Should and Shouldn't For Chocolate

Why You Avoid Chocolate
It’s sweet, it’s sugary, it’s high in fat and calories. Hello—it’s chocolate.

Why You Shouldn’t Avoid Chocolate
Turns out there’s every reason to go loco for cocoa—dark cocoa, that is. “Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, healthy compounds that can protect your heart,” says Greaves. Dark chocolate is chock-full of these flavonoids, which can increase blood flow and ease inflammation and may even decrease the buildup of “bad” cholesterol. “Enjoy a half ounce or an ounce of dark chocolate a day—the higher the percentage of cocoa it contains, the better—and you can satisfy your sweet tooth without expanding your waistline,” she says. “Shave a piece of dark chocolate on top of berries or melt a bit and drizzle it over slices of ripe banana.”