There is now a good deal of evidence that chocolate can have some health benefits, mainly in reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering cholestorol levels - but mainly dark chocolate, and only a small amount. If you eat a lot even of dark chocolate rich in cocoa solids, you will put on weight and probably damage your teeth too.

So how much is the 'small amount' that we hear so much about? The advice most commonly given is that you can have about 25-50g a day (one or two ounces, which will work out at a few squares). But this only applies to dark chocolate, and most importantly, it's only true if you are taking plenty of exercise and the rest of your diet is balanced with a low fat and sugar intake. If you take little exercise but sit eating 50g of chocolate every day, or eat it in addition to a large daily cake, say, you will soon pile on the pounds and your health will suffer. So it's probably best to stick to 25g or less.