Is there a more edible way to describe or celebrate love than the sweet smooth rich taste of chocolate? Chocolate has a long and storied history of being associated with love and divinity among diverse peoples of the world. It all began some 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesoamerica (present day Mexico). The Olmec civilization were the first to turn cocoa plant to chocolate (as in the drink) and drank it as medicine. The Maya civilization added their spin. Mayan chocolate was a brew made of roasted and ground cocoa seeds mixed with other ingredients and the mixture poured from one pot to another creating a thick foamy beverage called “xocalatl”, meaning bitter water. They called this beverage, “drink of the gods”. This praise name will eventually find its way into the modern scientific name of cocoa Theobroma cacao. Theobroma is Greek for “food of the gods”.
Another Mesoamerican civilization, the Aztecs, believed chocolate was a gift from their god Quetzacoatl. One legend about this states that the god was cast away from the other gods for daring to share chocolate with humans. To be fair, I once had a similar punishment scheme for my brother when he broke off more chocolate that was due him. The Aztecs drank it as a refreshing beverage and even to prepare for war while also using the cocoa seeds as currency. As evidenced by Ghana’s own GDP, this is not the last time cocoa seeds will be worth its weight in currency.
After the Spanish conquest of the New World, this divine seed made its way to the homes of European upper classes still in its drink form where it was mixed with sugar and honey to sweeten its naturally bitter taste. The Mayans who called it bitter water might have had a thing or two to say about this. It became so popular that at one time Pope Alexander VII declared religious fasts were not broken by consuming chocolate drinks. Just in case you were still on the fence about the divine nature of chocolate, this is exhibit 113 in its defence.
As demand (mostly from the elite classes because of its high cost) soared across Europe, many European nations and corporations set up cocoa plantations in their colonies along the equator for which the cocoa plant is suited for. The modern era of chocolate began in the 19th century ushered in by the ingenuity of industrialized processes which made it easier for chocolate and cocoa products to be made for general consumption and not just limited to the rich. Several marketing campaigns from the chocolate industry have further associated chocolate and celebrations of love in the public consciousness that it is now easily the most popular gift that comes to mind on days such as Valentine’s Day. Is there a better way to express to one’s beloved that you consider them a gift from the heavens than a product which starting from 4,000 years ago to now is considered divine? Chocolate is love. Love is chocolate.
For a product that popular, it is inevitable that it will be surrounded by unresolved questions which are often on the minds of its lovely customers. We gathered these questions which were helpfully answered by our in house professionals. If our question was not captured, kindly type it below in the comment section and we will love to respond. Continue to show us some love by sharing this article with friends and family! Spread the love!
- What type of chocolate is healthy?
The more cocoa contained in a bar of chocolate, the more the amount of the micronutrient, polyphenols, to make a bar of chocolate better. This should make dark chocolate better as it ordinarily contains more cocoa but during processing, the polyphenols can be completely removed . You can get your sources of polyphenols from pulses, beans, fruits and vegetables.
- Is it okay to eat chocolate every day?
A 50g of Chocolate bar can contain 250kcal, which is about 10 -12 % of total recommended daily intake for the average person. The source of this 250kcal is predominantly sugar and fat. Eating chocolate everyday may not only exceed the recommended daily caloric intake of an individual but also increase the individual’s sugar and fat intake, which needs to be decreased.
- What are the health benefits of chocolate?
Cocoa, one of the main ingredients of chocolate contains micronutrients and antioxidants that your body needs. However, a bar of chocolate does not only contain cocoa but sugar and fat, which we should be eating less.
- Does chocolate have a lot of caffeine?
The caffeine in chocolate depends on the type of chocolate. Its amount can be determined by how dark it is. The darker the chocolate, the more the caffeine. Dark chocolates are made from cocoa solids, which contain caffeine. According to the United State Department of Agriculture dark chocolate contains 12milligrams of caffeine per ounce, milk chocolate contains 9 milligrams of caffeine per 1.55 ounces and white chocolate contains zero milligrams of caffeine. If you are looking for energy, we recommend you choose foods with less fat, sugar and more fibre.
- Does chocolate raise or lower cholesterol?
While cocoa, one of the main ingredients of chocolate contains flavonoids, an antioxidant, which can help in cholesterol metabolism, a bar of chocolate is high in saturated fat and sugar, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Does chocolate prevent tooth decay?
While cocoa, one of the main ingredients of chocolate contains polyphenols, natural chemicals that may limit oral bacteria that cause cavities, plaque and tooth decay, a bar of chocolate is high in sugar that can lead to tooth decay.
- Does chocolate cause weight gain?
Chocolate contains a high amount of sugar and fats. High consumption of it can result in weight gain.
- What are some recommended storage conditions of chocolate?
Chocolate should be stored in a cool dark place, preferably, between 10 to 15 0 C
- Why is chocolate bad to eat by some animals like dogs?
This is because chocolate contains theobromine which cannot be metabolized effectively by dogs.
Our recommendations
- If you like chocolate, eat it sparingly – every now and then as part of your balanced diet.
- If you like to snack, swap chocolate with healthier snack options such as fruits and vegetables
- Choose raw cocoa powder for your beverage but do not add a lot of sugar and or full fat milk. If you have to use sugar, use less and use semi-skimmed or skimmed milk.
- Do not show your love to your dog by giving him or her chocolate.
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Written by Michael Etrue
Contributing professionals
Irene Danquah, ANutr
Justina Opoku
Charles Apprey, PhD
Last page review: 23/12/2021
Next page review: 31/12/2024