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Thousands of people swear by strict diet regimens as a way to lose weight or keep the pounds off. But medical researchers say there’s one popular food some dieters shouldn’t drop – chocolate.

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Experts at the university of Florida say that giving in to simple pleasures like small portions of chocolate could help offset mood disorders and depressive illness – and even help with weight control. Researchers say this rule may apply more for women who appear to be at a chemical disadvantage when it comes to some diets. Previous research shows some women seem to crave sweets and carbohydrates more than men. Psychiatrists say serotonin released from cocoa and high carbohydrate foods may interact with estrogen and seem to create a soothing or euphoric effect. In fact, experts say that men seem to have less guilt when they do indulge.

Dr. Jodi Star:

In general most women feel much, much worse and very guilty after they give into their craving. They feel sort of bad about themselves that they weren't strong enough to not give into their cravings. And interesting, men don't say that. Men go and eat their steak or hamburger and go about their way.

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Experts say that the best way to control your guilt-- and your eating -- is to indulge a bit to prevent binging. For example, by eating a few bite size pieces of chocolate throughout the day, the craving is satisfied and the calories are minimal. Doctors say that this slight indulgence makes it easier to give up other higher calorie foods.

Dr. Jodi Star:

If you don’t satisfy the craving you're still going to have the cravings and eventually it leads to increased consumption or increased intake of calories. So overall, giving into your craving is healthier than trying to fight it because most people are usually not that successful.

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From the University of Florida Health Science Center, I’m Eva Egensteiner.