Oh, yes — like I needed another reason to love chocolate. As we’ve all heard, the sweet, smooth confection that comes in many tasty forms has a minor health benefit or two. I’m still not convinced that I can incorporate it in to my daily diet, but it is such a fun diversion — only occasionally, of course. Lately, the only cocoa I’ve consumed is the coating on my PowerBars, that leaves the odd aftertaste. Even so, it’s worth it when I can rip through my daily runs with added energy. Perhaps it’s all in my head, but for now, I like it. So, read on for five reasons to indulge in (a wee bit of) the good stuff.

1. According to the University of California at Davis, chocolate was found to contain potent antioxidants called phenols, found to prevent cholesterol and plaque buildup in the arteries.
2. Researchers at Italy’s National Institute for Food and Nutrition Research are advocating that dark chocolate can be an effective component in lowering high blood pressure.
3. A Florida newspaper claims that an increasing number of food scientists are compiling strong evidence that chocolate, or more accurately its cocoa foundation, contains plant chemicals called flavanols that offer cardiovascular protection in several ways.
4. Research teams at the University of Rhode island found that adding cocoa to milk blocked several signs of lactose intolerance in half of the patients tested. Cocoa seems to stimulate lactase enzyme activity, and aid in the break-down of the lactose that causes problems for some people.
5. An ingredient found in cocoa beans was nearly a third more effective than cough medicine in stopping persistent coughs, researchers at Imperial College London found. The ingredient, theobromine, contributes to the bitter taste of cocoa. It works by suppressing vagus nerve activity, which is responsible for coughing.

I especially liked the optimism and promise this website offers — also, feel free to drool on your keyboard while taking in these delectable recipe ideas. Bonus: they are relatively low in fat — yea!