OK chocolate lovers, put down that Snickers and listen up!

Is chocolate a health food? Is it good for cardiovascular health? I want it to be!

Apparently the jury is still out and we need more research.

Dr. Oscar Franco from the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge reviewed seven studies and concluded that none of them was definitive in terms of heart health and chocolate. However, and here is the hope, he did note what researchers reported– people who ate lots of chocolate were about one-third less likely to have hearts attacks, strokes and diabetes. Unfortunately, self-report is not the best research.  You have to do studies with randomize controls and monitor health.

Bottom line, it is too early to dive into the Godiva and think you are being healthy. Like all things, moderation is always the best approach. But we can always hope that next to the broccoli, carrots and beets, there will one day be a heart healthy choice dripping in chocolate and inviting our taste buds to a real treat.

In the meantime, just enjoy!! Of course, in moderation!