Recent studies have shown that including chocolate in one’s diet may help ward off heart disease. What type of chocolate is thought to be particularly effective in this regard?

Dark chocolate contains higher levels of flavonoids, particularly epicatechin, which have antioxidant properties and may help improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow. Milk chocolate and white chocolate have much lower flavonoid content. Liqueur-filled chocolate adds alcohol which isn't the beneficial component.