The short answer is: yes, but we’re not talking about milk chocolate or typical candy bars. Dark chocolate contains anti-oxidant flavanols and polyphenols, similar to red wine, grapes and berries.

A study in the Journal of Nutrition, October 2008 concluded that “regular consumption of dark chocolate may reduce [the] inflammation” associated with chronic diseases, as measured by C-reactive protein levels. Another study in the same journal published September 2008 noted that flavanol-rich dark chocolate consumption reduced blood pressure and improved insulin sensitivity; both positive impacts on cardiovascular risk factors. The mechanism appeared to be increased bioavailibility of nitric acid; which is also integral to sexual arousal and for a man to acheive an erection.

In a study published July 2007 in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association, researchers concluded “inclusion of small amounts of polyphenol-rich dark chocolate…efficiently reduced blood pressure and improved formation of vasodilative nitric oxide; while white chocolate did not.

Remember, the amount of chocolate per serving was relatively small in these studies. Too much sugar intake can be detrimental and

counterproductive.

So, give your sweetheart dark chocolate to say “I love you”; and don’t forget to regularly nibble on some yourself

.