Generally, when something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But what we are about to tell you -- that chocolate may actually help keep you slim -- seems to have a lot of science behind it.

In a new study of 1000 adults, those who admitted to eating chocolate a few times a week had a lower body mass index (BMI) on average than those who just indulge occasionally. These results held true even after factoring in things like exercise and overall calorie consumption. According to the study, the chances this link between chocolate and a lower BMI is merely coincidental is about one in a hundred.

What scientists believe is going on is that even though chocolate is high in calories it also has ingredients which encourage weight loss rather than fat synthesis.

Our findings appear to add to a body of information suggesting that the composition of calories, not just the number of them, matters for determining their ultimate impact on weight," explains the study's lead author Dr Beatrice Golomb.

Previous studies have found that chocolate may be good for the heart, and possibly helps to repair damaged cells.

Something to think about this Easter when those chocolate eggs are staring right at you. We can't vouch for the gooey creme in the middle, however.

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