Afternoon slump? Reach for the dark chocolate, say scientists

It's the news we've all been waiting for. If the dreaded afternoon slump leaves your focus flagging and your enthusiasm waning, a swift dose of chocolate (medicinal, of course) could be all you need to get back on track. Researchers at the Northern Arizona University have proven that dark chocolate can improve alertness and increase the attention span almost as effectively as a cup of coffee. Of 122 volunteers, those who ate the 60 per cent cacao chocolate were more alert and attentive compared to those who ate a placebo. The effects were only noted in volunteers who ate dark chocolate. Milk chocolate doesn't count. Nor do Maltesers, unfortunately.