Chocolate: For All Occasions

In this article, learn more about Chocolate: For All Occasions. Not many foods can bring as much pleasure as chocolate..

Not many foods can bring as much pleasure as chocolate. From the folklore of various cultures and peoples, we know that chocolate was used to increase confidence, improve physical and mental health, and sexual desire. So, where (or who) did chocolate begin?

Where does chocolate come from?

The cacao tree, from the seeds of which chocolate is made, was discovered 2000 years ago in the tropical forests of America. The Mayans (250 – 900 AD) were the first to use the cacao fruit: They mixed ground cacao seeds with spices to make a bitter and spicy drink that was considered a healing elixir. Among the Mayan tribes, the fruits of the chocolate tree symbolized life and the ability to produce offspring. Cocoa fruits were often used in various religious ceremonies, including wedding ceremonies, they were considered food of the gods. Mexicans believed that eating cacao fruit brings wisdom and strength, nourishes energy, gives man courage.

Chocolate gifts for St. Valentine

The Spanish conquistadors also brought cocoa seeds to Spain, where they tried to mix them with spices and sugar, first dissolving them in water. So chocolate became popular throughout Europe, primarily among the ruling nobility. In the 17th century, with the basis of the Day of St. On Valentine's Day, lovers began to exchange gifts, including chocolate souvenirs. The first box of chocolates on St. Valentine was donated in 1868 by Richard Kalbury.

Chocolate and health

"Only dark chocolate is useful. It contains theobromine, an alkaloid that stimulates the central nervous system, expands the vessels of the heart and brain, lowers blood pressure, and treats coughs. Caffeine is a stimulant of mental activity. Phenylethylamine - stimulates mental activity, is synthesized in the human body when he is in love or happy, causes euphoria. Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor of serotonin, the hormone of happiness, tones up the nervous system. The darker the chocolate, the more polyphenols it contains, substances that protect blood vessels from atherosclerosis," says endocrinologist Oksana Anatoliivna Musiyachenko, "Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat, many polyunsaturated fatty acids are antioxidants that are quickly absorbed by the body. Chocolate proteins are absorbed by 40%, contain iron and potassium, magnesium 100 mg per 100 g. – ¼ of the daily norm, vitamins of group B. – Increase the level of progesterone, contain antioxidants, flavonoids, calcium and manganese are trace elements necessary for strong bones, fluoride for teeth, copper, iron for blood vessels, thins the blood. Antidepressant, lowers blood pressure, but only bitter has these propertieschocolate , at least 72% cocoa. After eating a bar of dark chocolate, you can activate blood flow by 8-10%.

Is chocolate really an aphrodisiac?

Chocolate acquired a reputation as an aphrodisiac even at the French royal court. The seductive effect of chocolate was reflected in the European literature and painting of those times. The famous heartthrob Casanova had a habit of drinking chocolate before his famous "adventures". In fact, chocolate contains a small amount of a chemical substance - phenylethylamine - also called the "love drug". Phenylethylamine is believed to be involved in the distribution of physical energy, mood regulation, and attention. The production of a small amount of phenylethylamine is accompanied by a state of euphoria, an increase in blood pressure and an increased pulse.

How to choose the "right" chocolate?

The composition of the right chocolate is only cocoa butter - it should not contain palm, soy, coconut or any other oil. Made from grated cocoa is of higher quality than cocoa powder. The fewer ingredients in chocolate, the healthier it is. Best stored in foil. The product is delicate - it easily loses its aroma, absorbs foreign odors, is sensitive to changes in temperature and air humidity. Cocoa butter melts at a temperature of 32 degrees, so a high-quality product melts in your mouth.