Consumption of chocolate or cocoa has been associated with a variety of cardiovascular benefits. In one recent investigation, consumption of approximately 30 kcals of dark chocolate daily for eighteen weeks was associated with decreased blood pressure. However, calories from chocolate are still classified as "discretionary" (added fats and sugars) by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. These findings suggest that in light of current chocolate research, it may be beneficial to include a small piece of dark chocolate (equal to 30 kcals) as part of your daily diet.