Why chocolate IS GOOD FOR YOU!

Yes, you can indulge your sweet tooth this Christmas and give your body and mind a boost

- FIONA FORD

Think of Christmas and hot chocolate on tap, sweet treats hanging from the Christmas tree and the ‘it wouldn’t be festive without’ Quality Street selection tin, often spring to mind. Yes, the festive season means the temptation of treats is never far away and this can mean it’s hard to keep your chocolate habit under control.

But there is good news. Chocolate isn’t the sin it’s often made out to be. The dark variety, in particular, is actually packed with so many health benefits it’s positively a festive saviour. So this Christmas, ditch the guilt, safe in the knowledge you deserve to enjoy the gift of good health. Here are just some of our favourite benefits...

DARK v MILK v WHITE

Thanks to its lower sugar content, most people assume dark chocolate is the healthier choice. However, when it comes to calorie counts, dark, white and milk all pack a similar punch. ‘There’s the same energy in dark chocolate as milk, but there are more polyphenols (micronutrients) and healthy compounds from the cocoa in dark chocolate,’ reveals dietician Sophie Medlin from City Dietitians. ‘While white chocolate contains more sugar and less cocoa, the difference in calories is very small.’

SOOTHES YOUR THROAT