Indulging in chocolate was often seen as the perfect way to get out of shape in no time. It’s so unhealthy that we limit consumption to only a few occasions. However, new research shows that there are legitimate reasons to satisfy your chocolate cravings all year long.

According to some studies done in Italy, dark chocolate has many of the same benefits as vitamin C. It helps the body use insulin more effectively, and it lowers blood pressure as well.

The research examined two out of three chocolate varieties: dark chocolate and white chocolate. Dark chocolate is made up of cocoa solids and sugar. However, it does not contain milk solids that are commonly found in milk chocolate and white chocolate. Although white chocolate is generally considered as chocolate, it really has no cocoa solids. Instead, it is made up of cocoa butter (fat in chocolate), milk solids, and sugar.

Based on the study, participants who enjoyed 100 grams of dark chocolate each day for 15 days experienced lower blood pressure and high insulin sensitivity. On the other hand, white chocolate exhibited no effect on participants since it does not contain cocoa solids, where the flavonoids are found. Researchers believe that the benefits of dark chocolate are due to flavonoids. These polyphenolic molecules can aid in reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

So what does this mean for those who are nuts about chocolate? It certainly doesn’t mean that we can now replace our usual fruits and veggies with chocolate all day long. It simply means that eating more chocolate is not a bad thing… as long as it is dark chocolate. As always, eat moderately.