So, chocolate could lower your risk of developing an irregular heartbeat

Chocolate lovers rejoice! 

A new study, published in the journal Heart, has found that people who eat chocolate regularly may actually have a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation – a condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

The Danish Diet, Cancer and Health Study examined over 50,000 people between the ages of 50 and 64 who were asked to provide information about their weekly chocolate consumption.

Researchers regularly checked in with participants over a 13-year period and found 3,346 cases of atrial fibrillation during that time. 

The results showed a link between higher levels of chocolate consumption and a lower rate of atrial fibrillation in both men and women. 

However, authors of the study did warn that although chocolate by itself is beneficial to hearth health, it is often consumed with added fat and sugar, which as we know, are not so good for our tickers. 

Victoria Taylor, senior dietician at the British Heart Foundation, said: "The type of chocolate eaten wasn't recorded either, therefore we can't directly translate these findings into recommendations.''

"We need additional research to look more carefully at exactly how much cocoa would need to be consumed and how frequently, to see the same benefit.

"If you eat chocolate, keep your portions small and go for dark chocolate with the highest cocoa content."

So basically, don't overdo it, but don't feel too bad either.

We'll take that.