A lot of the benefits are psychological rather than physical. Eating chocolate can improve your mood; studies have noted that if people are depressed they will sometimes eat more chocolate than usual in an attempt to make them feel happier. However, it is uncertain whether this proves that chocolate makes you feel better or is one of the things that actually contributes to depression in the first place.

As for other health benefits, chocolate companies make a lot of claims. There are some studies suggesting that dark chocolate, eaten in small amounts, may have a beneficial effect on circulation and even help to reduce heart disease. There have been links with other benefits too, but the evidence in most cases is less strong.

Generally, the advice seems to be that if you have a square or two of good quality dark chocolate most days, it will do you no harm (except perhaps to your teeth) and may even do you some good. However, a lot of any chocolate will do you no good at all, and the health benefits of the milk based chocolates are much smaller. Though a little bit now and then should be all right ...