Chocolate

Chocolate has been used as a drink for nearly all of its history. The earliest record of using chocolate dates back before the Olmec.

The first chocolate house opened in London in 1657. In 1689, noted physician and collector Hans Sloane developed a milk chocolate drink in Jamalca which was initially used by apothecarles, but later sold to the Cadbury brothers in 1897.

Did you know?? Although chocolate is known for its rich taste, there are also many health benefits of eating chocolate. With a high cocoa content, dark chocolate is a great source of flavonoids, gallic acid, and epicatechin and is thought to be very good for the heart. Here are some other key benefits of dark chocolate. 

1. Chocolate may be good for your heart:

Preliminary research studies claim that chocolate and other cocoa products may have circulatory benefits. A study presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s claimed that eating flavonoid-rich foods, including chocolate, ensured low risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of flavonoids than milk chocolate. However, through the manufacturing process chocolate syrups and processed cocoa powder removes much of the antioxidants. To experience chocolate in its unadulterated form, you'd have to by cocoa beans or raw, unprocessed cocoa powder.

2. Chocolate lowers LDL cholesterol:

Studies have suggested that eating dark chocolate can reduce bad cholesterol ( LDL  Cholesterol). An Italian study published in the August 2005 issue of the Hypertension Journal revealed that eating dark chocolate can lower LDL cholesterol levels by 10 percent. In a study, Pennsylvania State University researchers have also found that people who consumed flavonoid-rich dark chocolate have higher levels of good cholesterol compared with people in the control group.

3. Eating Chocolate may lower your blood pressure:

One of the key benefits of dark chocolate is healthy blood pressure. Cocoa contains a substance that processes a compound called nitric oxide. This substance helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood flow.

Moreover, the flavonoids in chocolates prevent blood clots as they do not allow fatty substances in the bloodstream to oxidize the arteries.

4. Eating chocolate reduces stress:  

Eating a bar of chocolate may lift your mood. Many researchers confirm the  anti-depressant qualities of chocolates. A study conducted on 3,000 subjects by the Black Dog Institute found that almost 45 percent people with depression improved their mood after having chocolate. The main component behind chocolate’s anti-depressant properties is serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Chocolate also stimulates the production of endorphins, which can induce feeling of pleasure. Scientists have found that the endorphins and opoids in chocolates makes people feel less anxious and worried and makes them relaxed.

5. Chocolate is rich in Antioxidants:

The high flavonoid content in chocolate, particularly dark chocolate and cocoa powder, can not only relax blood pressure, but also may protect your body from aging. A study conducted by researchers of the University of Scranton confirms the high antioxidant content in chocolate. Flavonoids (or flavonols) in chocolate acts as antioxidants and fights against free radicals.