As we start 2020, many people have their mind set on losing weight this season. With these goals in mind, sweets (and specifically chocolate) is one of the first things that people cut out of their diets. As an avid supporter of all-things-chocolate, I would like to outline the benefits of chocolate that not everyone is aware of.

Some studies have suggested chocolate could lower cholesterol levels and prevent memory decline. Since high cholesterol is commonly associated with bad health, this could be a major plus-side to enjoying your favorite Hersheys bar. Memory decline can also be a large concern of many who are worried about Alzheimer's Disease or just losing their memory with age. One extract from cocoa, called lavado, can actually reduce the damage done to the vital pathways damaged by Alzheimer's.

Chocolate has also been shown to increase heart health. Over 7 studies followed 114,000 participants who were given a few servings of dark chocolate a week. The results showed that their risk of getting a heart attack was reduced by about 37% while the chances of getting a stroke were 29% less when they had a higher consumption of chocolate.

Another way that chocolate helps you is by reducing pregnancy complications. One of the complications of pregnancy is known as preeclampsia in which blood pressure can shoot up. Researchers have established that one of the chemicals in dark chocolate, theobromine, can stimulate the heart and help the arteries dilate. Therefore, when pregnant women were given higher doses of chocolate, they had a 40% less chance of developing this complication.

Lastly, it might not come as a shock to anyone that chocolate helps your mood! A great advantage of chocolate is that flavanols can also help in endorphin production. Endorphins play a key role in helping to prevent depression and other mental disorders. Not to mention that I am sure we have all used this logic at some point when we are feeling down. I know that I always feel much better after enjoying a chocolate break!

So whether it's a few chocolate-covered strawberries, a Twix, a chocolate shake, or some home-made fudge, don't feel guilty about having an extra piece of chocolate tonight. It is more beneficial than you might assume!