Festive ways to protect your heart

Natural ways to feel great

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Keeping your heart healthy is one of the smartest resolutions you can make-research in JAMA found that doing so can extend your life by up to 14 years. And, happily, Cleveland Clinic experts say more than 90% of heart disease is preventable. Here, 4 ways to keep your ticker strong through 2023 and beyond

Sprinkle this spice

The cloves you add to baked apples, mulled cider and holiday ham do more than tickle your taste buds: In a USDA study, folks who consumed ½ tsp. of the spice daily cut their cholesterol by 34 points in one month. And every 10-point drop in artery-clogging cholesterol lowers the risk of heart disease by 30%. Cloves brim with eugenol, a compound that combats cell-damaging oxidative stress that causes cholesterol to climb.

This week's Radical Health tip

Soothing soaks FEND OFF COLDS & FLU

Decadent Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

This chocolaty sip lowers heart disease risk by 30%

1 cup almond milk

3 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder

1 Tbs. dark chocolate chips

2 tsp. maple syrup

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract Mini marshmallows

1 In pot, combine almond milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, maple syrup and vanilla extract with a pinch of salt; heat over medium-low heat.

2 Let simmer, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted, 5-7 min.; divide mixture among 4 mugs. Top with mini marshmallows. Serves 4

Supercharging your body's defenses against illness is easier than you may think: Simply draw a relaxing bath.