When we have a hacking cough, lots of us will reach for the cough syrup to soothe symptoms.

But it turns out you might be better of indulging in a bar of Dairy Milk, as a doctor has said chocolate is better for cough and respiratory problems than standard medicine.

According to Professor Alyn Morice, head of cardiovascular and respiratory studies at the University of Hull and founding member of the International Society for the Study of Cough says, "chocolate can calm coughs".

The doctor even added that the supporting evidence is "actually as solid as a bar of Fruit and Nut". It's the perfect excuse.

Writing for MailOnline, Alyn, who has spent years researching the cough, said researchers have just seen the results of a recent study of over-the-counter medicine.

"This proves that a new medicine which contains cocoa is better than a standard linctus."