Q & A Library

I can think of several wonderful gifts that your fiancee may enjoy. Here are my top picks:

• A box of good quality dark chocolate. Chocolate is the traditional Valentine's Day gift, and if it's a good dark variety, with at least 70 percent cocoa, it really is a healthy treat. Chocolate is a source of polyphenols, the same kinds of antioxidants found in red wine and green tea. The fat it contains is mostly stearic acid, which doesn't raise cholesterol levels. And a recent study indicates that compounds called flavonoids in dark chocolate are good for the heart. They reduce the stickiness of platelets, inhibiting blood clotting and reducing the danger of coronary artery blockages. If your fiancee likes chocolate, splurge on a box of the best, imported from Belgium, France or Venezuela.
  
• Flowers: A beautiful bouquet or a long lasting flowering plant is sure to please. I recommend that everyone keep fresh flowers in the home for their beauty, fragrance, and the lift they give our spirits.
  

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• A massage: Give your fiancee a gift certificate for a soothing massage. Some types of massage are more relaxing than others. One of the best is Trager work, a system that uses rocking and bouncing movements to lull you into a dreamy altered state.
  
• Music: We're all affected by music. It has the power to inspire, uplift us, change our moods, and even alter consciousness. Buy tickets to a concert you know your fiancee would enjoy or a CD or two of her musical favorites.

I hope you both enjoy these healthy pleasures.

Andrew Weil, M.D.