That's right, you really shouldn't deprive yourself from cocoa products like chocolate. High in flavonoids, chocolate contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In small quantities, it can also help keep your heart healthy.

A meta-analysis of seven studies found that eating chocolate is associated with a reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Those who ate often chocolate had a 37% lower risk of heart disease, a 31% reduced risk of diabetes, and a 29% lower risk of stroke compared with those who ate the least, reports the British Medical Journal study.

While any kind or chocolate (milk, white, or dark) from any source (bars, drinks, cakes, or cookies) can do the trick, you'd be better off filling your sugary stash with dark chocolate. The reason is that dark is rich in compounds called polyphenols and procyanidins. Researchers from Penn State discovered that these compounds could actually help you slim down as it blocks the activity of an enzyme called pancreatic lipase, which in turn reduces the absorption of fat.