Chocolate is made from beans derived from the cacao tree. These beans are very bitter, so the cocoa solids and cocoa butter have added sugar, along with a few other ingredients to make the chocolate that is available to the general public.
Chocolate is particularly popular at certain times of the year, such as Easter, Valentine’s Day, and Christmas. As such, chocolate-shaped gifts are popular. Hearts for Valentine’s Day and cute bunnies for Easter are two top on the gift-picking list. Here are 10 interesting facts about chocolate:
1. Chocolate has less caffeine than tea, coffee, and coke. A one-ounce chocolate bar contains about 6 mg of caffeine, while a five-ounce cup of regular coffee contains more than 40 mg.
2. The Aztec Indians considered chocolate an aphrodisiac.
3. Chocolate contains antioxidants that can help prevent cancer and heart disease.
4. Chocolate is the favorite flavor in the United States of America.
5. The shelf life of a chocolate bar is approximately one year.
6. In 1842, Cadbury’s in England created the world’s first chocolate bar.
7. The Swiss eat more chocolate. The average person eats 19 pounds a year.
8. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is a mild relative of caffeine and magnesium. This chemical is found in some tranquilizers. Because coffee also contains caffeine, it lifts you up and calms you down.
9. It is widely believed that eating chocolate releases a chemical into your body very similar to what is produced when you are in love.
10. Chocolate manufacturers use 20% of the world’s peanuts and 40% of the world’s almonds.
Chocolate is mildly addictive, but a bar now and then won’t hurt. With all those great antioxidants in it, it can even help you live longer. After all, as the saying goes, “A little of what you fancy is good for you.”