Dark chocolate really can be good for you.

A new study shows that regular intake of small amounts of cocoa-rich dark chocolate is a heart tonic. Published in the European Heart Journal it says that eating 7.5 grams of chocolate, less than a small square of a chocolate bar, every day lowers the blood pressure levels thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by 39%

The high flavanois content of cocoa improves the bio-availability of nitric oxide which is released from the inner all blood vessels, causing the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels to relax and widen.

As there is more cocoa in dark chocolate, it has greater effects in reducing and improving blood flow and blood pressure levels. White chocolate is believed ineffective as it does not contain flavanois.

It should be remembered that even small amounts contain saturated fat and loads of calories.