Chocolates are known to be stress-busters, relaxants and aphrodisiacs, as they increase serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain.
Dark chocolates, in fact, are known to have various health benefits, thanks to the presence of about 70 percent cocoa that comes packed with nutritious antioxidants.
While we don’t really need reasons to love chocolates, the following facts related to them will make you want to grab one right now and some may just help you learn more about them.
Here are 10 amazing facts about chocolates.
1. White chocolates are not chocolates really!
One of the main components of any chocolate is cacao, or cocoa, beans, whereas, white chocolates are made using cream or other dairy products and sugar, and may contain less than 10 percent of chocolate liqueur.
2. Chocolates are not meant for pets
Chocolates and cocoa products may be dangerous for your pet as it contains a toxic component called theobromine. While humans can easily metabolise this component, it takes time for the pets to process, which only builds up to the toxicity.
3. Chocolates can help prevent tooth decay
Tooth decay appears when your mouth plays a home to bacteria that turn sugar into acids, further eating away the tooth’s surface causing cavities. The antibacterial agents in cocoa beans tend to inhibit the growth of these bacteria and prevent tooth decay. Choose to eat dark chocolate as it contains more cocoa. However, this doesn’t mean you eat chocolate daily.
4. Growing a cocoa tree is no joke
It takes about a year for a cocoa tree to produce enough pods to make about 10 small-sized chocolate bars.
5. Know the number of chocolate flavours available across the globe
It is said that chocolates have more than 500 flavours available, while wine has just about 200. Wonder how many have you tasted?
6. Cacao beans were used as a currency, once in history
The Aztecs loved and valued cacao beans so much that they started using them as currency during the times of civilisation.
7. Cacao trees are immortal, almost
Cacao trees, which are tropical beauties, may actually live up to 200 years. However, interestingly, they produce beans for just 25 years of their lifespan.
8. Hot chocolate was the first chocolate treat, not the bars
Cocoa was brewed in both Aztec and Mexico; however, it wasn’t anything like the hot chocolate we get nowadays. It was primarily a bitter concoction that was often enjoyed during weddings and other occasions.
9. Then came our favourite chocolate bars
It was only in the year 1842 that the first chocolate bar was made by one of the most popular chocolate companies.
10. Chocolate milk could be a post-workout recovery drink
According to a report published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, chocolate milk provides carbohydrate replenishment to your muscles.
Bonus: Milk chocolate was invented in switzerland
Daniel Peter created milk chocolate in the year 1875. It is known that it took him eight years to get to this recipe. Condensed milk ended up becoming the key ingredient.
Grab a chocolate and thank the universe to have made this sweet treat! Enjoy!
