How Toxic Is Your Valentine's Day Gift?..Question

The scientific truth about chocolate, wine and coffee.
It's nearly Valentine's Day, which poses a challenge for health-conscious people in all stages of romantic relationships, whether they are searching for love or have been married for decades: Buy a gift like chocolate or wine that symbolizes romance – or spare the potential impact of said gifts on your loved one's health? Before you decide, consider what science says about the health implications of three popular Valentine's Day indulgences:

Chocolate

Research suggests women rate jewelry and flowers, and men rate sex (surprised?), as their top desired Valentine's Day gifts. But chances are, many of you have considered giving another standby gift to your significant other this Feb. 14: chocolate. After all, it's not that expensive, it's easy to find and who doesn't like a heart-shaped box of truffles?

The only trouble may be that your significant other may not want to eat that chocolate – not because he or she doesn't like it, but because of concerns about weight or health. On the one hand, those worries might be valid. Any chocolate consumed in excess is likely to be problematic. It's just too calorically dense (it's approximately 150 calories per ounce, with most servings being close to 2 ounces) to be considered a "health food."

But on the other hand, chocolate may have some benefits. More than one study goes as far as to hint that regular chocolate consumption may be associated with longevity. A paper published recently in the International Journal of Cardiology suggests that chocolate intake may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Some preliminary research even indicates that antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents found in chocolate may have a positive effect on cognitive functioning. Dark chocolate in particular has gotten press as potentially healthier than milk chocolate since it's lower in sugar and higher in fiber, iron and magnesium – despite being higher in calories and fat.

Bottom line? You don't have to give your significant other tofu in a heart-shaped box. Just don't eat the whole box of candy on Feb. 14. You've heard it before, but I'll say it again: The key is moderation, moderation, moderation.

Wine

Maybe you and your significant other have decided against exchanging gifts. But that doesn't mean you won't consider going out to dinner with your Valentine. (You know that, right? Make a reservation – pronto!) Since this is a special occasion, you'll sit down to dinner and order a bottle of wine. So, how (un)healthy is that vino?

Well, maybe it's actually better for you than chocolate. Some research suggests that any moderate consumption of alcohol (beer, wine or spirits) may reduce your chances of having a heart attack. Red wine in particular gets a fair amount of praise, in part because it contains more polyphenols – which are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects – than white wine. One recent media report even claimed that one glass of red wine was as good for you as going to the gym for an hour. I have a few friends who, upon seeing this, immediately suggested we cancel our gym memberships and sit around and drink wine instead.

Unfortunately, that's probably not the best idea. In an article published in Nature, the recommendation to drink wine to improve health is refuted, with the scientists suggesting there simply is not enough evidence to make this recommendation. Plus, when it comes to red wine's polyphenols, more isn't necessarily better.

So, order your wine, enjoy it and celebrate with your loved one. But, don't get in the habit of downing a whole bottle in one night if you want to optimize your health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two per day for men.

Coffee

If you are single and dating, you may find yourself gulping lots of coffee this season. After all, research suggests that most people prefer a short first date, like meeting over a cocktail or cup of coffee. But is it healthy to find love over a latte?

Maybe. The Mayo Clinic suggests that the health benefits of coffee exceed the risks for most people. In fact, people who drink coffee seem to have lower mortality risks, particularly cardiovascular risks. Even decaffeinated coffee seems to do the trick.

However, it matters how much you consume. More than two to four cups of regular coffee or unfiltered coffee like espresso may have a negative effect on cholesterol levels. And, if you add in plenty of milk, cream, syrup or sugar (as I typically do), you can take a calorie-free beverage and turn it into a high-calorie, high-sugar, high-fat, low-nutrient indulgence.

So, at the end of Valentine's Day – whether it's marked by truffles with your girlfriend, pinot noir with your husband or a mocha with a new crush – the toxicity of your indulgence is likely negligible. But the health benefits are probably relatively small as well. Some of our favorite substances – chocolate, wine and coffee – are not unhealthy in moderation, but are unlikely to benefit us more than regularly eating well and exercising. Of course, there is plenty of research to suggest that being in a healthy romantic relationship could add years to your life, but that's a topic for another day.

Copyright 2015 U.S. News & World Report