Chocolate, red wine, and other expressions of love can be good for you.

The stuff of Valentine's Day may be good for the heart, in more ways than one. Chocolate, red wine, and expressions
of love could not only make thumpers go pitter-patter in romantic fashion, they could also lead to better heart
health.

According to a growing amount of research, chocolate, red wine, and love can play a role in keeping the blood flowing
throughout the body. Experts do not always agree on how these elements boost cardiovascular fitness, nor do they
always recommend them as tools for disease prevention. But it's clear that a little of each isn't too bad -- in
moderation.

The Sweet Stuff

Many people see chocolate as a guilty pleasure. There's no doubt chocolate can contribute to weight gain and tooth
decay, but now researchers are finding it can do good things for the body as well.

"It seems a component in cocoa -- flavonoids -- can be heart healthful," says Susan Moores, RD, a spokeswoman for the
American Dietetic Association (ADA). She says flavonoids are antioxidants, known to protect against free radicals in
the body. Free radicals are suspected of damaging arteries and triggering buildup of plaque (fatty substances) in the
wall of blood vessels, which can lead to atherosclerosis.

Antioxidants can also help lower the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL), and increase the amount of "good" cholesterol
(HDL). This antioxidant effect is apparently greater in dark chocolate, because it has more cocoa beans, a natural
source of flavonoids.

The flavonoids in dark chocolate may also improve the health of the endothelium (the lining in arteries and veins),
says Joe Vinson, professor of chemistry at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania.

In one study, he says people with one risk factor for heart disease (i.e. high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high
triglycerides) drank a single 6-ounce glass of cocoa, rich in flavonoids. From that one drink, researchers reportedly
found a significant improvement in the flexibility of the arteries.

"With rich chocolate, it doesn't take much to be satisfied," she says, noting that people who take time to savor, and
let the candy melt in their mouth, tend to be more content with smaller servings.

Heartwarming Toast

Wining and dining has long been a Valentine's Day tradition for sweethearts, and now there may be more reason to
clink glasses.

For people who drink a moderate amount of red wine, there's a heart health benefit. Research has shown that the
flavonoids in red wine -- originally from grape skins -- have an antioxidant effect, may raise good cholesterol levels
and may help prevent blood clotting in vessels.

Other, more controversial findings reveal that not just red wine, but moderate amounts of alcohol in general, wards
against cardiovascular disease.

"Alcohol has a blood-thinning effect, and that was what was found to be effective against stroke and heart disease,"
says Sass.

Additionally, Vinson says alcohol can also produce free radicals, which are bad for the liver, counteracting any
antioxidant benefits. The only exception, he says, is red wine in moderation.

Cupid's Arrow

The word "love" has stumped people for ages. It has made people feel like they're floating, or become crybabies upon
hearing a certain song. It has also made otherwise sensible people do crazy things.

Yet, as mysterious a force love is, there seems to be no surprise that it is capable of many, many things.

How about improving heart health? As ludicrous as it may sound -- yes -- there is proof that it can do that, too, and
more.

"The evidence is very strong that good relationships have health benefits," says Blair Justice, PhD, professor
emeritus of psychology at the University of Texas School of Public Health.

Gifts From and for the Heart

According to Justice, various investigators have looked into different types of relationships (i.e. marriage, family,
and friendship), and have shown that love can:

Help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries.
Protect against heart disease.
Boost levels of antibodies in the body.
Reduce levels of stress chemicals, which can damage the immune system.
Lower risk of disease in general.
Decrease risk of early death.
Lengthen life.

One theory explaining love's effect on physical health involves human nature. "It's instinctual to have this need for
touching and talking," says Justice. He says the personal contact turns on a part of the nervous system, which has a
calming effect, and allows for a smaller amount stress chemicals in the body.

In addition, the human touch can lower blood pressure, and illicit a sense of safety, connection, and comfort, says
Carol Rinkleib Ellison, PhD, author of Women's Sexualities, and a psychologist in private practice.

"People who do affirm their love for each other before going to sleep tend to sleep more deeply, in a more relaxed
way, and they'll wake in the morning more refreshed, in a better mood, and, therefore, they'll get along better," says
Ellison.

Real life may not always be as simple, but experts do agree that having less stress is good for the health of the
overall body, including the heart.

Gifts From and for the Heart

Offering your sweetie love, red wine, and chocolate for Valentine's Day may, indeed, help you score big in the heart
department. But romantic and healthy gift giving need not be boring.

"Whether it's a small box of chocolates, red roses, or it's time spent together, the point is to give a gift on
Valentine's Day to somebody you care about," says Novak, reminding that the effort is what usually touches a person's
heart.