Dark chocolate good for you - in small amounts

The benefits are thought to come from flavonoids in the dark chocolate, according the August issue of the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Flavonoids, also found in teas, red wine and some fruit and vegetables, are an antioxidant.

A recent study showed that an amount of dark chocolate equally about one small square a day lowere systolic and diastolic blood pressure by about two points each. Dark chocolate may also lower LDL-cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) levels by about five points. Flavonoids have beneficial effects on the functioning of the lining of blood vessels.

The chocolate should contain at least 60% cocoa.