A little bit of mystery can pack major sex appeal, and Valentine’s Day delivers in spades. For instance, no one is quite sure how the pictorial representation of the heart that graces nearly 200 million greeting cards each year came to be.
Some believe it came from Galen’s and Aristotle’s description of the organ; others attribute it to the shape of ivy leaves – associated with fidelity in ancient times – or silphium, a now-extinct plant used as a form of birth control, among other medicinal applications.
Similarly, the heart’s association with love has no clear origin, though ancient Egyptians and Chinese thought the heart housed the mind and soul and, thus, emotions. While we now know the brain controls all, there’s no arguing that your heart plays a central role in your health. So show a little love to your Valentine (and yourself!) with this sure-to-impress, heart-healthy meal, courtesy of the American Heart Association.
White Bean and Tomato Bruschetta SaladWhite Bean and Tomato Bruschetta Salad
Makes 2-4 servings