Indulge your sweet tooth with a heart-healthy treat.

Dark chocolate may help lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity in healthy people, a recent study concludes. Flavanols are likely the source of dark chocolate's health powers. They relax blood vessels and stimulate glucose absorption. Remember to eat chocolate in moderation; it's still high in fat and calories.

In addition to dark chocolate, other food sources of flavanols include green and black teas, Red Delicious apples with the peels, and apricots. Flavanols are polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. In a recent study, participants' blood pressure and glucose tolerance were assessed after they consumed either 100 grams of dark chocolate (about 3.5 ounces) or 90 grams of white chocolate daily for 15 days. Participants in the dark chocolate group experienced about a 6-point decrease in systolic blood pressure and a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity compared to people in the white chocolate group. Stick to small amounts of dark chocolate, which contain more flavanols than milk chocolate. White chocolate contains no flavanols. Other important elements of blood pressure control are regular exercise and a varied diet that includes fish, nuts, dry beans, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy and limits saturated fat and sodium.