Dark chocolate can reduce cholesterol levels in people if it is the substitute for other sources of saturated fats, an expert says.

The food contains flavonoids in its cocoa solids that can act as antioxidants, which are believed to assist in preventing cholesterol being embedded in the walls of blood vessels, according to a Heart UK representative.

Linda Main, dietetic advisor of Heart UK, said: "Flavonoids are found in varying amounts in fruits and vegetables, and depending on processing can be particularly abundant in red wine, tea, cocoa and chocolate."

Ms Main added that the recent research involving chocolate and cocoa provided "interesting results".

This news comes after a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine revealed that higher flavanoid intakes are linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

As well as this, the study showed that flavonoid-rich cocoa and chocolate can reduce blood pressure and improve endothelial function.