When Willy Wonka's Oompah-Loompahs sang, "Here's some good news that you can chew, chocolaty chocolate is good for you!" they weren't far from the truth! This isn't a greenlight to eat your Valentines Day box of chocolates in one sitting, but there is a strong case to keep your life bittersweet. Studies suggest chocolate, utilized throughout centuries by various civilizations, contains elements that may help us live longer, including vitamins A, B1, C, D and E.
In 500 A.D. the Mayan civilization ground the beans from the cacao tree into a bitter-tasting drink, using it to treat bronchitis and protect against snakebites and scorpion stings. Hundreds of years later, the Spaniards recognized it's ability to enhance alertness and treat indigestion, referring to the juice of the cocoa bean as "Indian Nectar."
Live long and eat chocolate. The British Medical Journal published a study that shows a few pieces of chocolates a month could help you live longer. The U.S government may have already suspected this when in World War II they made the chocolate candy bar standard issue for the military.
A reward that is heartfelt. Studies have suggested the polyphenols found in chocolate may decrease LDL cholesterol oxidation and modulate platelet activity, potential contributors to cardiovascular disease. Researchers have also seen chocolate decrease blood lipid damage by free radicals, assisting in the prevention of heart disease.
Antioxidants, anti-cancer. You've heard the good news about red wine and green tea being packed with antioxidants, but did you know chocolate has the same stuff in it? They help protect cells in the body from damage done by free radicals, which have been linked to numerous age, and health related disease. Also, polyphenols may enhance the function of the immune system, making your body stronger when fighting infection.
Bye-bye ulcers. Chocolate has been studied as a soothing form of ulcer relief as well as a great way to prevent them. So throw away those stomach drugs and mix 1 teaspoon of pure cocoa with some milk or soy milk and drink up! 
