Dark chocolate is delicious, rich, and satisfying.

It’s also packed with antioxidants that reduce inflammation. These may reduce your risk of disease and lead to healthier aging.

Flavanols are responsible for chocolate’s anti-inflammatory effects and keep the endothelial cells that line your arteries healthy.

In one study, smokers experienced significant improvements in endothelial function within 2 hours of eating high-flavonol chocolate.

However, make sure to choose dark chocolate that contains at least 70% cocoa a greater percentage is even better to reap these anti-inflammatory benefits.

If you forgot to grab this treat on your last run to the store, you can always buy it online.

Flavanols in dark chocolate and cocoa can reduce inflammation. They may also reduce your risk of several diseases.

Even low levels of inflammation on a chronic basis can lead to disease.

Do your best to keep inflammation in check by choosing a wide variety of delicious, antioxidant-rich foods.

Peppers, dark chocolate, fish, and extra virgin olive oil are just a few foods that can help you combat inflammation and reduce your risk of illness.