Indians from Central and South America have been drinking chocolate for hundreds of years. The word chocolate itself comes from xocolatl, which in Aztec means "bitter water."
In the modern world, both children and adults love chocolate. However, we do not know everything about our favorite treat. And to correct the annoying misunderstanding, we offer today our Top 10 Chocolate Facts.
10. Where in the world eat more chocolate
The real chokomans are Swiss. Each resident of Switzerland eats about 10 kg of this treat in a year. And the chocolate produced by local confectioners is highly regarded throughout the world. By the way, the average Russian eats only 4 kg of chocolate per year.
9. Chocolate - 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, the ancient Aztecs noted this property, 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. But cheap chocolate, which contains cocoa butter substitutes and other harmful fats, will be detrimental to the waist. Choosing high-quality dark chocolate, you can afford a whole tile a day without consequences for the figure.
7. Chocolate is good for pregnancy
According to statistics, children born to mothers - fans of chocolate, have strong nerves, good health and a lot of smiles. Therefore, you should not believe in errors and deny yourself the usual goodies.
6. Chocolate is good for the heart and blood vessels
Polyphenols contained in cocoa beans have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, 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 launched by the French in 1995. Celebrate the holiday in Russia. In many large cities, exhibitions, celebrations and other entertainments are organized on this day, accompanied by eating your favorite treats.
4. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter
And in addition to cocoa butter, sugar, milk powder 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 in the chocolate.
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 toxic to many animals
Theobromine contained in cocoa in the human body is almost instantly split. 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 surge of strength, canabinoids improve mood, and the content of sugar in the treat causes the release of endorphins in the body - hormones of joy. According to some reputable scientists, chocolate is a reliable treatment for depression.
