Once considered just a sweet treat, chocolate has received a lot of media notice recently because it has been found to provide great health benefits. Flavonoid which is found in cocoa and chocolate has antioxidant components as well as has been shown to have a positive effect on our vascular system. It can help in lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart, and making blood platelets less sticky and able to clot, reports the Cleveland Clinic.