Chocolate is a type of food. It is from cacao tree which is found in the tropical parts of Africa specifically West Africa. The cacao tree grows in the humid climates. The West African countries are the largest producers of cacao are Ghana, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
The word Chocolate is said to have emerged from the word "xocolatl" which was Mayan for cacao, Aztec Indian also referred to it as “cacahuatl". In the early years however, chocolate was only consumed as a beverage.
Chocolate was initially noted in the year 1519 by Hernado Cortez who was a Spanish explorer at the time when he visited Mexico at the Court of Emperor Montezuma. The first chocolate house is believed to have been opened in 1657 in London. During the early times, chocolate was thought to be a beverage for the noble and wealthy in the society. However, the coming of the Industrial Revolution, there was more production of chocolate and thus making it more popular among the citizens.
Generally, chocolate has a long history that takes us back to centuries ago. In America for example, chocolate was introduced here in 1765.It is also quite interesting to note that chocolate was taken as an esteemed beverage and generally was assumed to be for men! With passage of time it came to be accepted as a beverage for all, children would consume it with some additions like milk, sweeteners and spices.
What we are more concerned about here is the palatable chocolate that is today eaten. This was introduced in the year 1674.It was made in form of cakes and rolls and was exclusively served in chocolate emporiums. Today chocolate is eaten in many forms and looking back to the evolution of the same, we can say that the same has come a along way, from the drink that was meant for the rich in the society to the edible yummy chocolate we have today.
Transformation of the cacao beans to beverage then and as time went by to eatable yummy cake-like bar is what has today born the many types of chocolates with a diversified range of flavors colors, sizes and shapes.
The ingredients used to make chocolate are what gives it that yummy taste that is so much loved. Chocolates have an ecstatic flavor that is loved by people of all ages. Chocolate makers have given chocolate different flavors some of which are added and are not initially from the type of a bean used to make the chocolate.Consumption of chocolate is healthy since the cacao bean is full of natural fats that are helpful and much needed in our bodies. The cocoa bean is also rich in minerals like the Magnesium, Potassium and Phosphorous which are required for proper functioning of our bodies.
If you are one of those people who are looking for some extra calories in meals then chocolate is one of those foods that have high levels of calories. It is estimate that I each 100 grams of chocolate, there is 500 calories. On the other hand, chocolate contains high levels of fats. Since these fats are plant fats; they come from nuts basically, so as you consume them, you take in a lot of calories. Oleic acid and stearic acids are good fats as they do not raise cholesterol in the blood. Cocoa butter found in Dark chocolate helps increasing the good cholesterol.
Staying away from heart diseases is good for each person and consumption of chocolate will help in ensuring that diseases that are associated with the heart are kept at bay. Chocolate is a food that boosts health, the dark chocolate has high content of Cocoa which is 70%. Clearly if you are missing out on a bar of chocolate today, you are missing on one of the greatest health pleasures.
Chocolate Fly
