It wasn't too long ago that chocolate was considered about as healthy as a stick of butter. Not anymore.

Chocolate has acquired quite a reputation as a not-so-sinful sweet indulgence. And though it may seem too good to be true, research does show that one type of chocolate is rich not only in flavour but also in protective antioxidants.

So is chocolate the new superfood? Not quite. But a growing body of evidence suggests chocolate may have more to offer than guilty pleasure.

Tree Treat

Most of us don't know that chocolate is a plant-based food. It is made from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree. These seeds, also known as cocoa beans, are exceptionally rich in flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants thought to help protect against cardiovascular disease. Once harvested, cocoa beans are left to ferment before being dried, roasted, and processed into the chocolate products we love.

But not all chocolate is created equal. Processing destroys many of the natural flavonoids present in cocoa beans, and chocolate products that have been alkalised have been almost entirely depleted of their natural goodness.

It's only dark chocolate, high in cocoa content that seems beneficial. Not white or milk chocolate.

Healthy Heart

Studies suggest that eating small amounts of dark chocolate may protect cardiovascular health in the following ways:

Improved endothelial function: Several small-scale studies have shown that dark chocolate may help keep arteries elastic and blood flowing smoothly by improving the function of the endothelial cells that line our blood vessels.

Reduced blood pressure: In a recent study involving men and women with high blood pressure, those who ate 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate every day for 15 days experienced a drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. l Improved cholesterol profile: Evidence suggests that eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day may increase "good" HDL cholesterol while decreasing "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Chocolate contains three primary fatty acids, one of which, oleic acid, is also found in olive oil. Research indicates that oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, may slightly reduce total cholesterol.

The Dark Side

Before you ditch your bowl of fruit for a huge plate of brownies, let's do a quick reality check. A small portion of dark chocolate several times a week can be included as part of a healthy diet. But if you don't already eat chocolate, there's no legitimate health reason to start favouring it now.

Not only is chocolate loaded with calories, but it also has far fewer health-boosting vitamins and minerals than fruits and veggies. It also contains caffeine, something that should be minimised in some people's diets. And for some, chocolate may worsen premenstrual symptoms or trigger migraine headaches.

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