New Delhi: International Chocolate Day is observed every year on September 13 to celebrate everything about chocolate. Millions of people all over the world love chocolate and all the products that are created from it. On this day, people share the joy of consuming chocolate and express their love for it. Chocolate is a valuable thing due to its massive demand all over the world. In this article, we will take a look at some interesting things you probably did not know about chocolate.
7 interesting things you probably did not know about chocolate
1. Chocolate as money
People in the Mayan Civilisations used cacao beans as currency. Back then, the worth of the beans to those people was more than gold dust. It was so important that people even restricted the cultivation of cacao trees. Otherwise, every person would grow his or her own currency.
2. Napoleaon’s love
French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte loved wars and conquests. But there was something else he badly loved and that was chocolate. According to reports, he never used to say no chocolate.
3. Chocolate and caffeine
Chocolate has caffeine but not in a substantial quantity. The amount of caffeine in chocolate is much less than the amount in your morning cup of coffee. The caffeine amount in chocolate depends on the type, with dark chocolate typically having more caffeine than milk chocolate. Also, there is no caffeine in white chocolate.
4. Dark chocolate and brain function
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate indeed improves brain function. Dark chocolate has neuroprotective polyphenols like resveratrol, catechins, and flavonoids which improve brain health. Also, these compounds are potent antioxidants. Flavonoids stimulate blood flow to the brain which improves not just cognitive function but also memory and attention span.
5. Improves mood
As per science, chocolate helps to improve our mood. It not only improves mood but also brings about a happy feeling. It happens because of the naturally occurring amines in chocolate. That, in turn, makes the brain release serotonin and endorphins, hormones which make us feel good.
6. White chocolate is not chocolate
Yes. No offence to your love for white chocolate, but it is not really chocolate. But why is it not considered a chocolate? That is because white chocolate does not have any cacao solids or cacao liquor. White chocolate is mostly made from cocoa butter, sugar and a small amount of milk solids.
7. Helps in sleep
Are you struggling to sleep at night? Then chocolate can come to your rescue. Sleep is crucial for our overall well-being, to maintain our physical and mental health. There is research which shows that dark chocolate can help to sleep. That is because dark chocolate has high protective polyphenols and antioxidants and low sugar.
Chocolate, especially dark chocolate indeed improves brain function. Dark chocolate has neuroprotective polyphenols like resveratrol, catechins, and flavonoids which improve brain health. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
