Red wine & dark chocolate health benefits include increasing your memory, better heart health and rejuvenating cells to name a few. Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine and dark chocolate, has long been associated with the prevention of heart disease and other health benefits.
According to Barbara Hutchinson, MD, a cardiologist at Anne Arundel Medical Center, red wine and dark chocolate do have health benefits. She goes on to explain how and why this is.
New health studies can be confusing, especially when it comes to certain foods and drinks that affect your health. A piece of chocolate or a glass of wine are common treats, and there is a lot of conflicting information about their health benefits. Some types of chocolate and wine offer more heart-healthy benefits than others, but that’s still not a green light to overindulge.
Red wine & dark chocolate health benefits
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has gained a reputation as being a heart-healthy treat because cocoa beans are rich in flavonoids—a nutrient that protects plants from toxins and helps repair 
damage. The term ‘antioxidant’ is a reference to those benefits. Studies have shown when we eat foods rich in flavonoids, we also benefit from these antioxidant powers.
Flavanols are the main type of flavonoid found in cocoa. In addition to their antioxidant qualities, research has shown other potential health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure.
Warning: not all dark chocolate is created equally. The more processed chocolate is, the more flavanols are lost along the way. And flavanols are not a nutrient reported on food labels.
For the most health benefits, choose a dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70 percent or higher. And remember, chocolate is not a ‘health’ food. Enjoy dark chocolate as part of a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet. Think of it as a treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
Red wine & dark chocolate health benefits
Drinking red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. Those who drink moderate amounts of red wine seem to have a lower risk of heart disease.
An antioxidant called resveratrol is the substance in red wine that has received a lot of attention. The ingredient may help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol’) and prevent blood clots. A new study by the Universities of Exeter and Brighton, show how Resveratrol helps rejuvenates our cells.
While those benefits might sound great if you enjoy a five-ounce glass of red wine 
with your evening meal, I would never encourage anyone to start drinking alcohol only on the premise that it’s heart healthy. Too much alcohol has harmful effects on your health, such as raising your risk of high blood pressure, liver damage, obesity and certain types of cancer. Drinking too much regularly can actually weaken your heart muscle. The key is to have one glass a night. That is the healthiest way to drink wine. It is also a nice way to unwind and relax after a long, hard day of work. Try a nice soak in the tub with your glass of wine and pamper yourself using all natural bath products!
Tip: If you truly want the health benefits of antioxidants, you should think outside of the wine and chocolate box. Stock your kitchen with antioxidant ‘super foods’ such as blueberries, strawberries, purple grapes, raw nuts, dark green veggies, wild caught salmon and green tea. For more healthy nutrition ideas, go to my Chinese Nutrition tips page.
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