People will be flocking to the stores for mast minute presents as we get closer to Valentine’s Day, and chocolates are a popular gift for the season.

A particular nutrient found in cocoa is said to be responsible for the reason why we can benefit from eating chocolate, that nutrient is, Flavan-3-ol sometimes referred to as “Flavanols”.

Registered Dietitian from Lafayette general, Kate Rountiree tells KLFY’s Jade Choyce about the benefits.

“Flavanols have some antioxidant qualities, which can help to lower blood pressure, lower some of our cholesterol’s, which in turn will help to improve cardiovascular health.”

Flavanols are present in different varieties of chocolate, but milk chocolate has a lot of sugar and fat that overpowers the benefit of the already low amount of the compound.

“With milk chocolate there’s a lot of sugar, a lot of fat, added to the cocoa to bring down the bitter taste and add obviously some sweetness to it.”

Kate emphasizes that with dark chocolate you can eat more and still consume less, if not the same amount of sugar as milk chocolate.

For example, Kate compares two Hershey Kisses, a dark chocolate bar, and a white chocolate truffle.

They all have the same amount of fat, but you get more in quantity by choosing the dark chocolate bar, the option that’s less likely to be purchased.

“I think people don’t purchase the healthier chocolates because they’re not aware of how good they can be.”

So when you’re shopping for the healthier options, Kate tells us some things to consider.

“My suggestion is you look at the label and try to find the one that’s 80, 85, or 88% cocoa, and then look on the back and check the sugar content.”

The owner of Indulge, Barbara Judice says the companies she does business with producing a healthier dark chocolate that’s handcrafted from bean to bar.

“Because it’s a fine chocolate, you don’t need to consume the whole bar at once, this bar is so good and rich that you just take small amounts, a bar may last you a whole week.”

Rountiree agrees that any chocolate you eat should be in small portions.

“Savor it, take your time and enjoy it, but let it last.”