Dark chocolate lovers were given an early Valentine from Japanese scientists who presented at the American Heart Association’s annual meeting this month in Orlando, FL – It really is good for the heart!   For two weeks researchers fed a group of healthy young adults 550 milligrams daily of dark chocolate versus white chocolate and monitored its impact on blood flow to the heart. 

The flavonoid-rich dark chocolate imparted significantly enhanced blood flow resulting in improved heart function in the study subjects.  The white chocolate, which is devoid of flavonoids, had no effects.    For optimal results, enjoy a prudent portion (.5 to 1 oz) of the highest cocoa content dark chocolate your palate accepts.  The higher the cocoa content the less sugar and more antioxidants it has.