Sometimes there is nothing like the simple pleasure of a piece of some silky smooth chocolate, but have you ever wondered about the history of the sweet? Although it is impossible to pin down exactly when chocolate was discovered, evidence has shown that the ancient Mayans used the cacao bean and not just internally. The bean was also used as currency and is still used as currency in some areas of Latin America today.
As more people discovered the great taste of chocolate, it soon became a booming industry. In 1657, chocolate drinking houses began opening up and grew in popularity as a health giving food. Chocolate went through another transformation in 1847 when the first 'candy bar' was invented and again in 1876 when milk chocolate was introduced.
Did you know:
1. Chocolate reduces chances of heart disease and stroke. A recent study found that people consuming the highest levels of chocolate had a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke compared to those with lower chocolate intakes.
2. Chocolate may help you in math. Flavonols in chocolate are thought to improve blood flow to the brain. One study reported participants could do calculations faster and more accurately after drinking hot cocoa.
3. Chocolate makes you feel good. Chocolate contains phenethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins, a reaction similar to the one people experience when they fall in love.
4. Chocolate relaxes you. Studies have shown chocolate contains the compound anandamide, which activates the brain receptors for relaxation.
5. Chocolate may help you live longer. One study found that participants who ate candy one to three times a month had the lowest mortality rates of the group.
What is your favorite type of chocolate? Dark, milk, or white?
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