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Want to bring a little good cheer into a friend's life for various occasions scattered over the New Year? (Not a bad resolution.) Here's our list of eight healthy gift ideas that will make everyone happier (including you, ‘cause giving is a great feeling).
- 1/2 pound walnuts. Eating 12 halves of walnuts daily may increase lifespan 20 percent! And munching six halves 30 minutes before mealtime is an effective way to control appetite. Walnuts can keep your arteries clear, too.
- 1/2 pound dark (70 percent cacao) chocolate. One ounce daily may cut heart attack and stroke risk 30 percent while preventing some cancers. And, oh yeah, it tastes great! Related: Find out how chocolate can help you lose weight.
- 1 pound coffee = 320 ounces of java. Your daily dose of coffee (3 cups) can cut stroke risk by 30 percent and may help prevent some cancers, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes.
- 1 bottle of wine. Provides 5 to 7 glasses; one-a-day for women, two for men. Boosts good HDL and reduces lousy LDL—keeping everything from the brain to sexual functions up and running.
- Garlic goodies. Garlic-infused olive oil and a garlic press deliver an immune-boosting, heart-healthy flavor!
- Jump rope, pedometer and exercise bands. Nothing relieves stress, lowers heart disease risk and protects against diabetes like exercise; cool “toys” are a great incentive to get going!
- Lavender aromatherapy oil. Give the gift of sleep; sniff the scent for 20 minutes before bedtime—sweet dreams!
- Thank-you notes. Expressing gratitude improves everyone's happiness quotient.
Medically reviewed in January 2020.
