The researchers say that they may be consumed as part of a balanced diet, but not to lower the risk to heart diseases.

Some previous studies have claimed that chocolate, red wine and coffee are a necessary part of the diet as they contain antioxidants. However, this new research has found that there is no cardiovascular health benefit from eating them.

For more on antioxidants in confectionery, see the special feature in the June edition of Kennedy's Confection.