The Halloween candy face-off: Real Simple magazine tries to answer which candy is healthier

A nutritional analysis by Real Simple magazine pitted favorite Halloween treats against one another to see which are healthier. While neither winner is necessarily good for you, the competition offers one way to choose the lesser of two evils. (Photo by Lucas Allen)

Snickers candy bars are a better choice than Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Kate Rope reports for Real Simple. Snickers "contains less fat, less saturated fat, and 10 fewer calories per two pieces," said Cynthia Sass, coauthor of "The Ultimate Diet Log."

Peanut M&M's or Skittles? Skittles are lower in calorie count, but M&M's will make you feel full longer.

Selecting Kit Kat over Twix will "save you 20 calories and rack up less saturated fat and sodium," Sass said, though it's a toss-up between Candy Corn and Tootsie Rolls.

What about Butterfinger or York Peppermint Patties? "Butterfingers boast 200 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 100 milligrams of sodium," Rope reports. "Meanwhile, three mini York patties pack 150 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 15 milligrams of sodium."

Jolly Rancher beat out Starburst, though not because there is a significant difference in calorie count, but because Jolly Ranchers take longer to suck and you're not as likely to eat several in a row.

Ther survey found for SweeTarts over Smarties; Milky Way over PayDay; Almond Joy over Mounds; Bubble Yum ove rTootsie Pop; and the classic caramel apple vs. candy apple. (Read more)

Red wine, dark chocolate make for heart-healthy Valentine's

Those seeking to stay heart healthy even on the most romantic day of the year won't have to look much farther than the wine rack, scientific research source Newswise reports. Experts from the Loyola University Health System have found red wines like Pinots and merlots all contain a healthy amount of catechins, which help improve "good" HDL cholesterol.

Dark chocolate with a 70 percent-plus cocoa content is likewise heart friendly, thanks to its resveratrol, which helps lower blood sugar. "You are not even choosing between the lesser of two evils, red wine and dark chocolate have positive components that are actually good for your heart," said Susan Ofria, clinical nutrition manager at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.

In honor of National Heart-Healthy Month, which is being celebrated this month, Ofria also recommends eating: salmon or tuna; flax seeds; oatmeal; black or kidney beans; walnuts and almonds; and blueberries, cranberries, raspberries and strawberries. (Read more)