Indians of the tribes of Central and South America have consumed chocolate as a beverage for hundreds of years. The word "chocolate" itself comes from "xocolatl", which means "bitter water" in the Aztec language.
In the modern world, both children and adults love chocolate. However, we do not know everything about our favorite delicacy. And in order to correct the annoying misunderstanding, we offer today our Top 10 facts about chocolate.
10. Where in the world they eat more chocolate
The real shookomanes are the Swiss. Every resident of Switzerland eats about 10 kg of this delicacy per year. And the chocolate produced by local confectioners is highly valued all over the world. By the way, the average Russian eats only 4 kg of chocolate a year.
9. Chocolate is a powerful aphrodisiac
High quality dark chocolate has a pronounced stimulating effect due to the high content of phenylethylamine and phenamine. Both substances are produced by the human body at the time of orgasm. By the way, this property was noted by the ancient Aztecs, treating a couple of newlyweds with chocolate before their wedding night.
8. Chocolate does not spoil the figure
The main sources of calories in a chocolate bar are sugar and milk. And cheap chocolate, which contains substitutes for cocoa butter and other harmful fats, will be fatal to the waist. Choosing high-quality dark chocolate, you can afford a whole bar a day without consequences for the figure.
7. Chocolate is good for pregnancy
According to statistics, children born to mothers who are fans of chocolate have strong nerves, good health and smile a lot. Therefore, you should not believe the delusions and deny yourself the usual delicacy.
6. Chocolate is good for the heart and blood vessels
The polyphenols found in cocoa beans have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system by improving blood flow. True, only high-quality chocolate that does not contain substitutes has a beneficial effect.
5. World Chocolate Day is celebrated on July 11
The holiday was started by the French in 1995. The holiday is also celebrated in Russia. In many large cities, exhibitions, festivities and other entertainments are organized on this day, accompanied by eating your favorite delicacy.
4. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter
And besides cocoa butter, sugar, powdered milk and vanillin are added to it. By the way, it is white chocolate that is often made porous by placing the mass in vacuum boilers for 4-5 hours. In a vacuum, pores form in the chocolate due to the expansion of air bubbles.
3. Chocolate does not cause tooth decay
For teeth, chocolate is the least harmful sweetness. The tannins contained in it prevent the growth of bacteria. By the way, some manufacturers of toothpaste intentionally add cocoa to it.
2. Chocolate is poisonous to many animals
The theobromine contained in cocoa is broken down almost instantly in the human body. But for cats, horses, rodents and parrots, theobromine is deadly. To kill an animal, 10-15 grams of chocolate per kilogram of weight is enough.
1. Chocolate cheers up
Theobromine, caffeine and phenylethylamine cause a burst of energy, cannabinoids improve mood, and the sugar content in the treat causes the release of endorphins - hormones of joy - in the body. According to some reputable scientists, chocolate is a reliable treatment for depression.