Why you should eat more chocolate

The good news is that the dark version of this treat is choc-full of antioxidants and other good-for-you compounds. Of course eating too much – or falling for the sugary milk chocolate and white choc varieties – will work against you. But take a look at some of the body benefits you’ll gain if you can keep to 25 grams per serve.

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Boosts skin elasticity
The cocoa flavonoids in dark chocolate may help improve skin elasticity at your temples.

Improves memory
Drinking 2 cups of flavonol-rich hot chocolate was shown to improve memory speed test results in elderly subjects by improved the brain’s blood flow by 8.3 per cent.

Reduces diabetes risk
In one study, people who ate 25g of dark chocolate up to 6 times a week reduced their risk of diabetes by 34 per cent compared with a 13 per cent reduction in those who ate the milk choc variety just 1 to 4 times a month.

Keeps blood vessels young
Numerous studies point to chocolate’s ability to decrease effects that cause hardening of the arteries, such as making sure white blood cells don’t stick to artery walls.

Fights inflammation
Good microbes appear to feast on chocolate in the gut, which lets them proliferate, ferment and produce health-bestowing anti-inflammatory compounds.

In a baking mood? Try Healthier chocolate brownie from Healthy Food Guide

Here are five delicious chocolate products to add to your pantry:

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