Deep in the jungles of Central America, the Maya Indians discovered a substance that would change the world, a plant containing chemicals with addictive qualities, one that millions would crave and would spend big money to get their hands on: Chocolate!

In many ways, 1,400 years later, humans are still discovering chocolate.

A few years ago, chemists at Clemson University, who were studying marijuana, made a surprising discovery: chocolate contains small amounts of something called anandamides, compounds similar to the chemical in marijuana that produces a feeling of euphoria.

　　"We have it in our brains naturally and it's there primarily to modulate pain. It's sort of a natural analgesic," Clemson chemist John Huffman told News 4's Patrick Rockey. "Some people think these are responsible for the good feelings that chocolate gives you."

But after more research, chemists found that it would be almost impossible to eat enough chocolate to get any sort of marijuana-like high. After that discovery, they decided to focus on the other chemicals found in the delicious dish.

"There are a number of compounds in chocolate that make us feel good," Clemson chemist Melanie Cooper told News 4.

Chocolate is chock-full of chemicals such as caffeine, theobromine, serotonin and thiamin. But even after the discovery of all of these substances, most chemists agree that chocolate's real appeal is far less complicated.

It just tastes good. But all those chocolate studies have produced some real surprises. A revelation that may just answer a lot of prayers; this rich treat we usually think of as the ultimate indulgence may be good for you.

There's actually quite a lot of evidence that chocolate is moderation could be quite healthful.

Chemists found large amounts of anti-oxidants in chocolate. Those are the chemicals that keep fat from clogging your arteries and increase your good cholesterol levels.

In fact, dark chocolate contains 10 times as much of the anti-oxidants as spinach and 15 times as much as broccoli.

And according to new research, problems once thought caused by chocolate such as acne, tooth decay and migraine headaches are all false. In fact, some studies say that the cocoa butter in chocolate helps prevent cavities.

Although chocolate is packed full of fat and calories, many researchers now think that chocolate may be a good prescription for your health. So the bottom line is, chocolate could be considered a health food.

Tuesday at 5 p.m. on News 4, Patrick travels to Hershey, Pa., for a look at how chocolate is made. And then on Wednesday, he administers the chocolate test. Which is better; Hershey chocolate or Godiva?

(From Yahoo)