It’s rare to find a woman who doesn’t love chocolate. In case you need more reasons to indulge in this delightful treat, here are ten interesting facts about chocolate that’ll tempt you even more:
1. **Antioxidants**
Chocolate is loaded with antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in your body, potentially slowing down aging and reducing the risk of cancer. In fact, dark chocolate boasts over five times the antioxidant capacity of blueberries, making it an unexpected superfood.
2. **Mood Booster**
It’s no secret that chocolate can brighten your mood. This sweet treat contains phenylethylamine, a chemical your brain produces when you’re in love. Eating chocolate gives you a quick surge of this feel-good chemical, making you feel happier instantly.
3. **Healthy Fats**
If you’re steering clear of chocolate due to its fat content, reconsider. Dark chocolate contains cocoa butter, rich in monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, similar to the healthy fats found in olive oil. But beware of milk chocolate, which contains less healthy animal fat.
4. **Dark vs Milk Chocolate**
Dark chocolate is typically a healthier choice compared to milk chocolate. Full-fat milk in milk chocolate is high in saturated fat and can increase your cholesterol if consumed in excess. Opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage for lower sugar content.
5. **Chocolate for Diabetics**
Chocolate is often the most missed treat for diabetic women on low-sugar diets. Fortunately, diabetic chocolate, sweetened with alternatives like sorbitol, has greatly improved in taste and quality and is easily found in stores today.
6. **Cocoa Heritage**
Chocolate has a history that spans over 2,000 years. The Mayans in South America used to crush cocoa beans to make a rich chocolate drink, which was so valuable that it was used in religious ceremonies.
7. **Chocolate Industry**
Today, chocolate is a massive industry. Over 3 million tonnes of cocoa are produced annually and distributed worldwide. The average person in Britain consumes 17.5 lbs of chocolate each year, so don’t feel guilty about indulging in that last piece!
8. **Fairtrade Chocolate**
Fairtrade chocolate supports better working conditions and fair wages for cocoa farmers. Fairtrade sales in the UK have grown significantly, jumping from £18 million in 2005 to £343 million in 2010, benefiting African cocoa growers.
9. **Acne Myth**
Some women avoid chocolate fearing it causes acne. However, research from the Pennsylvania School of Medicine shows that chocolate has little to no effect on skin oiliness or acne.
10. **The Origins of “Chocolate”**
Wondering where “chocolate” comes from? It’s rooted in South American culture. The word “Xocolatl” was used by the Aztecs to describe their bitter chocolate drink made from cocoa beans, which eventually evolved into the word we use today.
With these fascinating facts, you have even more reasons to enjoy chocolate guilt-free!