Cocoa nutritional analysis: Scientists say a growing body of research shows that cocoa's chemical properties can help treat heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and vascular diseases.

Cocoa butter is a natural fat found in cocoa beans and does not raise blood cholesterol. And gives chocolate its unique smoothness and melt-in-your-mouth properties. Studies have shown that cocoa butter, despite its high saturated fat content, does not raise blood cholesterol as much as other saturated fats. This is because of its high stearic acid content. Stearic acid, one of the main fatty acids in cocoa butter, lowers cholesterol in the blood.