A compound found in cocoa may be a significant medical finding on par with penicillin and some anesthesia, according to a researcher at the Harvard Medical School.

Feature: Hidden Chemicals Help You

Professor Norman Hollenberg said in a news release that epicatechin should be considered a vitamin. He studied the Kuna people in Panama, who drink up to 40 cups of cocoa a week. Their rates of stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes are less than 10 percent.

Nutrition experts said that the designation "vitamin" is usually reserved for compounds necessary for normal functioning. There are only 13 essential vitamins, currently.

Epicatechin is part of a family of compounds called flavanols. It is also found in teas, wine, chocolate and some fruit and vegetables.