Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the greatest treasures ever discovered by man. Cocoa is the only source of chocolate and is a rich source of sensory pleasure and energy, adored by almost everyone. The generic name Theobroma means "food of gods". In addition to its widely enjoyed flavor, cocoa has notable health benefits. Cocoa contains high levels of flavonoids that have been linked to cardiovascular health benefits and it helps to reduce cholesterol. Chocolates were used therapeutically as long ago as the fourth century.