Researchers have found that chocolate, the dark variety, is a good food for your brain. Here are the many benefits discovered in studies by universities and scientific organizations:

· Flavanols in cocoa and extra-dark chocolate may enhance blood flow, and improve cognitive health.

· The smell of chocolate may increase theta brain waves, resulting in relaxation.

· A mild mood elevator

· May raise good cholesterol

· Drinking a cup of hot chocolate before meals may actually diminish appetite.

· Men who eat chocolate live a year longer than men who don't.

· The flavanoids in chocolate may help keep blood vessels elastic.

· Chocolate increases antioxidant levels in the blood.

· The carbohydrates in chocolate raise serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a sense of well-being.

· The cocoa with which chocolate is produced that proves to be an anti-aging health food for both heart health and brain memory.

· Dark chocolate enhances brain focus and concentration.

This is most certainly good news. However, do we really need a reason to eat chocolate?  How about the fact that it marries nicely with a little red wine...