A recent study has posted results which have delighted chocolate enthusiasts everywhere, stating that just a few squares each day can help prevent wrinkles which are caused by the sun's UV Rays. In addition, chocolate might lower the risk of skin cancer as well.

The research was carried by scientists at the European Dermatology London, a privately held Harley Street skin clinic. However, there is one thing to be considered - the study stands true only for dark chocolate which is very high in flavanols, naturally occurring antioxidants found in cocoa beans.

Previously conducted studies have also reported the goodness of dark chocolates rich in flavanol, reporting that these lower the risk of blood clots and offer protection against bowel cancer and can help prevent premature births.

Most chocolates available in and around Britain, however, have a greatly reduced antioxidant capacity, which goes away during processing. "Our study revealed, for the first time, that high-flavanol chocolate protects the skin from harmful UV effects. The main mechanism is likely to be the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of cocoa flavanols," said the researchers.