Better grab a Kit-Kat: chocolate is actually GOOD for you

A new study shows that 100g of chocolate a day, is actually of benefit to your health.

In a finding likely to be welcomed by chocoholics everywhere, scientists have found there may be no need to cut out chocolate to protect your cardiovascular health.

Scientists in the University of Aberdeen have found that chocolate may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 25% and reduce stroke by 23%.

Heart researchers in Aberdeen studied the eating habits of 21,000 people over 12 years, the study discovered that those who consumed higher amounts of chocolate, weighed less and engaged in regular physical activity.

A couple of squares of chocolate are around 16g, and an average bar of chocolate about 50g.

Commentators not involved in the research were cautious, noting too much chocolate can lead to weight gain, which is bad for the heart.

The study noted that milk chocolate, often thought to be less healthy that dark chocolate, may also have the same benefical health effects and was eaten frequently by the study’s partcipants.

Professor Phyo Myint, Chair in Old Age Medicine at Aberdeen University, said: “Cumulative evidence suggests that higher chocolate intake is associated with a lower risk of future cardiovascular events.”

“This may indicate that not only flavonoids, but also other compounds, possibly related to milk constituents, such as calcium and fatty acids, may provide an explanation for the observed association.”

“There doesn’t seem to be any evidence of moderate consumption of chocolate increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, conclude the researchers.”