February is National Heart Health Month and also a month of love. This Valentine`s Day, take care of hearts by having and gifting variety of healthy snacks. So here we are giving ideas that may be romantic, delicious and also good for your heart.

1. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients and is an excellent source of antioxidants. Studies states that moderate intake of dark chocolate may help with weight loss. It may reduce the digestion and absorption of fats and increase satiety. Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants. It contains 50-90% cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar. It may contain traces of butter too – though unlikely in most cases. Not only heart but Dark chocolate may also have benefits for the skin.

2. Fruits

Fruits that are romantic and exotic and also include antioxidants and fiber that help lower cholesterol. That fiber also creates more elasticity in the vessels.

Strawberries- The fruit of love, are a symbol of purity and sensuality, fertility and abundance, humility and modesty. The strawberry`s fruit is made the symbol of perfect goodness because of its delicious flavor and fragrance.The sweet, slightly tart berries have powerful antioxidant content and do not rapidly boost a person`s blood sugar, making them an ideal choice for those who have diabetes, and a safe, delicious addition to any diet.

Apple- A good source of fiber, rich in vitamin C, which can help keep capillaries and other blood vessels healthy, along with aiding in the absorption of iron and lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Blackberries- blackberry is among the berries highest in antioxidants and fiber, an unsung hero of the bunch. Rich with nutrients that can help lower blood pressure, blackberries can also help reduce the risk of heart attack and promote good cholesterol.

Blueberries- The blueberry is chock full of antioxidants, which can help lower blood pressure and make blood vessels more elastic. The impact might be even greater for women. According to one Harvard School of Public Health study, women who ate blueberries or strawberries three times a week were 34% less likely to have suffered a heart attack than those who ate less.

Cherries- There’s something about eating cherries that reminds us of all the delicious and exotic things. Delightful and sweet, they’re a source of polyphenols and vitamin C, which both have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Eating cherries has been shown to help decrease oxidative stress, which is linked to certain cardiovascular diseases.

Grapes- One of the finest symbols of romance – comes from grapes! Grapes have always been associated with love and fertility. Grapes are pretty much nature’s wonder fruit. Grapes are rich in resveratrol, which, according to a study by The International Journal of Molecular Sciences, can help promote heart-related benefits including reducing hypertension and lowering blood sugar in patients with diabetes.

Raspberries- Raspberries are relatively low in sugar and are a good source of fiber, vitamin C and beta carotene. These sweet berries also contain anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation that leads to cardiovascular disease.

3. Red Wine

Red defines Love and wine one of the finest symbols of romance – comes from grapes. Drinking red wine is lower risk of inflammation and blood clotting, as well as helping prevent artery damage caused by “bad” cholesterol.

4.  Green Tea

Some short-term studies suggest drinking green tea may improve how well your blood vessels respond to stress, which can have serious side effects on our bodies. Another study shows that people who regularly drink green tea might be less likely to have a stroke or heart attack, although it’s unclear whether other lifestyle factors play a part. To give it a romantic angle, these days Green tea is available in variety of flavours.

5. Coffee

They say lot can happen over a coffee and it does seem right when you have to start a conversation with your loved ones. Your morning habit might provide more than just an energy boost. According to a study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, coffee (both decaf and regular) has been associated with a lower risk of mortality, including deaths attributed to heart disease. It’s also been linked to a reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.