You read that right. Research from the University of California, San Diego, found that people who enjoyed a bit of chocolate every weekday had lower BMIs than those who ate it less frequently. Chocolate also helps keep your blood flowing freely to decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke. And it helps protect your skin from UV damage, which means fewer wrinkles and a more even complexion. But not all chocolate is created equal. For the benefits without backfire, choose dark (not milk) chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao—and limit yourself to about an ounce a day.

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