Exciting development establishes links between a key component of dark chocolate and staying younger longer

EXPERTS SAY STUDY COULD HELP UNLOCK EVERYDAY FOODS THAT HOLD CLUES TO LONGER LIVES

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A CHEMICAL found in dark chocolate could help slow down ageing, researchers suggest.

The study looked at levels of theobromine - a compound found in cacao plants - in the blood and compared them with markers of biological ageing, which indicates how old the body is in terms of health and function rather than years lived.

While experts would not advise people to eat more chocolate, they said the findings could help unlock the everyday foods that 'hold clues to healthier, longer lives.

Theobromine is a 'relatively unexplored dietary phytonutrient' that has been linked to health benefits and extended lifespan, researchers said.

However, there have been limited studies on its effect on humans.