We would then stand up tall like a courageous young man, with the bow to our necks (remember bowties?) and announce, "I'LL pay the rent!"

With a sigh of relief, we would once again hold the bow to our hair and sigh, "My hero ... !"

My heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They help in time of need. They are made of strong stuff. And they comfort my heart. Some would say this describes not just friends and family, but the key ingredient in that favorite Valentine's treat — chocolate. Here are some facts, according to various experts in the field:

—Its reputation precedes it. The official name given centuries ago to the tree that produces cocoa bean pods is "theobroma cacao," which means "food of the gods."

—It can take the pressure. When cocoa beans are pressed, much of the fat (cocoa butter) is removed. What remains is cocoa powder — the part of the cocoa bean most sought after for its flavor and healthful properties.

— It need not become bitter. One alkali "Dutch" process helps remove some of cocoa's acid to improve its color and flavor. And a touch of sugar adds sweetness to cocoa's naturally bitter disposition.

—It will not break your heart. Evidence from several research studies shows that natural substances contained in cocoa powder help arteries relax and thus lower blood pressure. Ahhhh ... the higher the amount of cocoa, the more of these substances are present, which is why darker chocolate has more heart-health potential than milk chocolate.

—It fights for you. Inside the heart of the cocoa bean lie natural antioxidant substances called polyphenols that help protect body cells from the ravages of life. (Other well- known antioxidants include vitamins C and E and beta-carotene.) Antioxidants work in the blood stream to effectively neutralize bullies called "free radicals" that may otherwise damage cells and lead to chronic diseases.

— On a scoring scale that measures antioxidant properties, dark chocolate and cocoa are right up there with plums, artichokes, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Two tablespoons of natural cocoa (unsweetened cocoa powder) has been estimated to have more antioxidant capacity than 4 cups of green tea, 1 cup of blueberries or 1 glass of red wine.

—It is mysterious yet longs to be understood. Chocolate bars often identify their cocoa content as a percentage. The remainder is usually sugar. For example, a bar that is 65 percent cocoa (or "cacao") contains about 35 percent sugar. Products with a higher cocoa content are less sweet although they contain more healthful substances.

—It can take the heat: Even cooked chocolate products retain their heart-healthful substances. My hero!

—It knows its standards. While dark chocolate contains high amounts of cocoa, white chocolate contains no cocoa powder; it is pure cocoa butter, sugar and milk or cream.

Here's to you, dear heroes of my life. Happy Valentines' Day!