Wine, a romantic element of a special Valentine's Day dinner, may help to lower blood pressure and more importantly, studies show that red wine is especially beneficial to the heart. Just like dark chocolate, organic wines are highest in antioxidants. In addition they contain lower amounts of sulfites and no harmful pesticides are used during processing. Resveratrol, found in grape skins and seeds, is a terrific anti-aging agent and has also been shown to increase good cholesterol (HDL) and prevent cancer. Drinking wine with a nice dinner may help the body to relax and unwind after a long day but remember it’s best for your overall health if consumed in moderation.
Chocolate is a favorite indulgence for sweethearts on Valentine's Day, and we each have our preferred type (dark, white, milk, with nuts, over ice cream, in combination with salt, etc). When it comes to our health, seeking out dark chocolate delicacies is always the winning choice. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and takes care of free radicals circulating in the body. Too many of these destructive molecules may lead to accelerated aging and even disease. A recent study shows that having milk chocolate or dark chocolate with milk will interfere with the absorption of these powerful antioxidants. Other possible benefits of dark chocolate include: lowering blood pressure; elevating one’s mood; creating a relaxation response by increasing theta brain waves; and raising serotonin levels to produce a state of well-being. Binging on chocolate is never a good idea but having a small piece of high quality dark chocolate as an occasional treat may lift your spirits and your health!
Tangy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Taken from Cooking the Whole Foods Way,
by Christina Pirello
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups whole-wheat pastry flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of sea salt
1 cup brown rice syrup
¼ cup vanilla rice milk
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup corn oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
½ cup coarsely diced pecans
1 cup malt-sweetened, nondairy chocolate chips
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil 2 baking sheets. Mix together flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Whisk together rice syrup, orange juice, corn oil, vanilla, rice milk and orange zest until creamy and stir into dry ingredients. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Drop cookie dough by heaping teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until cookies are golden and firm. Remove to a cooling rack. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Alison is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (affiliated with Columbia University) and a Masters Degree candidate in Human Nutrition. She is certified by the Association of Drugless Practitioners and has a private practice in Fairfield County.
Alison empowers individuals to become the best version of themselves through exceptional nutrition and health counseling. With a passion for and extensive knowledge in healthy living and delicious whole foods, Alison works closely with her clients guiding them to a happier, healthier way of life. Examples of client results include optimized anti-aging protocol, strengthened immune system, lowered cholesterol, increased energy and performance, weight loss/gain, stress reduction, pain elimination and improved sleep,
Her nutritional insights, "Healthy Bite," will be featured regularly in future issues of Aetherial Living.
If you enjoy this article, or would like to know more about Alison, please drop her a comment at alison@aetheriaspa.com
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