Chocolate contains antioxidants
Chocolate is rich in antioxidants which means that, as part of a balanced, varied, diet it can contribute to good health. Antioxidants are found in all foods, but good sources of particularly beneficial antioxidants include tea, red wine and all fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants can help maintain good circulation and a healthy heart and contribute to the prevention of heart attack and stroke. Studies have also shown that antioxidants may help to prevent or delay some types of cancer.

It's important to note that dark chocolate contains around four times more antioxidants than milk chocolate.

Chocolate may lower cholesterol levels
Chocolate contains high levels of saturated fats, one of which is called stearic acid. Research shows that stearic acid does not raise blood cholesterol levels, while some studies have suggested that stearic acid may actually help the body break down cholesterol build up.

Chocolate may make you live longer
A recent study of 7,800 male Harvard graduates found that the chocolate eaters lived nearly a year longer than those who abstained! The participants who ate a moderate amount of chocolate – one to three chocolate bars a month – fared the best with a 36 percent lower risk of death than non-chocolate eaters. Of course, this is only one study and the scientists involved classed the results as “preliminary”.

Chocolate doesn't give you pimples
Contrary to popular belief, chocolate doesn't cause acne. According to the American Medical Association, "Diet plays no role in acne treatment for most patients…even large amounts of chocolate have not clinically exacerbated acne."

Chocolate won't rot your teeth
Chocolate may actually protect your teeth – it contains substances that work to prevent the formation of cavities. Milk chocolate in particular appears to protect tooth enamel. Because chocolate melts and leaves the mouth quite quickly, it doesn't leave any residue stuck in the teeth. This only applies to plain chocolate though – nuts, caramel and nougat are a different story!

Chocolate can give you an energy boost
An average chocolate bar has 15 to 30 mg of caffeine, in comparison to a cup of instant coffee, which has about 45 mg. However, the energy rush most people experience after eating a bar of chocolate is generally due to its high sugar content. Children may get more of a buzz out of the caffeine in chocolate bars than adults due to their smaller body weight.