As for white chocolate, expect even fewer health benefits, if any. It's made from cocoa butter (the fat from cocoa beans), sugar and milk but not the cocoa powder or chocolate liquor that are extracted from cocoa beans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't even consider it to be chocolate, and cheap "white chocolate" is made with vegetable shortening instead of cocoa butter.

How much is too much?

Of course, the old rule about taking everything in moderation still holds true. You can't gobble down the entire box of bonbons in one sitting without adding on the calories and potentially gaining weight.

It's not clear from the research how much dark chocolate you should consume to glean the health benefits of flavonols. Studies conducted so far have given participants flavonol-rich cocoa beverages as much as three to four times a day. However, others have recommended as little as 2 tablespoons a day of dark chocolate.

Other flavonol-rich foods include red wine, tea and many fruits and vegetables. Eating a balanced diet rich in these food year-round may improve overall health.

Good and good for you

Here's a treat that packs a triple dose of flavonols. Get a basket of fresh, juicy strawberries and a bar of dark chocolate. Melt the chocolate in a fondue pot or on medium heat in a sauce pan. Use skewers to dip the strawberries into the chocolate and place them on a glass plate to cool. Serve chilled or warm with a glass of red wine.