There has never been anything wrong with eating a little chocolate from time to time, but a new medical study suggests that the tasty treat may have some unexpected benefits. According to a new report from the Huffington Post, it just may help prevent strokes and cardiovascular disease.

The study was conducted by a team of scientists in England, who examined survey data from nearly 21,000 participants who had their health monitored over an 11-year window. Most people in the study ate an average of seven grams, or 0.25 ounces of chocolate each day. Some reported eating none, and others consumed up to 100 grams of chocolate daily.

Most of the respondents preferred to eat milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate, which is packed with protective chemicals called flavonoids. The study suggests that other compounds like calcium and fatty acids from the milk, as well as the flavonoids, are related to the association between eating chocolate and improved health outcomes.

The study was headed by Phyo Myint of the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, who acknowledged that the survey methods still had some limitations. The association between chocolate and lowered risk of poor cardiovascular health was no more than observational at this point.

The study included a literature review covering over 130,000 people, which also mirrored the survey’s association surrounding chocolate and healthy hearts. At the very least, we can confidently say that people worried about the risk of future cardiovascular events should not be too concerned about omitting the chocolate from their diets.

It doesn’t take much either – an average chocolate bar weighs about 50 grams, which is at the high end of the spectrum of how much chocolate the average person in the study ate on a daily basis.

The study’s authors advised readers not to increase their chocolate intake as a result of the study. Eating sugars in excess can lead to problems associated with obesity – according to the authors, it’s still best to take your chocolate in small doses.