Dark chocolate and red wine have long been associated with romance, but did you know that enjoying this delicious combo (in moderation) can lead to good health? No, really, it’s true! So what makes this combo heart-healthy? In a word – antioxidants! In honor of National Wine Month and Valentine’s Day, let’s learn what’s to love about this pairing.

Studies have long shown that dark chocolate is chock-full of organic compounds that function as healthy antioxidants. These antioxidants provide various benefits for your heart, including better blood circulation, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and even lower risk for stroke. That’s good news for seniors with a sweet tooth.

Wine lovers share in the good news. Studies show that the antioxidants found in red wine have been linked with many health benefits, including fighting inflammation and blood clotting, lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer, regulating blood sugar, and keeping your mind sharp.

So, what are antioxidants? Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in your body. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high in your body and are also linked to multiple illnesses. Antioxidants are also found in food, such as fruits, vegetables – and dark chocolate! In red wine, antioxidants called polyphenols are known to help protect the lining of blood vessels in the heart.

The key is moderation. If you want to indulge, keep your chocolate intake to 1 to 2 ounces, and 5 ounces of wine. But, perhaps what’s most important is that this doesn’t replace healthy foods and that it’s combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes eating right and regular exercise.

At MBK Senior Living communities, residents enjoy a number of signature programs that provide promote a healthy lifestyle – and access to antioxidants.

Let’s start with MBK Cuisine – our signature dining experience that was created to enrich the lives of our residents on a daily basis. With all-day dining, residents have access to mouth-watering, heart-healthy meals, many of which also include antioxidant-rich ingredients.

Next up is our Mind+Body Wellness enrichment program. By collaborating with residents, our wellness department puts together an engaging calendar that offers daily social, educational, physical, cultural, and spiritual opportunities leading to a full, active lifestyle. This month, as part of the company’s Around the World program, MBK residents learned about various wine regions. From California’s Napa Valley to France’s Provence to South Africa’s Cape South Coast to New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, residents enjoyed exploring – and tasted the world’s wines.

Cheers to good health!