Well, we women always knew it was true, but researchers are finding out more and more each day about how good chocolate can be. We have all heard by now that the flavonoids in chocolate, especially dark chocolate, act as antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body’s cells resist the damage caused by free radicals and therefore, are considered cancer preventatives.

Flavonoids, such as those found in cocoa, have also been found to be good for your cardiovascular health, reducing platelet activity and increasing the relaxation capabilities of blood vessels.

Researchers found adults who drank a specially processed cocoa beverage rich in flavonols for four to six days improved their blood vessel function, and older adults appeared to benefit the most.*

Chocolate has been said to have the ability to affect mood, and people tend to turn to chocolate when they feel stressed or depressed. Many substances in chocolate have been named as possibly being responsible for its soothing effects but chocolate doesn’t contain sufficient amounts of any of them to truly be the cause. Chocolate just tastes good, it is smooth and rich and the sensations associated with eating chocolate are equally important to its ability to elevate mood.

But with researchers finding new health benefits from chocolate, it is important to realize that not all chocolate carries the same amount of flavonoids and therefore, not all chocolate is equally beneficial. White chocolate, which isn’t chocolate at all, doesn’t convey these benefits. The cocoa in milk chocolate is highly processed and this process removes some of the flavonoids. Dark chocolate is your best bet because it has had less processing to remove the bitter taste that is naturally caused by the flavonoids.

So now when you reach for that piece of chocolate, you don’t have to feel guilty. It’s good for you!

*Chocolate May Improve Aging Blood Vessels - Fox News

Additional reference: Cleveland Clinic - The Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate Unveiled