Diet

February: heart and cocoa

February 20, 2023

February is Heart Month and because it is also the month of Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at the effect of cocoa on your cardiac health.

Women are busy: preparing meals, booking dentist appointments, making sure to drive everyone everywhere and in time, etc. With so much to do, some mothers forget about themselves and neglect their health. Are you like that?

February rhymes with Heart Month

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, cardiac diseases and strokes are responsible for the premature death of one in three Canadians. It is also the main cause of death in women. That is why you should consult the foundation’s website and find out how to take care of yourself. Also, on this website, you can assess your risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

February rhymes with Valentine’s Day and chocolate

Valentine’s Day is a moment when we cook all sorts of meals with cocoa and chocolate. You should know that cocoa and dark chocolate rich in cocoa could reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases thanks to the Flavonoids they contain. Other studies should eventually be made to determine which amount of cocoa and dark chocolate should be eaten and how often. Still, cocoa and chocolate do not replace basic tips such as eating well and exercising to prevent heart diseases.

This February, think about your heart and exercise at least 30 minutes a day, eat enough vegetables, fruits, and fish, quit smoking and manage your stress. You can even treat yourself by eating a delicious square of dark chocolate rich in cocoa.

Keep your heart happy this February!

Nathalie Regimbal
Nutritionnist

Nathalie Regimbal is a dietician-nutritionist and mother of 3 kids. She oversees Manger Futé, a team of people passionate about diet that empowers those who want to feed children healthily. To demystify nutrition and diet, Nathalie gives advice on the show La Cantine on Channel V. In addition to her collaboration with Mamanpourlavie.com, you can read her articles in several print and online magazines. Among others, she is a collaborator in nutrition for Yoopa and Célébrons magazines. To make meal time easier for families and initiate kids to cooking, Nathalie has worked hard to write inspiring books: the best-seller Du plaisir à bien manger… 80 recettes gagnantes pour les familles, and the Mandoline series of illustrated cook books for children, the latest one having just won the prestigious prize of the best French Healthy cooking book from the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2010. To help with meal preparation in daycare centres, the team of dieticians at Manger Futé offers classes and coaching. Manger Futé has also published the practical guides Élaborez rapidement un menu équilibré dans votre service de garde and Élaborez rapidement une politique alimentaire. Discover Nathalie Regimbal's books: Du plaisir à bien manger – 80 recettes gagnantes pour les familles Mandoline – J’ai ça dans le sang! Mandoline – Développe tes défenses naturelles!

To know more
Things to do to keep your heart healthy

Did you know that cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in Canada and the first cause of death for women? Here are some little things you can do daily to keep your heart healthy and strong!

A heart attack in her forties

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