Weighing In: Are oatmeal cookies good for my heart?

Ask the Nutritionist: I know that chocolate, alcohol and oatmeal are all good for heart health. Does this mean that any foods with these things in them will benefit my heart?

Nutritionist Heather Reese: Unfortunately even the most nutritious foods can lose their healthy edge when other things are added to them. Dark chocolate is an antioxidant that can protect your heart and boost heart health. But when you add high calorie, high fat ingredients to the chocolate you decrease the benefits and can gain weight.

The same is true for oatmeal, which can help lower your cholesterol. An oatmeal cookie has the health benefits of soluble fiber but it is also high in sugar and saturated fat, which can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of heart disease. Wine has been also been found to benefit your heart, but alcohol should always be consumed in moderation.