There seems to be a common belief that chocolate is bad for you. Anything that tastes that good has to be, right? However, researchers have discovered that not only is this tasty treat not as bad for you as you always thought, it can actually be beneficial to our health.

Chocolate contains several nutrients, including potassium, iron and calcium. It also contains vitamins A1, B1, B2, C, D, and E.

Chocolate contains magnesium. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to PMS (premenstrual syndrome), heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and joint problems.

Chocolate has antioxidant-rich phytochemicals called flavanols. Although chocolate have some healthful antioxidants it is still considered a treat food by professional dietitians. It is not a health food. Walnuts on the other hand are loaded with nutritional benefits.

Some researchers think the cocoa bean may improve blood flow and reduce the formation of clots. The Kuna Indians of Panama are heavy consumers of cocoa. They boast an unusually low amount of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Harvard researchers found that chocolate eaters lived a year longer than abstainers. Most believe chocolate causes acne; this is not true. A small study done recently suggests the appearance of the skin of chocolate-eating women showed improvement.

There are now even more reasons for chocolate lovers to rejoice! As more amazing research news comes in about chocolate, the substance is moving from a bad-for-you candy to an important health food. Those of us who had always continued to indulge in occasional chocolate treats can stop feeling guilty and now easily justify our cravings.