 "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt." —Charles M. Schulz
Ever wondered why chocolates are one of the favorite things given during the process of courtship or when one is wooing someone? Maybe because chocolates are believed to be aphrodisiacs (Studies actually indicate they’re not. However, it was the belief of the Aztecs that chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural substance that is reputed to stimulate the same reaction in the body as falling in love. Hence, heartbreak and loneliness are great excuses for chocolate overindulgence.) Or simply because most chocolates are sweet enough to signify those you-make-me-melt feelings. History reveals another truth that we should be thankful for Columbus: it was Columbus who took the cacao beans from the Americas back to Spain. However, it was during the time Mexico was conquered that the Spaniards took interest as to the potentials of cacao. In fact, cacao beans were worshipped by the Aztecs and Mayans with the belief that these beans are food of the Gods. It was also during this time that the first hot chocolate came in perspective: beans alone were too bitter, thus resourcefulness pushed them to add can sugar.So the next time you sip your milky hot chocolate or take a bite of your favorite chocolate, take these interesting facts about these luscious and hypnotizing chocolates or better yet watch the flick Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (it’s as colorful and exciting as that):- It was Fry & Sons who created the first solid chocolate bar in 1847 in Bristol, England.
- Daniel Peters created in 1875 the first ever milk chocolate bar in Switzerland.
- It was in 1765 that the first chocolate factory in the United States was founded in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
- Chocolates contain less caffeine than coffee.
- Chocolate boosts 500 flavor components. (So much to choose from!)
- Few studies revealed the presence of flavonoids in chocolates. Flavanoids are considered as antioxidants.
These are but few of the interesting facts about chocolates. So these will make you love chocolate even more, but moderation is still the key to live a healthy life.
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