The nutritional benefits of chocolate are well known. Good quality dark chocolate — with a minimum 70 per cent cocoa — contains plenty of magnesium and phosphorous.

It also contains cocoa butter, which helps protect the cardiovascular system by decreasing dangerous cholesterol (LDL) and increasing production of the positive sort (HDL).

It’s important to remember that when it comes to chocolate and health benefits, not just any kind of chocolate will do.

Typically, 100g bar of 72% cocoa dark chocolate contains 9g of protein, 31g of carbohydrates (including 28g of sugar), 41g of fat, 14 g of fiber.

It is also a rich source of minerals, with around 300mg of magnesium, 600mg of potassium, 240mg phosphorous, copper and vitamin E.

Dark chocolate also contains caffeine, theobromine and phenylethylamine, substances which can give the nervous system a healthy boost, as well as serotonin, an important neurotransmitter.

Indeed, the simple act of eating chocolate is so pleasurable that it causes endorphins to be secreted, making us feel even better!

Contrary to popular belief, eating chocolate does not promote weight gain. Just keep in mind that the higher the cocoa content, the less sugar chocolate contains.