Here’s a fun new study which kids everywhere can show their parents; chocolate milk is good for your heart! This study, just mentioned in this New York Times column, describes how the study group given skim milk plus cocoa powder had lower levels of inflammatory markers as well as higher levels of the good cholesterol, HDL.

This new study adds to previous evidence that indeed does show that dark chocolate does lower blood pressure as well as lower cholesterol and lessen atherosclerosis. And yes, some doctors do recommend after these recent studies that a small piece of dark chocolate every day isn’t a bad idea for general health.

The key, of course, is moderation! Skim milk has less calories than whole milk; and an entire chocolate bar a day, well let’s just say that may not be too healthy? But don’t forget that the type of chocolate is key; it needs to be dark chocolate, not milk or white. Over 70% is best. Fortunately, Beijing’s expat stores have many choices. Now I don’t feel so guilty anymore! By the way, does anyone know where to get the trendy dark chocolate bars with red pepper? It’s a very fun combo…