Fun Facts

...Chocolate was one of the most valuable assets to the Aztecs who used it as currency, to sustain

their army and consumed as a drink for the upper classes...

...The people of Switzerland lead the world in per capita chocolate consumption at nearly 22.4

pounds annually, followed by Austria (20.1 lbs.) and Ireland (19.5 lbs.). However Americans consume

a whopping 50% of the world's chocolate production, roughly 2.8 billion pounds per year...

...Theobroma cacao, the scientific name for cocoa, means "Food of the Gods"...

...Chocolate melts at 90° F, which is why M&M's need that candy coating or they surely would,

melt in your hands...

...Despite it's reputation as a stimulant chocolate has significantly less caffeine than coffee, cola

or even green tea...

...The first chocolate bar came from England in the 1850's. Prior to that chocolate was primarily

consumed as a beverage, much like coffee or tea today...

...The majority of cocoa bean imports enter the U.S. in Brooklyn, New York. This is also the home

of the Coffee, Cocoa and Sugar Exchange where cocoa futures are bought and sold...

...Chocolate can be deadly for dogs. As little as 1 ounce of dark chocolate can make a 10 pound

dog quite sick, and larger quantities can be lethal…

Health Facts

...Cocoa is the highest natural source of Magnesium. This beneficial mineral can help your body

combat the symptoms of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and joint problems. An increase

in Magnesium can help prevent the drop of progesterone associated with pre-menstrual tension,

thus helping to alleviate mood swings associated with PMS...

...The antioxidants known as Flavonoids have been shown to decrease blood pressure, increase

levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and improve some aspects of cardiac function in the vascular

walls and blood vessels. Dairy products inhibit the absorption of antioxidants, so stick to dark

chocolate for the most benefits...

...Theobromine, a natural stimulant in chocolate has been proven almost one-third more effective

at suppressing a cough than the leading cough medicine, codeine. Research by the Imperial

College of London concludes this is due to the suppression of the vagus nerve in the upper respiratory

system...

I hope you liked this information about chocolate. Sincerely, Debbie