Boosts brain power
“Eating dark chocolate may protect neurons in the brain from injury and lower the risk of dementia,” said Claire Harper of The Nutrition Guide.
Findings presented to the American Association for the Advancement of Science suggested flavonoid-rich cocoa may increase blood flow to the brain and improve brain function. Combats stress
Treating yourself to 10 squares of dark chocolate a day for two weeks helps lower stress levels, according to a study. In trials, results showed that this reduced levels of stress hormones and helped rebalance other chemicals in the body during times of high anxiety.
Helps you live longer
A study in the British Medical Journal found regular chocolate eaters live almost a year longer on average.
Researchers believe this may be due to the antioxidants that are found in chocolate.
A 2009 study also found it helps heart attack survivors.
But beware...
Not all chocolate is equal – or beneficial, warns Krista. She says to look for chocolate containing a minimum of 70 per cent cocoa or cocoa. But even that is still high in sugar and fat so should be eaten in moderation.