It’s true. I adore eating chocolate. So, to celebrate one of the world’s greatest culinary inventions…
1. In a recent survey 52% of Americans stated chocolate was their favorite flavor. The second favorite flavors were berry and vanilla with 12% of the vote each.
2. Half of Americans (51%) choose what chocolate they eat by the shape of the piece.
3. The melting point of cocoa butter is just below the human body temperature — which is why it literally melts in your mouth.
4. Theobroma Cacao is the official scientific name given to cacao by Swedish Botanist Carolus Linnaeus in the 18 th century. The word Theobroma comes from the Greek language literally meaning, ‘food of the gods.’ While the exact origin of cocoa is still debated, it said to have been introduced by the ancient Maya to Central America from the South American highlands of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The word for cacao (cocoa in Spanishi) is thought to have been created by the Olmec Indians whom historical linguistical investigations indicate may have been using the term around 1000 BC Mayan Indians were the first to create a beverage from cocoa.
5. Recent studies have shown that eating chocolate may actually be good for you. Researchers have found that raw and / or minimally processed cocoa – as is found in Yachana Jungle Chocolate – contains flavonoids similar to those found in green tea. According to preliminary studies, these antioxidants have been linked to help accomplish the following:
Decrease blood pressure
Improve circulation
Lower death rate from heart disease
Improve function of endothelial cells that line the blood vessels
Defend against destructive molecules called free radicals, which trigger cancer, heart disease and stroke
Improve Digestion and stimulate kidneys
Has been used to help treat patients with anemia, kidney stones and poor appetite
6. Placebo-controlled trials suggest chocolate consumption may subtly enhance cognitive performance. As reported by Dr Bryan Raudenbush (2006), scores for verbal and visual memory are raised by eating chocolate. Impulse-control and reaction-time are also improved. This study needs replicating.
7. Today, chocolates of every description are legal, unscheduled and readily available over the counter. Some 50% of women reportedly claim to prefer chocolate to sex, though this response may depend on the attributes of the interviewer.
8. Acne – There is no established link between developing acne and eating chocolate.
9. Cavities – Studies have not placed chocolate high on the list of cavity-causing products. The cocoa butter in chocolate may provide protection against tooth decay.
10. Addiction – As a food substance, chocolate has no addictive ingredients.
11. Store chocolate in a cool (60-70° F), dark, dry place away from strong-smelling items such as peppermint or dirty socks. Chocolate has a tendency to absorb other odors. Do not store chocolate in the refrigerator.
12. White chocolate is not technically one of the types of chocolate because it does not contain any chocolate liquor. It must contain at least 20% cocoa butter and 14% milk, plus sugar in varying amounts.
13. For all things chocolate in a blog go here.
And final words of wisdom…
Put “eat chocolate” at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you’ll get one thing done.
Are you a chocolate fan like me, and if so, what is your favorite chocolate treat? If…gasp!…you don’t enjoy chocolate, what is your favorite flavor?
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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February 14th, 2008 at 12:22 am · Link
I found your site on google blog search and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. Just added your RSS feed to my feed reader. Look forward to reading more from you.
Karen Halls
February 14th, 2008 at 12:32 am · Link
I lurve chocolate, but can’t eat it anymore. It actually makes my bloodpressure go up, not down. I’ve tested it. Repeatedly.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:42 am · Link
Is there any more perfect food than chocolate?! In fact, there’s a bag of Lindt Lindor dark truffles sitting here on my desk.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2008 at 4:12 am · Link
I love and adore chocolate (so long as no nuts are involved!) but I never knew about not storing it in the fridge. I can only eat it straight from the fridge! I hate it all warm and melty!
February 14th, 2008 at 5:26 am · Link
Mmmm, chocolate! I love toblerone at Christmas and those mini easter eggs at Easter. Of course anything chocolate at Valentine’s Day. Have a good one!
February 14th, 2008 at 6:31 am · Link
Okay first, half of us Yanks choose chocolate by shape? That’s kind of odd.
And I have to argue with addiction. Are you sure it doesn’t have SOMETHING? Cause I swear I feel withdrawals. LOL.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:31 am · Link
I LOVE chocolate fudge and chocolate covered pretzels. And I love a box of Whitman Samplers. (I’m not pickey) LOL!
February 14th, 2008 at 6:50 am · Link
Wow! So informative and oh so true! Happy Valentine’s Day – hope you get to enjoy some chocolate today.
~Kat
February 14th, 2008 at 8:06 am · Link
Lindt Lindor Truffles – milk chocolate with a smooth white filling. I’m pretty sure its a limited edition flavor b/c I can’t always find it. Yummy!!
February 14th, 2008 at 8:43 am · Link
Look at all the reasons I should eat more chocolate! Off to the store!
February 14th, 2008 at 10:51 am · Link
Happy Valentine’s Day! MMMM. Chocolate…
February 14th, 2008 at 12:03 pm · Link
Mmm…pass the Hershey’s bag! Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2008 at 12:06 pm · Link
Alice – it sounds like you’ve conducted exhaustive experiments with chocolate. I feel your pain!
Heather – I love Lindt truffles, especially the white ones.
Christina – you’d probably need to keep your chocolate in the fridge or it would run away
February 14th, 2008 at 12:06 pm · Link
Any excuse to eat chocolate is a good one. Nice pick. Happy Vday/TT! ~Gwen
February 14th, 2008 at 12:08 pm · Link
Adele – toblerone. I haven’t had that for ages. Would you believe that Easter eggs are in-store already?
Jennifer S – chocolate covered pretzels?? Who knew?
February 14th, 2008 at 12:11 pm · Link
Excellent chocolate facts.
I enjoy both milk chocolate and white chocolate.
My fav. chocolate is Cadbury’s cream egg.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:51 pm · Link
Great list! I so love chocolate!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
*hugs*
Paige
http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com/
February 14th, 2008 at 1:04 pm · Link
You mean I have to choose my chocolate? Goodness, that’s cruel.
February 14th, 2008 at 1:53 pm · Link
Now I want chocolate!
February 14th, 2008 at 2:53 pm · Link
You sure about #10?
February 14th, 2008 at 3:59 pm · Link
Susan – I agree. It’s plain mean making you choose. You can have one of everything, if you like.
Gabriele – I did have a few moments of doubt but it said so on the Internet.
February 14th, 2008 at 4:46 pm · Link
I love chocolate, too in any way shape or form. I could eat my weight in in those Lindorf Truffles. That’s why I buy them sparingly.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:57 pm · Link
February 15th, 2008 at 11:54 pm · Link
I LOVE chocolate! I feel like Homer Simpson just thinking about it! (mmmmmmmm, Chocolate! *tongue out drooling!*)
I got a kick out of your Thursday’s Thirteen, I really enjoyed reading them.
I also came by to wish you a Happy Belated Valentine’s Day!!
February 18th, 2008 at 3:17 pm · Link
Mmmmm…chocolate. I love chocolate. Very interesting list. The only thing on there that I knew before reading it was that chocolate is goooood! *runs off to by a snickers out of the vending machine*