Sweet news about chocolate: what you need to know to unwrap chocolate's healthy side.(FOOD: OFF THE SHELF)

If you love chocolate but not tile guilt that comes with eating it, take heart. In light of mounting evidence, experts now agree that the darling of the dessert world is actually good for you.

"Dark chocolate and its cousin cocoa are teeming with potent antioxidant plant chemicals called flavonols that emerging science reveals protect the health of the cardiovascular system by improving artery function," says Ann Kulze, MD, author of Dr Ann's 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss and Lifelong Vitality.

And dark chocolate's health benefits don't stop at the heart. It also helps prevent prostate disease fight inflammation and even boost your mood, says Robert Nagourney, MD, medical director for the Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.

Researchers are still figuring out exactly how the antioxidants in chocolate oiler such wide-reaching health benefits. What they do know is that the disease-fighting flavonols in cocoa beans are similar to those found in red wine, green tea and certain fruits and berries.

But before you load your cart up with all things chocolate, read on for tips on choosing products that will deliver a healthy treat.

Chocolate Tip #1--The Darker the Better

The higher the percentage of cocoa content, the higher the flavonol concentration. Look for bars with a minimum of 60 percent cocoa, though 70 percent or greater is best, according to Kulze. Most palates will find more than 85 percent cocoa too bitter.