People living on mainland Panama face a 1,280 percent higher risk of heart disease and a 630 percent higher risk of cancer than the indigenous people living in the Panamanian island of Kuna.

Incredible, isn't it? Seems to be true, too. This comes from Harvard Medical School researcher who has studied the Kuna Indians of the islands of Panama, and how their low-levels of heart disease and cancer seem to come as a result of their daily consumption of cocoa.

Along with the researchers from Harvard, a number of scientists have touted the benefits of consuming cocoa, a primary ingredient in dark chocolate. Rich in flavanols, a naturally occurring nutrient abundant in fresh cocoa, specially designed dark chocolate may improve blood vessel function. What's more, scientists believe that this known benefit of dark chocolate may actually effect blood flow to the brain -- which could have important implications for learning and memory. This could potentially lead to new solutions for preventing cognitive decline and dementia.