Chocolate is high in sugar and fat and is classified as a ‘discretionary’ food. A healthy, balanced diet can include a small amount of chocolate, but too many discretionary foods and drinks can have a negative impact on overall health, such as contributing to weight gain or making it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
There are components in cocoa beans (used to make chocolate) that may help prevent heart disease, cancer and other degenerative illnesses, but more evidence is needed to support these claims.