Squaring the need for more chocolate in my diet

Chocolate is back in the news, and this time it’s good.

A recent story from webmd.com confirms what I’ve always believed in my heart: Chocolate is good for me and I should eat massive amounts of it every day.

Ok, they didn’t say that last part.

But they did say that – and I quote – “If chocolate has health benefits, they likely come from flavonols – plant compounds thought to support heart health, improve blood vessel function, and reduce inflammation.”

Which to me sounds like it’s good for me and I should eat massive amounts of it every day.

The study cited in the article follows other studies on the benefits of cocoa flavonols found in dark chocolate. Other flavonol-rich foods include berries, tea, and red grapes (even when fermented into red wine – also a favorite of mine, coincidentally).

The story is quick to point out limits – “…if you love chocolate, have it in moderation.” – and to recommend, “Just keep it under an ounce or two per day, or about one square from a chocolate bar.”

I’m zeroing in on the “one square” measurement. Where’s my yardstick?