Chocoholics can rejoice and enjoy the packet of chocolates to its fullest glory. “East Chocolate For A Healthier Heart” is what researchers have been saying this holiday season!

 According to a research analysis, people who ate one serving of chocolate a week were approx 28% less likely to have a stroke than the non chocolate eaters. Also, eating chocolates helps in lowering the blood pressure. Since, chocolate appears to have a pronounced effect on blood pressure, therefore chocolate consumption would lower the risk of strokes and heart attacks, with a stronger effect being seen for stroke.

 A latest study has also revealed the fact that women older than 75 years of age, who ate chocolate at least twice a week, were 35% less likely to die of heart related disease. So women in their golden age should indulge their chocolate cravings on a weekly basis if they want to avoid heart problems.

 The kind of chocolate that you eat matters a lot. Only, the dark variety, with larger cocoa content seems to be good, in comparison to milk and white chocolates. Dark chocolates have a high concentration of antioxidants called flavonoids. These compounds have been found to bolster blood vessel function, probably by causing a spike in uric acid levels when they're broken down by the body. That, in turn, seems to help cut the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

 Some researchers are still skeptical about these findings. There take on this is that, it is too early to tell how strong the connection between chocolates and heart health is. Researches also suggest that small amounts of chocolate may help to prevent heart disease, but only if it replaces other energy-dense food, such as snacks, in order to keep body weight stable. Heart campaigners warned that too much chocolate is damaging because it has a lot of calories and saturated fat.

 So whether you're sharing the bounty of that heart-shaped box with your sweetheart or a bag full of dark chocolates with friends and family, or generally indulging in a little choco-therapy, you may be on your way to a healthier, happier heart!

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