If your main concern this New Year is to fight the signs of aging then we've got some great news for you. Recent research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggests that a daily portion of dark chocolate, which is rich in protective flavonols, may protect the skin against the aging effects of the sun.  Flavonols are antioxidants that are found in cocoa and in plant foods such as apples, grapes, cinnamon and berries. The flavonol in dark chocolate is called epicatechin and as well as protecting the skin it has heart-friendly properties.

But a word of caution the chocolate you choose is fundamentally important, it needs to be high in cocoa and low in fat and sugar, ideally opt for a chocolate with 70% or more cocoa solids.