"All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."
 Charles M. Schultz

We are dealing with another 8 inches of snow up here in New England and another major snow storm, is expected on Thursday.   With all this cold, snowy weather it makes me think of the upcoming Valentine's weekend and time to turn my thoughts to chocolate.
Dark chocolate (70% cocoa beans) may not only be the tastiest food, it may also have many physical and mental health advantages.  Like most good things, though, everything in moderation because it still has a lot of sugar and fat. While I sit here in a snowy New England, I am going to enjoy the best health reasons to enjoy chocolate.
1.  It has disease fighting antioxidants, maybe more than most other foods.
2.  According to research by a Canadian food advisor, "chocolate releases calming endorphins that reduce anxiety.  Plus, it's very high in magnesium, a stress reducer."
3.  A study at the University of Illinois found that daily consumption of dark chocolate, may lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure.
4.  It helps prevent heart disease.  A recent study showed that people who consume 70% dark cocoa beans on a regular basis, had improved blood flow.  The dark chocolate is linked to a chemical in the body, nitric oxide, that increases arterial dilation.
Although many of these health claims are not without fault, in this cold snowy weather, I can see no serious harm in trying a little hot cocoa to ease the harsh winter blues.  Tomorrow I will explore some great recipes that include rich healthy chocolate.  Until then stay warm.