New research by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine shows that increased chocolate consumption is linked with depression.

According to the new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, out of nearly 1,000 people studied, those who showed no depression consumed 5.4 servings of chocolate a month.

In contrast, those who screened positive for possible depression consumed 8.4 one-ounce servings of chocolate a month.

Finally, the report showed people who suffer from major depression consumed 11.8 servings a month.

Despite the findings, the jury is still out. Doctors don't know whether depression stimulates the craving for chocolate or if people eat chocolate to try to improve their depressed mood.

One thing is certain, studies have shown chocolate - especially dark chocolate - is good for the heart and helps lower blood pressure.

The study included a sample population of 694 men and 324 women, with a focus on those not taking anti-depressant drugs and who provided information about their chocolate consumption habits.