Those hoping to receive dark chocolate in a gift hamper may be encouraged by the news that the food is good for health.

According to the Queensland Times, dark chocolate can reduce the risk of heart disease - partly because it lowers blood pressure.

Dietician Peter St Henry explained that 20 grams of chocolate per day is to be recommended, although he warned that 60 grams should not be exceeded.

Dark chocolate is beneficial, said the expert, because it contains 60 per cent more cocoa.

"Studies show that it is high in antioxidants - which help to reduce blood pressure - and is also known to reduce the bad cholesterol," he was quoted as saying.

It comes after research published in the American Academy of Neurology indicated that dark chocolate can reduce the risk of suffering a stroke, which may have been welcomed by those considering including the product in a gift hamper.