In recent years, scientists have discovered particular substances in chocolate beans – polyphenols – that have a complex effect on the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. They reduce inflammation in the tissues, improve blood flow, thin the blood, lowering blood pressure, and increase the percentage of "good" cholesterol in the blood vessels. In addition, cocoa helps with hypertension and contains many antioxidants.
Interesting fact: the Mayans in South America first discovered the health benefits of the chocolate tree. Ancient peoples began to use them as bargaining chips in the trade of food, household items, and even enslaved people. According to historical sources, one enslaved person was worth about 100 grains. Even then, several millennia ago, the first counterfeiters appeared, forging "bean" currency: they filled empty shells with sand and clay, passing them off as fresh.