This is one of the best health findings I've ever heard in my lifetime!  Nothing explains the feeling of finding good in something you indulged in, all the time thinking it was bad for you.

I absolutely love chocolates –especially the dark type that's not too sweet. So it felt like hitting the jackpot when studies revealed that dark chocolate is actually good for us! Yippey!

Research has revealed that dark chocolate helps slow down the aging process and helps us maintain a healthy body and a youthful mind. Children absolutely love chocolates,  and I do, too, as an adult – or probably I'm still a child at heart? Wink, wink – but dark chocolate prevents age-related diseases by reducing cell damage caused by the free radicals.

They key ingredient in dark chocolate that is responsible for this favourable effect on our health is flavonoids, which possess antioxidant properties and  collectively known as Vitamin P and citrin. Flavonoids exist naturally in cacao but are often removed because of its bitter taste.  For dark chocolate to be beneficial, it has to have cocoa content of 70 percent or more. Dark chocolate has also been observed to help reduce blood pressure and bad LDL cholesterol so we can maintain a healthier and more youthful heart.

Another interesting observation on the anti-aging properties of dark chocolate is related to the human brain function.  Dark chocolate has show positive effects on helping fight memory loss by improving blood flow to the brain. As an effect, memory is greatly improved. Apart from this, dark chocolate also stimulates the production of endorphins, which are responsible for creating those "feel good" moments, keep us  focused on the positive, and allow us to remain more cheerful and pleasurable.

All these do not give us a reason to over-indulge however. Nope, dark chocolates should be taken in controlled amounts since it is a high-calorie, high-fat food type. You can take more by cutting down on other types of sweets or snacks. You may also select dark chocolate that come with orange peels or nuts, since they can maximize the benefits all the more. Stay off those that come with nougat or caramel fillings, since they only add up to the sugars which actually speed up the aging process.

So go ahead, eat your favourite dark chocolate without the guilt feeling this time. And as you do, check out another revolutionary anti-aging aid that delays the skin aging process with a few easy rolls.