Last year, the nation rated the chocolate digestive as the UK's favourite biscuit. Unsurprisingly, the chocolate-topped version isn't the healthiest snack imaginable, but the humble digestive does have some health benefits.

The digestive was first developed in 1839 by two Scottish doctors to aid digestion. The name "digestive" is derived from the belief that the biscuits had antacid properties due to the use of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Some producers reportedly also used diastatic malt extract to "digest" some of the starch in flour prior to baking.

Today, the biscuits still contain sodium bicarbonate and in higher quantities than other baked goods. Baking soda really does work as an antacid, so snacking on digestive biscuit could provide some relief from heartburn. The sodium bicarbonate also helps alleviate nausea, so they're a good option for women experiencing morning sickness or other stomach ailments.

Digestives contain whole wheat flour, which is rich in dietary fibres. If you struggle with constipation, swapping the Rich Tea for digestives could help. These same dietary fibres can help you feel full for longer, so you may be less likely to snack on less healthy foods. But each digestive biscuit does contain around 70 calories, so don't overdo it.