Studies indicate chocolate does contain mood-altering chemicals called cannabinoids. But as one expert told a reporter, you would have to eat "27 pounds of chocolate at a sitting to have any pharmacologic effect."

The melting point of chocolate is 90 degrees -- lower than your body temperature. Hence, the advertising slogan, Melts in your mouth

11.7 pounds. But Americans don't lead the pack when it comes to consumption of the world's favorite sweet. The Swiss, who know a thing or two about chocolate, pack away about 22 pounds annually. But Danes eat the most by far - just under 30 pounds per person per annum.

Coffee tips the scales, at an average of 100 milligrams per cup. An 8-ounce cup of tea contains 40 milligrams. A serving of milk chocolate has far less - 9 milligrams.

The fat content of chocolate varies from one bar to the next, from milk chocolate to dark. The United States department of Agriculture Nutrition Database indicates that a standard bar of milk chocolate is about 60 percent fat. About 50 percent of the overall fat in chocolate is saturated fat, which generally raises cholesterol levels. However, the saturated fat in chocolate is stearic acid, which has essentially no impact on cholesterol. Other research shows chocolate contains a chemical called phenolic acid, which may lower the risk of heart disease. However, chocolate is very high in calories, which can make you gain weight, which in turn can jack up your cholesterol.

According to the American Dietetic Association, a bar of carob contains just as many calories, and just as much fat, as a chocolate bar of the same weight.

There's no association between chocolate and acne.

The sugar in chocolate is linked to tooth decay, but some studies indicate cocoa butter forms a protective layer over the tooth enamel.

A December 1998, study in the British Medical Journal suggests chocoholics appear to live up to a year longer than the chocolate-deprived. However, the results of this study are preliminary. We should also point out that those who enjoyed the most benefits -- with a 36 percent lower risk of death than those who eat little or no chocolate -- actually consumed only modest amounts of chocolate, from one to three bars a month. However - just to be fair -- even among those who ate closer to three bars a week, the risk of death was 16 percent lower.

None of the above. In fact, there's no indication any kind of candy is linked to hyperactivity.