The Truth About The 'Health Effects' Of Chocolate

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Valentine's Day is around the corner and that means lots of chocolate in various shapes and sizes will be sent from lovers and friends. And I am willing to bet that there will be dozens of stories about the health effects of chocolate, both good and bad.

I am not foolish; I know what most people will do. There is no doubt that most people will hear one message: chocolate is good for you. And they will use it as an excuse to indulge.

Overall that is not a bad idea to fill a craving, but here is the real truth.

If you want to get the skinny so to speak, we know that dark chocolate has health-protective effects but the amount of chocolate you should have each day is the amount in a Hershey's kiss. That's right, one Hershey's kiss.

So here's a cheap valentine's present that can last all year long. 365 Hershey's kisses -- dark chocolate of course -- with a message on the card that says "eat one a day." And then after you break up -- and there is a good chance that can happen -- you can give the same gift to your next sweetheart.

Reported by Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio 1060