A daily cup of cocoa could help reduce fatigue in sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis, a study suggests.

Nine in 10 people with the degenerative condition – which affects more than 100,000 people in the UK – suffer from tiredness.

Researchers tested the use of cocoa rich in flavonoids – a substance found in fruit and vegetables which contains anti-inflammatory properties.

The trial, on 40 recently diagnosed adults gave them a cup of high flavonoid cocoa powder mixed with heated rice milk or a low flavonoid version every day for six weeks.

Those given cocoa high in flavonoids saw a 45 per cent improvement in participants’ alertness – according to their own ratings, and an 80 per cent boost in walking speed, which was independently measured.