Flavonols are found in cocoa, and dark chocolate contains more cocoa than milk chocolate does.

CNN: Daily chocolate may keep the heart doctor away

Experts believe that natural compounds known as flavonoids (or flavonols), which appear to promote artery health and reduce inflammation, are responsible for the cardiovascular benefits that have been associated with chocolate consumption.

CNN: Daily chocolate may keep the heart doctor away

Chocolate's flavonols may help control coronary artery disease-- if ingested in primarily dark-chocolate formulations. (See "Sweet Temptations, " page 162.) As a topical spa service, there's no evidence that chocolate does anything at all, other than make you want to take a bite out of yourself.

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