Hi there everybody this is Monica Reinagle the nutrition diva here with your quick and dirty

tips for eating well and feeling fabulous. 150 years ago some clever chocolatier came up with the idea of packing chocolates in heart-shaped boxes for Valentine's Day.

The idea caught on and February 14th has been associated with chocolate ever since.

And now scientists are telling us that chocolate may be as... has been associated with chocolate ever since.

And now scientists are telling us that chocolate may be as good for your heart health

as it is for your love life.

We'll take a closer look at the claims right after this message from this week's sponsor.

What do spinach, sardines, oat-brand and dark chocolate have in common?

They're all touted as ways to make your heart healthier.

Funny how most people find it easier to eat more chocolate than to eat more sardines.

Well, we do what we can. And the truth is, chocolate really does have some good stuff in it.

Studies have found that eating chocolate can lower your blood pressure and your cholesterol,

which of course is good for your heart, but that's not all.

Compounds in chocolate can increase your insulin sensitivity.

That improves your body's ability to regulate your blood sugar and can help prevent type 2 diabetes.

These compounds also improve blood flow to the brain, which can make you smarter.

Well, at least it can help you to hang on to the smarts you have as you get older.

Chocolate also helps reduce inflammation, which helps prevent all kinds of diseases,

and generally just slows down the aging process.

Not for nothing did Montezuma drink a dozen cups of cocoa to bolster his stamina before visiting his harem.

I even came across some research showing that eating chocolate on a regular basis can improve the texture and the structure of your skin and make it look younger.

And if all that weren't enough, chocolate contains compounds that make you feel happier.

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