2 Heart-healthy Indulgences You’re Sure to Be Excited About
You may have heard whispers of dark chocolate and red wine being good for you and thought it’s too good to be true. Good news—the rumors are true. That’s right, there is some science behind the claims that these two indulgences can be good for your heart health.
According to researchers, red wine contains an antioxidant called resveratrol, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Dark chocolate contains a different antioxidant, called flavanol, which helps reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should go out and buy red wine and chocolate and splurge. Talk to your doctor to determine what enjoying these “in moderation” means for you.
Fast Facts About Your Heart ♥
Over 750,000 Americans die each year due to heart disease. That’s one death every 40 seconds.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Total Calories | 239 |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 486 mg |
| Total Sugars | 2 g |
Gingery Quinoa with Green Beans
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 ½ cups water or broth
- 2 cups green beans
- 2 ½ Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
Preparations
- Toast quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes.
- Put quinoa in a medium pot and add water or broth.
- Bring to a boil, then let simmer until all of the water is absorbed and quinoa is tender (10-20 minutes).
- Set aside and leave uncovered to cool.
- While quinoa is cooling, microwave the green beans until just tender.
- Rinse in cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, olive oil or cooking oil, sesame oil, green beans, lemon juice, soy sauce and ground ginger. Stir well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve at room temperature.
Makes: 6 servings