Got a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day? If you're preparing yourself for a speech on how many calories you're about to consume, you're right. But the news isn't all bad: research shows that cocoa-rich chocolate can boost your heart health. So, if you're going to treat yourself, which ones in the box should you choose?

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Go for the dark chocolate-covered almonds or walnuts rather than the milk or white chocolate varieties. The high concentration of cocoa found in dark chocolate can keep the cells that line the heart and blood vessels healthy. It also lowers blood pressure, and reduces your risk of blood clots. Almonds are a good source of vitamin E and walnuts are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Other healthy sweet treats that are okay to enjoy every now and again include: strawberries or orange peel dipped in dark chocolate; two blocks (10 g) of chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.

How many calories does that chocolate contain?
 

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