for building and supporting a healthy heart. Ive already mentioned resveratrol. Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10, and Omega 3.
As with any nutrient, taking a supplement should not be considered a replacement for the healthy foods that also contain the same nutrients. Supplements are to come alongside and fill the gaps, not provide a get-out-of-eating-your-veggies free card.
Of these three, if you take supplements at all, you're most likely using, or at least have heart of, omega 3s. Several types of fish including salmon, lake trout, sardines, herring, anchovies, as well as nuts, seeds, flaxseed, and chia all contain omega 3 fatty acids. Great for supporting brain function, alleviating rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain, omega 3s also help to lower blood fat levels.
In other words, omega 3s help bring down elevated triglycerides and lowers cholesterol, which also brings down your risk of heart disease and stroke. And unless youre eating fish daily, supplementing is definitely a good idea.
Resveratrol, found in red grapes and cocoa beans red wine and dark chocolate is known for its antioxidant properties and a 2015 review posted on PubMed concluded high doses may help reduce the pressure exerted on artery walls when the heart beats, bringing down blood pressure.
Of course, consuming high doses of red wine or chocolate for that matter would produce the opposite effect, creating inflammation. So, supplementing is the way to go.
Researchers also found supplementing with resveratrol had a positive impact on overall cholesterol levels and may also help decrease plaque buildup inside
Unlike resveratrol and omega 3, Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is something our bodies produce naturally.
According to a June 2019 article by Dr. Josh Axe, CoQ10 helps cells produce energy and neutralize free radicals, the damaged cells that cause illness and aging, improve heart health.
It offsets negative effects of statin drugs, slows down DNA damage due to aging, helps maintain ph balance, may slow or reverse the spread of some cancers, supports cognitive function, may improve male infertility, treats symptoms of fibromyalgia.
The amount of CoQ10 our bodies produce reduces with age. And although consuming foods that contain CoQ10 such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts is something everyone should be doing, Dr. Axe goes on to say that for people who, struggle with certain health conditions, such as heart disease having chronic diseases, high levels of stress, deficient in vitamin B, mitochondria diseases, taking statin drugs, food alone may not be enough as these conditions further impede CoQ10 production.
And as the heart is just one of many areas CoQ10 is needed for optimal health, it's in our best interest to keep those levels up.
As with anything you put in your body, quality matters. Like your car, the better quality fuel you put in, the better performance youre going to get. Whether its food or supplements, same goes for your body. And in case there was any doubt, that old adage you get what you pay for, is true.
Februarys the perfect time to give your heart and yourself some love. Youre worth it.
Tania Gustafson is a nutritionist and fitness coach.
On the web: fuelignitethrive.com.
Email: tania@fuelignitethrive.com. Find healthy chocolate recipes at the 8 Weeks is All it Takes group on Facebook.
Follow this link:
Chocolates are fun, but your heart needs better help than that - pentictonherald.ca
- 6 Reasons to Supplement With Resveratrol | Men's Fitness [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2017]
- resveratrol | eBay [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Natural Biology - 100% Pure and Natural Vitamins [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- SuperPure Resveratrol Extract - The Synergy Company [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Resveratrol: Benefits and Uses - Verywell [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Resveratrol | Which Works Best | Facts About Side Effects [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Resveratrol - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 20th, 2017]
- Sirtuin - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2017]
- Resveratrolthe hype continues - Harvard Health Blog ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2017]
- Resveratrol: Red Wine Antioxidant for Health - WebMD [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2017]
- Resveratrol Lift Eye Lifting Balm - Caudalie | Sephora [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2017]
- Resveratrol Lift Firming Serum - Caudalie | Sephora [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2017]
- New Study Touts Big Health Benefits of Resveratrol [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 6th, 2017]
- Resveratrol | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2017]
- Resveratrol supplement, dosage and health benefits [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2017]
- Purple Defense, Water-Soluble Source of Resveratrol [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 25th, 2017]
- This Ingredient Will Give You Smoother, Brighter Skin [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2018]
- Diabetes (4 Types) and Thyroid Health [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2018]
- Resveratrol: Benefits and Uses [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2018]
- Resveratrol: Benefits and Uses - verywellfit.com [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2018]
- Top 16 Scientific Health Benefits of Resveratrol (With ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Extract Powder - Z Natural Foods [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2018]
- Resveratrol: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: April 28th, 2018]
- Pterostilbene vs Resveratrol [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- What Is Resveratrol? | Herbal Library [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Do Flavonoids in Red Wine Help You Live Longer? [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Can Resveratrol Fight Aging? | Berkeley Wellness [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Top 10 Resveratrol Health Benefits - Health Articles 101 [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Supplements | Resveratrol Supplement | Buy ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol and Fertility | Egg quality, PCOS and ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol - Phytochemical [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 15th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Soft Cream - Caudalie | Sephora [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: June 23rd, 2018]
- Resveratrol - Herbs Database | RawlsMD [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 7th, 2018]
- Amazon.com: Reserveage - Resveratrol 500mg, Antioxidant ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 8th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Effectiveness, How It Works, and Drug ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 11th, 2018]
- Resveratrol: Dietary Supplements, Nutrition | eBay [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: July 27th, 2018]
- Resveratrol 99% (HPLC) | Sigma-Aldrich [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2018]
- Resveratrol | A Beginners Guide (UPDATE: 2018) | 10 Things ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2018]
- Resveratrol Effectiveness, Safety, and Drug Interactions on ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2018]
- Resveratrol - Alzheimer's News Today [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2018]
- Resveratrol does provide anti-aging benefits, study shows ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2018]
- Resveratrol: The Healing Molecule In Red Wine - Red Supplements [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2018]
- 7 Health Benefits of Resveratrol Supplements [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 27th, 2018]
- Resveratrol - Evolutionary.org [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 3rd, 2018]
- Health effects of wine - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: December 8th, 2018]
- foodsthatfightcancer_grapes_and_grape_juice | American ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Benefits, Resveratrol Sources & More - Dr. Axe [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2019]
- Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart? - Mayo Clinic [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2019]
- Resveratrol Benefits, Side Effects and Sources - Dr. Axe [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Supplements Are Finally Put to the Test ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- Best Resveratrol Supplement Benefits vs Side Effects Review [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Supplements | Resveratrol Benefits | Piping ... [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2019]
- Resveratrol - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Foods: The 17 Highest Sources To Supplement With [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Side Effects and Health Hazards [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- How to Choose the Best Resveratrol Supplements (2019 Update) [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- Ranking the best resveratrol supplements of 2019 [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2019]
- 10 Resveratrol Benefits for Heart, Mind, & the Fountain of Youth [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2019]
- 21 Resveratrol Benefits + Dosage, Side Effects - SelfHacked [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2019]
- Alcoholic People are Shifting to Drinking Red Wine Daily to Improve their Health - One World Herald [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- Nature's Viagra: 7 Foods and Supplements to Boost Your Libido - Healthline [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- How One Company Is Working To Improve The Quality & Duration Of Sleep For Americans - GirlTalkHQ [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- Use of natural extracts as feed additives - All about feed [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2019]
- Is The World Ready For A Super-Wine? Raise A Glass To Israeli Vino Innovation | Health News - NoCamels - Israeli Innovation News [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2019]
- One type of food could help reverse aging, thanks to resveratrol - Inverse [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2019]
- How and why to boost your intake of antioxidants - Seattle Times [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 3rd, 2019]
- 6 Winter Fruits That You May Include In Your Diabetes Diet - NDTV Food [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Bordeaux wine launched to the International Space Station for science - ZME Science [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Market Report to Share Key Aspects of the Industry with the details of Influence Factors - Health News Office [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Market is Projected to Register at a Healthy CAGR of 8.1% During the Forecast Period 2018 2028 - Global Banking And Finance Review [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Paranormal wine: Space and wine x2 - Aspen Daily News [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Rimrock Gold Corp. Announces the Launch of Acqua CBD Coffee Infused with Resveratrol - GlobeNewswire [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2019]
- Heres how you can shield yourself from air pollution with these natural remedies - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- Resveratrol Market Strategies and Insight Driven Transformation 2019-2027 - The Denton Chronicle [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- Growth Opportunities in the Resveratrol Supplements Market Strategic Analysis and Forecast to 2028 - TheFinanceTime [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- From Avocation To Vocation: How I Turned My Hobby Into A Career With Dr. Glen Miller of Vera Roasting Company - Thrive Global [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- Trans Resveratrol Market Growing Popularity and Emerging Trends 2019 to 2025 Business and Transportation - .Automotiveindustrytrend [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2019]
- 5 Effective Ways To Fight Inflammation - Medical Daily [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2019]
- What the industry needs to know about polypharmacology - NutraIngredients-usa.com [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2019]
- Cardioprotective properties found in pterostilbene: Study - NutraIngredients-usa.com [Last Updated On: August 18th, 2024] [Originally Added On: November 23rd, 2019]