Cocoa beans contain a lot of potentially beneficial flavanols . . . more than tea, red wine, apples, or onions. The only problem is flavanol is very bitter and often is taken out when cocoa beans are treated to make them milder. So chances are the better the chocolate tastes, the less beneficial it is.
Some preliminary studies suggest that eating DARK chocolate modestly lowers blood pressure and improves insulin sensitivity. But to get this benefit you must eat 3 ounces of dark chocolate every day. This can add 500 calories/day or an extra pound per week. So sorry to say, in the long run chocolate is not healthy
Terry Pfau DO, HMD