Facts About Chocolates

It is nice to be back...

Things are not so well with me. Just so much to do...so little time. For the past days, while I'm not really fond of them, chocolates have been my company at the office. so for this week's Thursday 13...let's talk about CHOCOLATES!

1. It is believed that chocolate was originally used more than 2,500 years ago in Central America. The Mayan civilisation considered Cacao to be a divine gift and held it in high regard. It was used for ceremonies and as a form of currency. 'Cacao' is a Maya word meaning 'god food' which after being introduced to Europe in the 16th century, was the basis of the Latin name for the Cacao tree 'Theobrama Cacao' meaning 'food for the gods'.



2. 'Chocolate' comes from the Aztec word xocalati which means bitter water.


3. More than 66 percent of the worlds cacao is produced in Africa and 98 percent of the worlds cocoa is produced by just 15 countries.


4. More than twice as many women than men eat and crave for chocolate.


5. It is observed that chocolate cravings cannot be satisfied by any sweet/candy other than chocolate itself. Huh!


6. Chocolate produces the effects of a mild anti-depressant by increasing serotonin and endorphin levels in the brain. (No wonder!)


7. Chocolate contains a small quantity of caffeine which emulates mild amphetamine.


8. Although not scientifically proven, chocolate is believed by many, to be an aphrodisiac. The theory is supported by the fact that chocolate does contain among many chemicals the stimulants: caffeine, theobromine, and phenyethylamine.


9. The biggest chocolate structure ever made was a 4,484lb, 10 foot tall, Easter egg, made in Melbourne Australia.


10. 17,000 people in Belgium work in the chocolate industry


11. Despite being high in fat content, chocolate doesn't appear to raise blood cholesterol levels.


12. Allergies to chocolate are uncommon (Good to know!).


13. In 2006 more than 6.5 million tons of chocolate was traded worldwide.

Happy CHOCOLATEy Thursday everyone!!!