Delicious Chocolate Health Benefits
Chocolate health benefits can significantly improve your wellness which may lower the risks of heart disease and reduce stress. Dark chocolate contains a decent amount of soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals including iron, magnesium, copper, manganese. One bar of dark chocolate 6 pieces contains 270 calories, 21 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbs, 3 grams of protein. Dark chocolate contains caffeine theobromine which can improve brain function in the short term. It contains flavonoids which can improve blood flow to the brain and enhance cognitive function. People who eat and drink chocolate boost their mood and are less likely to be depressed. Chocolate contains a number of psychoactive ingredients which produce feelings of euphoria and a state of happiness. Chocolate can be traced back more than 3,000 years ago to the Aztec and Maya people who prepared a beverage from the fruit of the cocoa bean.
The Maya population considered chocolate the food of the gods holding the cocoa tree to be sacred, sometimes using it for ceremonial drink. The Maya civilization utilized cocoa beans for currency and tribute, valuing them for trade to purchase everyday goods, services and livestock. Cocoa beans served as small change currency alongside other commodities reflecting a sophisticated widespread economic systems. Spain was the earliest European country to incorporate chocolate into its cuisine but how it happened is vague. It is known that Christopher Columbus took cocoa beans to Spain after the fourth voyage to the Americas in 1502 when his crew seized a trading Mayen canoe near Honduras. Although he brought back beans to Spain he did not realize their value as a beverage ingredient and dismissed them. Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes subsequently introduced the drink to Spain in 1544 with representatives of the Kekchi Mayan people of Guatemala who arrived bearing gifts including chocolate to visit the court of Prince Phillip of Spain.
It was not until 1585 the first recorded shipment of cocoa beans arrived in Spain from Aeracruz Mexico. Chocolate was sweetened and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon spice served as a hot beverage which became popular among the Spanish Court. It was many years before chocolate had its introduction to England and France and beyond. In 1657 a Frenchman opened a shop in London selling chocolate for making the beverage which was sold for 10 to 15 shillings per pound. At that price only the wealthy could afford to drink it, becoming popular in Amsterdam, London, and other European capitals fashionable chocolate houses, some of which were developed into famous private clubs. In London many chocolate houses were used as political party meeting places as well as high stakes gambling spots notably Cocoa Tree Chocolate House, later the Cocoa Tree Club which opened in 1698 and White’s which opened by Francis White in 1693 as White’s Chocolate House.
In 1700 the English improved chocolate by the addition of milk to create milk chocolate. The reduction of the cost of the beverage was hampered in Great Britain by the imposition of high import duties on the raw cocoa bean. It was not until the mid 19th century when the duty was lowered to a uniform rate of one penny per pound making it affordable, driving its popularity. The making of chocolate spread overseas growing in sophistication as a luxury item which offers a complex nuanced flavor profile with an artisanal experience shaped by fermentation, drying and roasting process. Chocolate manufactures started in American colonies 1765 at Dorchester Massachusetts using cocoa beans bought by New England sea captains from their voyages in the West Indies where James Baker financed the first mill which was operated by John Hanan. Today Hershey’s special dark zero sugar candy individually wrapped 2.5 pound bag made without the sugar perfect for the holidays or week day consumed as a delicious treat any time.
Sugar free chocolate treats benefit good health. Chocolate desserts can be made with sweetened or unsweetened chocolate syrups, cocoa powder, baking chocolate, and sauces. Sugar free chocolate treats benefit health while reducing stress, enhancing good mood. Decadent chocolate desserts like bon bon, lava cake, brownies, candies, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate covered roasted nuts, Mocha coffee, hot chocolate, chocolate covered raspberries, Hazelnut milk chocolate, chocolate with mint, chocolate truffles are among some of the favorites. Everything's better with chocolate!
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
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