Eating chocolate reduces the risk of dying young by 12 per cent.
A new study has revealed that chocoholics are less likely to suffer from heart disease or cancer and also have a reduced risk of diabetes.
Experts say chocolate can lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure and claim that regular consumers tend to be slimmer and more active.
Scientists suggest that compounds in cocoa known as flavonoids boost the health of blood vessels.
Professor Jiaqi Huang, from the US National Cancer Institute in Maryland, explained that the study could “partially allay concerns regarding adverse health concerns from low-to-moderate chocolate consumption”.
The British Heart Foundation has claimed that the study is not conclusive enough for it to lessen heart disease risk.
It said: “It’s fine to treat yourself now and again, but no single food or nutrient is more important than an overall balanced healthy diet.”
