6 reasons why chocolate is actually GOOD for you

We're always being told about the dangers of consuming too much sugar but a little bit of the sweet stuff in moderation isn't as terrible as you thought...

Chocolate has a number of health benefits

It's that time of year when chocolate is everywhere. And who can resist? But next time you tuck into a box of Quality Street, you may not have to feel so guilty about it. New research suggests that chocolate can be good for you. Here's how...

1.The science bit

Cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, contains a wonderful antioxidant called flavanol, which is found in plants.

Scientists at Mars Bar HQ joined up with the University of L’Aquila in Italy, to find that these antioxidants can increase blood flow to the brain. This means our reaction times are better as well as our brain cells being protected against ageing. Basically, the higher the cocoa content in your choc the better it is for you.

In the study, healthy people, aged between 50 and 69, drank high cocoa flavanols for three months. The results were so compelling that flavanol supplements could be considered as a new option for the treatment and prevention of memory loss. Impressive?

2.Brain power

Scientists discovered you could have the brain power you had 20 years ago, if you consume plenty of flavanol-rich cocoa. But before you start devouring chocolate treats in the name of brainy superpowers, take heed.

Cacao (cocoa in its raw form) is the secret ingredient that gives chocolate its health powers, but on its own it tastes horrid. That’s why all our fave bars are mixed with milk, sugar and butter to make them taste better.

To consume the levels of flavanols used in the brain study you’d need to eat between 10 and 20 bars of chocolate each day – not good if you want to maintain your figure!

To make the most of its health benefits, stick to ‘healthy’ variants with at least 70% cocoa (cacao in its roasted, ground form). This has roughly 12 percent less sugar than 60% cocoa dark chocolate.

"The higher the cocoa content of your chocolate, the better it is for you," comments chocolate expert Jennifer Earle from Chocolate Ecstasy. "If dark chocolate is too intense for you, mix it with hot water and honey, or a nut milk – which has natural sweetness."

Chocolate's other benefits

3.Prevents ageing: "The antioxidants found in fruit and vegetables, that help fight free-radicals that lead to wrinkles, are just as potent in cocoa-rich chocolate," says Lovisa Nilsson, nutritionist at health and fitness app, Lifesum. Some research suggests chocolate could be even more beneficial than fruit, because of it’s higher antioxidant level.

4.Makes you happy: Research published in the scientific journal Nutritional Neuroscience has suggested that chocolate can boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression. "Chocolate is also high in magnesium, which aids relaxation and contains anandamide, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood. Chocolate also raises endorphin levels in the brain," explains Lovisa.

5.Lowers your cholesterol: Scientists believe that regular consumption of high cocoa-content chocolate can help lower your cholesterol and improve blood pressure. It’s all thanks to flavanols and plant sterols, which both increase the flexibility of veins and arteries.

6.Losing weight: The good news is, you don’t have to give up your favourite sweet treat to slim down – having a little bit of dark chocolate helps reduce cravings for other naughty foods, making it easier to stick to your diet. "Eating a piece of chocolate each day or a whole chocolate bar 1-2 times a week is fine," says nutritionist Martin MacDonald. "Just be mindful of combining treats with a healthy diet."