Eating dark chocolate helps your heart? Some research suggests it does exactly that. Scientists are saying something called flavonoids found in dark chocolate may produce beneficial cardiovascular effects, much like those found in green and red fruits and vegetables, red wine and green tea.

What good are flavonoids? Scientists are finding that higher blood levels of flavonoids create good cardiovascular effects, the kind that may lower the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

What are some benefits? One study showed that dark chocolate consumption reduced the "stickiness" of blood, reducing clots and clumps, an aspirin-like effect. Another showed that dark chocolate improved blood vessel function, a nitric oxide-like effect that could benefit cardiovascular health. Still another found that a diet that included dark chocolate increased good cholesterol and helped prevent bad cholesterol from oxidizing.

You may notice that candy manufacturers like Hersey and Mars are making more dark chocolate candies. Mars has a dark chocolate version of its Milky Way bar, and Hersey's has come out with dark chocolate versions of Mounds and Kisses.

Talking about all this candy is making me hungry. I think I'm gonna go to the local convenience store and buy a little something to help my heart!