Dark chocolate

Health Benefits: When dark chocolate is included in a healthy diet, it can help improve overall heart health, reduce LDL ( "bad") cholesterol and blood pressure, and increase blood flow to the brain. It also may improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, which could reduce diabetes risk. The power of chocolate comes from flavonoids, a phytochemical found in the cacao bean, from which cocoa is taken. So the more cocoa a chocolate contains, the richer the chocolate's health-promoting content. Dark chocolate contains a higher percentage of cocoa than white or milk chocolate. Portion Control: Even though dark chocolate has good-for-you flavonoids, it also has not-so-good-for-you sugar, calories, and fat. Overindulging can undo any of the previously mentioned health benefits. One ounce (roughly six Hershey's Kisses) is all you need to enjoy the benefits of dark chocolate without widening the waistline.