Lets not get carried away. Some research indicates that a diet high in flavonoid-rich cocoa powder and dark chocolate had favorable effects on LDL ("bad" cholesterol) when compared with a diet that limited or excluded other flavonoid sources such as tea, coffee or wine. But how much does it affect our heart? Not much… and the amount it would take to make such an affect is grand. Let’s not be fooled into thinking chocolate, even Hersheys Kisses is good for us. IN fact, it’s the dark chocolate, the bitter stuff, that is said to contain the medicinal element, flavonoid. Rationalizing eating chocolate because of its ‘alleged heart health benefits’ is over the top and one should be very careful about eating too much of it. If you are gong to eat chocolate for the proposed benefits, look for products that contain at least 60% of cocoa or sometimes referred to as cacao. There are some products that infuse extra antioxidants such as an item called Cocoa –Via, but you will pay more for it. Ounce for ounce, chocolate has 150 calories and is considered a high fat item. Cocoa and chocolate are 'fun foods' and can and should be eaten… in moderation. Unless you re going to melt down the bitter tasting, cooking cocoa by the brick and sip it through a straw, don’t look for the health benefits in your life time. The reports indicating that chocolate is good for your heart are not statistically significant and you just may get fat trying to become one. Back to Valentines Day and chocolate. I hope many of you get heart shaped boxes of Godiva chocolate. Keep in mind, don’t be fooled into eating ‘til your hearts desire.’ If you are nibbling on the lovely chocolates to gain the heart benefits, you may be surprised that your only gain may be weight on the scale.