PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — There are many ways to show appreciation and love to that special person on Valentine's Day, but one of the traditional ways is buying chocolate.
It is somewhat ironic that on a day that is often symbolized by a heart, the gift you give could be potentially damaging to the vital organ. The type of chocolate you eat may even be more important than the amount.
A report in the journal Nature emphasizes the fact that dark chocolate in moderation can have a heart-healthy impact, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and deep venous thrombosis.
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols and methylxanthines. The flavonols, in particular, have been shown to be heart-healthy.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
