The news that chocolate is actually good for the health probably caused thousands of people to reach for the nearest chocolate bar in celebration. But not all chocolates are considered equal. While some are undoubtedly good for the body, others are most decidedly not.

However, there is nothing wrong with indulging yourself in a small bar several times a week. With moderation and the right type of chocolate, one can experience the following benefits.

Lower risk of stroke:

Studies have shown that women who indulged in more than 45 grams of chocolate a week minimized their risk of stroke by as much as 20 percent.

Improved heart health:

Eating chocolate regularly results in health benefits like lower risk of heart disease, lower bad cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.  All these benefits are due to the polyphenols in dark chocolate.

 Weight loss:

Dark chocolate is actually rich in fiber so it slows down digestion and keeps one feel full longer. Dr. David Katz of Yale University says that eating a bite of chocolate is better than snacking on other salty and fatty foods. It also helps reduce those pesky cravings that cause one to gain weight.

Reduced risk of diabetes:

A study conducted in Italy several years ago has found that eating chocolate increases sensitivity to insulin, lowering the risk of diabetes.

Protection for your skin:

Contrary to popular belief, dark chocolate can actually protects your skin because chocolate has flavonoids that offer some protection from UV damage. But the operative word here is "some" so sunscreen should still be used.

Alleviates coughs:

Dark chocolate has theobromine, a substance that is said to reduce the activity in the vagus nerve. This is the part of the brain that triggers those annoying, hard to control and hard to stop coughing.  Some scientists are actually trying to develop cough medicine that has theobromine instead of codeine.

 Improves your mood and mental health:

It is an open secret that indulging in chocolate from time to time boosts a person's mood, which is crucial when dealing with high-pressure situations. Dark chocolate has also been shown to improve concentration and lessen "mental fatigue."

Boosts blood flow:

Cocoa is known to have anti-clotting and blood-thinning properties that improve blood flow and circulation.

Increases longevity:

Scientists have discovered that cocoa has high levels of antioxidants which help protect the body against disease and aging. Chocolate contains flavanol epicatechin which enhances the creation of new mitochondria and rejuvenates our cells.

Prevents memory loss:

Studies have shown that flavanols boosts blood flow to the brain and protects brain cells from damage. This, in turn, helps slow down dementia and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's.

Try to stick to healthy chocolate to reap all its benefits. Remember to choose chocolate that has a minimum of 70 percent cacao and limit consumption to just four dark chocolate bars a week.