Delicious, Heart-Healthy Valentine’s Day Treats

Strawberries with Sass

1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger folded into 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate chips served as a dip or drizzled over 1 cup of fresh strawberries.

Health Benefits:

• Ginger. This root is a potent anti-inflammatory food. It not only eases pain but it protects your health from head to toe, since we now know that systemic inflammation, inflammation at the cellular level, is linked to premature aging and disease. It has also been shown to strengthen immunity and fight cancer; and a touch of ginger is a feast for your senses, which can boost satiety.

Dark Chocolate

• Dark chocolate. The good news about the health benefits of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or greater) continues to grow. Its antioxidants are heart protective, it’s been shown to curb cravings for both sweet and salty foods, it contains magnesium, a mineral that can help alleviate water retention, fatigue, depression, and irritability, it’s linked to blood pressure control, improved circulation and better brain activity. Best of all its natural substances trigger the same feeling we experience when we’re in love.

• Strawberries. Because the heart is so closely linked to love, red is thought to be the most romantic color, and it just so happens that the pigments that give red fruits, like strawberries, their gorgeous hue contain powerful antioxidants that protect your heart and fight aging. Strawberries also provide fiber, folate, vitamin C, and potassium. And in published studies these gems have been linked to better blood sugar control, reduced cancer risk, and protection against inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

Heart Hug Sundae

A ½ cup scoop of ice cream made from coconut milk, topped with 1 cup red raspberries, and 2 tablespoonds sliced almonds, garnished with shaved dark choc.

Forget those conversation hearts and iced sugar cookies, and reach for some real food. You’ll feel more satisfied and you’ll have the energy to enjoy spending quality time with your sweetie.

Happy Valentines Day!