I always carry chocolate instead.” Hence, there is no love that chocolates cannot win and no pain that chocolates cannot heal....
world chocolate day
You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy chocolate. Be it in our desserts, shakes or smoothies, chocolates are a show-stealer and an instant mood-lifter. One thing the world can agree on is that chocolate is something to smile about. Most people love chocolate. Whether you prefer your chocolate dark, milk, or white, with or without nuts, there is barely anyone who can resist its flavour. Chocolate is truly the universal language of love and happiness. Now, if you wish to win someone's heart or want someone to know exactly how you feel about them, chocolates are definitely the most perfect gifts – be it romantic connections, birthdays, weddings, or any ceremonious occasion. The famous playwright George Bernard Shaw once said, “What use are cartridges in battle? I always carry chocolate instead.” Hence, there is no love that chocolates cannot win and no pain that chocolates cannot heal.
Is there anything as worthy of celebration as chocolate? Around 1 billion people from around the world eat chocolates every day. And no wonder, every year 7th of July is celebrated as the World Chocolate Day. The day allows chocolate lovers around the world to indulge in their favourite treat without any guilt. The day also celebrates all kinds of goodies made from chocolate, including chocolate milk, hot chocolate, chocolate candy bar, chocolate cake, brownies, or anything covered in chocolate.
Established in 2009, World Chocolate Day marks the supposed anniversary of the day that this iconic dessert made its first entrance into Europe in 1550. Until then chocolate was only known to the natives of Mexico and parts of central and South America. Upon its discovery by foreign invaders, chocolates travelled to other parts of the world and became a mainstay everywhere it went.
The word ‘chocolate’ is of Spanish origins and is derived from the Nahuatl word ‘cacahuatl’. Chocolate comes from the bean of the Theobroma Cacao tree, which grows in Central America, Mexico, and the north of South America. The seeds once had so much value that they were used as a form of currency.
Chocolate was first brought from the Americas into Europe around 1550, where it became very popular as a drink, by being combined with milk and sugar. It was in 1780 that the United States built its first chocolate factory, to make and distribute the chocolate drink. The first solid chocolate bar put into production was made by J. S. Fry & Sons of Bristol, England in 1847. Cadbury began producing one in 1849. Milk chocolate was invented in Switzerland in 1875, and the first Hershey milk bar was produced in 1900.
Since then, the manufacturing of chocolate has constantly evolved, and today we have hundreds of different candy bars, and all kinds of chocolate bars with different fillings, gourmet chocolate, bonbons, chocolate truffles, and so on.
Think chocolates and you think of all things indulgent and fattening. Guilt associated with the consumption of chocolate often overshadows its advantages. The truth is that it has extremely nutritional benefits.
Chocolates can do wonders for your overall heart health. It could help protect free radical damage and lowering risk of heart diseases and stroke. It contains flavonoids that protect artery walls and lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
It has the power to uplift your mood anytime, anywhere. Eating small amounts of chocolate can help one relax. It increases serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain, which helps alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety.
Since saturated fats in chocolate do not augment cholesterol it can be enjoyed in moderation. Chocolate not only happens to harbour soluble fibre but also minerals: magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, potassium, selenium, phosphorous, and zinc. Consumption of chocolate daily during pregnancy is good for the developing fetus.
Dark chocolate can also be especially good for you. Dark chocolate is a powerful source of antioxidants, plus it helps to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Recent studies have shown that dark chocolate could prove to be good for helping boost our immune system, reducing inflammation and increasing brain activity! This is all thanks to being full of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, catechins, and polyphenol antioxidants.
Chocolate works as a soothing therapy for your sore throat, sharpens your memory and protects your brain from ageing. So, make your bond sweeter and stronger (like chocolate) by gifting it to your loved ones.
