A new study suggests that munching on small chunks of chocolate can lower your chances of having a heart attack or a stroke by as much as 40%.
The German proponents of the study followed about 20,000 subjects over the course of eight years. 
The subjects answered questionnaires so the researchers can monitor their activities and diet.
The study found out that those who enjoyed at least 6 grams of chocolate everyday or just about a square of a bar had a lower risk of around 39% for strokes or heart attack.
Previous studies have pointed to the benefits of consuming dark chocolate but this is the first study to involve monitoring of individuals to know its effects for a stretched period of time.
Experts believe that the flavonols found in chocolate are responsible for lowering the risks for stroke or a heart attack. Flavonols contribute to the widening of the blood vessels in muscles leading to a lower blood pressure. The substance is also found in red wine and vegetables.
The proponents of the study don’t want to rush in recommending that people should take in more chocolate but they can suggest this early that unhealthy snacks can be replaced by a bite of dark chocolate.
The researchers warn that large amounts of chocolate can have the opposite effects, weight gain and in the long run, heart problems or strokes.