20 Points About Chocolate

Chocolate is the most widely used confectionary in the world. No matter what form it comes in, it's clear that we just can't get enough of it. But ask yourself, how much do you really know about it. Although one doesn't need to be a chocolate mastermind to enjoy it, there are a great number of quite amazing facts and statistics about it,s production and our usage of it. Here are just twenty that I have collated. I'm sure they will make interesting talking points (if nothing else)

1. Research suggests that chocolate was originally used more than 2,500 years ago, beginning in Central America. The Mayan civilization considered Cacao to be a divine gift and so, it was held in high regard. It was used ceremoniously and sometimes as a form of currency. The name 'Cacao' is a Maya word meaning 'god food' which after being introduced to Europe in the 16th century, formed the basis of the Latin name for the Cacao tree 'Theobrama Cacao' meaning 'food for the gods'. It is thought that the word 'cocoa' has come about through a miss-spelling of 'cacao.'

2. The name chocolate comes from the Aztec word xocalati meaning bitter water. Not at all surprising, being that they concocted a drink by combining cacao with chillie peppers, achiote, cornmeal and it's believed they added a form of hallucnogenic mushroom (possibly helped to take their minds of the taste).

3. More than 66 percent of the worlds cacao is produced in Africa and 98 percent of the worlds cocoa is produced by just 15 countries.

4. More than twice as many women than men eat and crave chocolate.

5. It is observed that chocolate cravings cannot be satisfied by any sweet/candy other than chocolate itself (no surprises there).

6. Chocolate produces the effects of a mild anti-depressant by increasing serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain.

7. Chocolate contains caffeine, which produces the effects of a mild amphetamine.

8. Although not scientifically proven, chocolate is believed by many, to be an aphrodisiac. The theory is supported by the fact that chocolate does contain among many chemicals the stimulants: caffeine, theobromine, and phenyethylamine.

9. Cocoa butter is a by-product produced from the crushing of roasted cacao beans, and although used in the chocolate making process, it is also used in a number of cosmetic products including massage oils and skin cosmetics. It is one of the most stable, highly concentrated natural fats known. It melts at body temperature and so dissolves easily into the skin, making it the perfect base for moisturizing creams and the like.

10. Terry's of York will produce over 350 million segments of chocolate orange per year.

11. The biggest chocolate structure ever made was a 4,484lb, 10 foot tall, Easter egg, made in Melbourne Australia.

12. 17,000 people in Belgium work in the chocolate industry

13. Despite being high in fat content, chocolate doesn't appear to raise blood cholesterol levels.

14. Allergies to chocolate are uncommon (isn't that good to know).

15. Almost half the world's chocolate is consumed in America.

16. Napoleon always carried chocolate with him, which he ate as a pick-me-up whenever he needed an energy boost. (and we all thought he bought it for Josephine...).

17. A cocoa pod contains an average of about 42 beans. It takes up to 270 cocoa beans to make a pound of chocolate.

18. More than 7 billion chocolate chips are eaten annually.

19. Ninety percent of the worlds cacao is grown on small family run farms, no larger than 12 acres.

20. In 2006 more than 6.5 million tons of chocolate was traded worldwide.

There is a lot more information available about our favourite flavour, and it is clear that our interest in it, won't be diminishing any time soon - not if I have anything to do with it!


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Why Eat Chocolate for Dessert?

So many people are health-conscious, so many people are obese, so many people eat terrible food - greasy, fatty, over-processed, and so many people don't get enough exercise. Why even think about eating chocolate for dessert? Because there's nothing like the "mouth-feel" of chocolate; because it's the additives, not the chocolate itself, that are fattening or that can cause allergic reactions; and because, after a long hard day of "being good", eating something that "feels" decadent can be very very satisfying.

How wonderful then if what feels decadent is actually good for you! We're talking dark chocolate here, at least 70% cocoa. This delectable treat contains theobromine - a known mood elevator; and antioxidant flavonoids - boost good HDL cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol. Mmm chocolate - maybe a chocolate fountain is the real Fountain of Youth?

Scientists have found that eating dark chocolate appears to improve circulation and make blood vessels more flexible, helping to prevent hardening of the arteries. The Kuna Indians of the San Blas islands off the coast of Panama drink multiple cups of cocoa every day and have little incidence of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

Cocoa is also rich in a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, copper, potassium and manganese. Indeed, chocolate is thought to be one of the largest single contributors of copper to the diet in the United States.

For all-round health, eat like the French do. I don't mean eat French foods necessarily, although that can be nice, but eat AS the French do; make a meal an event in itself. Turn off the tv and computer, don't even read while you eat. Savor and chew each bite.

Eating consciously like this will make you more in tune with your appetite. You won't overeat, and you'll enjoy your food so much more. Take your time - make fast food a thing of the past.

End your meal with the perfect dessert - a bit of dark chocolate. Break off a small piece and place it in your mouth. Let it melt slowly, enjoying the texture and savoring the taste. Then another bite.

Fine dark chocolates have subtle flavors reminiscent of fruits, nuts, coffee, herbs, and much more. Just as wine connoisseurs clean their palate before tasting wines, you can drink a little warm water to clear your taste buds before eating chocolate. Bitter flavors will make the chocolate taste sweeter, and sweet tastes will make you insensitive to the sweetness of the chocolate, so start with a "neutral palate".

Chewing and swallowing chocolate will not allow you to taste all the flavors so just allow chocolate to melt in your mouth.

You can substitute a chocolate candy made with the purest of ingredients. Additional cream, sugar, etc. is what adds the calories, if that concerns you, eat less. Eat the best chocolate available - this isn't necessarily the most expensive chocolate. Try many varieties and choose the one most delicious to YOU!

Always, eat what you enjoy, and enjoy what you eat. And for me, this is chocolate!

About the Author:
Learn how to make delicious chocolate desserts easily, quickly and inexpensively with these 4 Dessert Secrets that you can learn in just a few minutes.

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Dream In Chocolate: How Much People Love Natural Chocolate

Take away a woman’s chocolate and some say you take away her soul. People throughout the ages have loved healthy bites of divine chocolate.

Queen Isabella first learned about chocolate when Columbus returned from America. He bestowed the magical brown beans known today as cocoa beans.

Often called the food of the Gods, natural chocolate was used by the Aztec Indians who made their own hot chocolate as a sort of royal drink. Emperor Montezuma served bitter chocolate in golden goblets, but Spaniards later decided to sweeten it with cane sugar.

Sugar-free options for chocolate

Today we have the option of sugarless candy and chocolates that do not contain cane sugar. We understand better that sugar is not ideal for our health.

One of the first hints that a woman might be getting her period soon is the fact she begins to crave chocolate. Women love natural chocolate because it eases her moodiness and helps her feel more in balance. Experts say that is because chocolate contains magnesium, which is important for our health. But instead of indulging in sugar, which can make PMS symptoms worse, it’s wise to try sugarless candies and chocolates that are natural and healthy.

What does chocolate taste like?

Why is it people crave chocolate whether they have a deficiency in magnesium or not? Chocolate teases the senses with its aroma and luscious taste and texture.

Experts say chocolate actually contains more than 300 distinct chemicals. Caffeine is surprisingly found in small quantities in chocolate so, if you want a caffeine high, it’s better to select coffee. Experts say the combination of caffeine and Theobromine, another weak stimulant, does provide a lift for chocolate lovers.

Finally, chocolate contains Phenylethylamine, which is related to amphetamines. They are stronger stimulants. When you dive into a box of chocolate or visit the chocolate store, your body and brain is probably going crazy with desire. Just be smart and select the sugarless candy and natural chocolates for better health.

About The Author

Fred Goldman owner of D-lectable.com. Love chocolate? Hate the synthetic ingredients that make you fat? D-lectable.com has natural chocolate, sugarless and low-carb. You'll never know the difference, but your scale will! http://www.d-lectable.com.

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