Many of us love chocolate and up until now we all thought that we had to stay away from it to stay healthy. Most of us like to treat ourselves and the good news is that recent research suggests that a moderate intake of good quality chocolate containing a high percentage of cocoa solids of 70% or more, may help prevent heart failure in older women.

Studies have shown that one or two 19-30 gram servings of chocolate per week containing a high percentage of cocoa solids can reduce the risk of heart failure in middle-aged and elderly women, by up to 32%.

• Opt for a good quality dark chocolate as it’s this that has the good stuff; the antioxidant plant compounds called flavonoids, believed to protect against heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Avoid milk chocolate which typically contains only 20% or less cocoa solids and is generally higher in sugars and calories.
• Don’t forget that although dark chocolate may protect your heart, it is still high in saturated fat and calories which in excess can lead to weight gain, increased blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, all of which are risk factors in the fight against heart failure.
• To keep your heart healthy and to enjoy the benefits of dark chocolate, eat it in moderation, along with a healthy balanced diet, plenty of physical exercise and no smoking.

Consumed wisely, we don’t have to feel guilty for enjoying a little dark chocolate – it’s all about moderation for a happy and healthy heart.

This content is provided by Heart Research UK working in partnership with Sovereign Health Care. The charity currently funds over £4m of research projects at 31 hospitals and universities across the UK and funded six of the first eight successful UK heart transplants. Sovereign Health Care is proud to support Heart Research UK through donations from The Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust. If you would like to add your own support you can visit their site www.heartresearch.org.uk