Expert reveals 'ideal amount' of dark chocolate that can help reduce major health risks

With Easter just around the corner, many chocoholics will be dreaming of feasting on some of their favorite treats.

While most of us know that, despite its delicious taste, chocolate doesn't have a reputation for being the healthiest of snacks, experts have revealed that there is a sweet spot for the amount that can apparently offer some health benefits.

Dell Stanford, a qualified nutritionist with 15 years’ experience, told the British Heart Foundation that while dark chocolate is often regarded as a 'healthier' option - particularly compared with milk or white chocolate - it should still be consumed in moderation.

The high concentration of cocoa in dark chocolate increases the amount of naturally occurring plant compounds, called flavanols, which give it its bitter flavour.

Experts have revealed the 'ideal amount' of chocolate to eat per week to offer health benefits (Getty Stock Images)

"Flavanols give dark chocolate its slightly bitter taste, and its potential health benefits, such as helping to lower blood pressure and making blood vessels more flexible," Stanford explained.

However, there is a catch.

Before you go freely tucking into the chocolate bar, it is important to note that the amount of chocolate that's healthy to eat is probably (sadly) less than you think.

As with all types of chocolate, most bars are high in fat, sugar and calories and can contribute to weight gain if you eat too much.

Stanford pointed to a 2019 study that showed a link between chocolate intake and lower rates of heart and circulatory conditions, with these particularly convincing when looking at an optimal amount.

According to the research, about 45g, or two to four small squares, of chocolate per week showed the greatest reduction in the risk of circulatory conditions.

When this amount was exceeded, however, the impact of eating chocolate was inverted, with results showing the negative consequences of consuming high amounts of sugar.

Two to four squares our small squares, of chocolate per week showed the greatest health benefits (Getty Stock Images)

It's worth noting that the fat found in dark chocolate comes from cocoa butter, which is about 50 to 60 percent saturated fat, usually more so than milk varieties, making it less healthy in certain aspects.

Additionally, dark chocolate can pack a punch when it comes to caffeine, making it easier to exceed the 400mg threshold for adults. The figure for pregnant women is a mere half that, making it much easier to overindulge if you're not careful.

JoAnn Manson, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, told the BBC: "It's reasonable to have high percentage dark chocolate several times a week as long as you're avoiding excessive calories, but it shouldn't be perceived as a health food you try to eat more of.

"Try to increase flavanols through diet, with tea, berries, grapes and other fruits, as well as a reasonable, moderate amount of high-cacao chocolate."