Chocolate should only be eaten in moderation and as a component of a healthy eating programme, one expert has pointed out.

Linda Main, dietetic advisor for HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity, emphasised that is a very energy-dense food that should not be taken in large quantities.

She explained: "Chocolate is high in fat and sugar, and apart from the beneficial flavonoids provided by the high levels of cocoa solids, there are few other beneficial nutrients in chocolate."

Ms Main said there are various other sources of flavonoids, which may be more conducive to a healthy diet than chocolate is.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital recently claimed that experts are in agreement that chocolate in moderation can have certain health benefits for the heart.

It suggested that dark chocolate is the healthiest due to its abundance of flavonoids, which are said to reduce cellular damage.