“There is no sincerer love than the love of food,” wrote Irish playwright and political activist George Bernard Shaw. While we may be in the mood for a tasty Valentine’s treat, we also don’t want to overload the very organ most associated with love. A healthy diet — we may call it a sincere love of food — can help to reduce high blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and protect against heart disease. “In simple terms, it means selecting foods that support our overall heart health and the function of our blood vessels,” says O’Sullivan. But what about celebrations like Valentine’s Day, with its traditional focus on steak dinners, creamy pasta dishes, and giant boxes of chocolates?

Source: Irish Examiner February 13, 2026 05:01 UTC