Short interesting facts about chocolate:

• In addition to dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate, in 2017 Ruby chocolate was invented - pink chocolate.
• Chocolate was invented in Jamaica in the 18th century
• Milk chocolate has 100 mg more calcium than dark chocolate
• Finds from the Mexican region indicate the use of cocoa as a foodstuff from 1250 BC
• Although they came from Central America, today most of the cocoa beans in the world grow in Africa
• The first chocolate chip cookie was created by chance - in the 1930s RuthWakefield, owner of a Massachusetts guesthouse, added broken pieces of chocolate to her cookie batter and thought they would melt while baking. This is how she actually invented the chocolate chip cookies
• The inventor of the chocolate chips sold the idea to the food companyNestlé for a lifetime supply of chocolate.
• Olmecof Mexico were the first civilization that used cocoa beans in 1500 to contact the " S.
• The scientific name of the cocoa tree is literally translated as "food of the gods".
• About 20% of all chocolate consumed in the US is dark chocolate.
• One cocoa tree can produce cocoa seeds for only 8 milk chocolate bars.
• Milk chocolate bars contain higher caffeine than an espresso shot.
• A study from Harvard found that those who eat chocolate live almost a year longer than those who do not.
• September 13 is National Chocolate Day.
• July 7^th is International Chocolate Day.
• The airport in Brussels sells about 800 tons of chocolate every year.
• Chocolate counteracts the negative effects of sleep deprivation.
• Bitter chocolate can help you fall asleep faster
• Cocoa is considered the drink of the nobles - Aztec culture even purchased from the Mayan culture the use of cocoa beans as money
• Studies show that women like chocolate more than men
• Chocolate has an antibacterial effect in the mouth that helps protect against tooth decay
• About 40% of the almond's production content in the world is produced for making chocolate

The other side: all the health benefits of chocolate

Despite the bad health impression that chocolate may have created over the years due to the high fat and sugar percentages it has, there are also a fair number of health benefits.

The favorite candy is made from tropical cocoa tree seeds "Taobromh. "The first to use it were  the Olmec , Aztec and Mayan people who drank it, and due to the unique taste even believed that cocoa is God's gift to humanity. After the discovery of the European of America, chocolate has become very popular throughout the world, and the demand to increase and. Since then, Chocolate has become a popular food that millions enjoy every day (why not?) Thanks to its unique, rich and sweet taste. But, what really is the effect of the beloved and popular candy on our health?

Researchers have found that cocoa (which is of course the main ingredient in chocolate) contains biologically active phenolic compounds, which has begun to change the prevailing opinion about chocolate and has prompted the need for studies to examine what health effects it holds within it. If so, based on many studies that have been done, it has been found that eating chocolate may have the following health benefits:

• Lowering Cholesterol Levels - Chocolate consumption has been shown to help lowerlow- density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL), Also known as "bad cholesterol". The researchers examined whether chocolate containing plant sterols) PS) And cocoa flavanols (CF) Has some effect on cholesterol levels, and concluded that regular consumption of chocolate bars containing PS and-CF, as part of a low-fat diet, may support cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and improving blood pressure.
• Preventing cognitive decline - Another study found that drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day may help maintain brain health and reduce memory loss in older people - the study found that hot chocolate helped improve blood flow to the parts of the brain that were needed. The explanation for this, according to the researchers, is because different areas of the brain need more energy to complete their tasks, they also need more blood flow. This connection, called aneurovascular coupling, may play an important role in diseases such as Alzheimer's. It has also been found that cocoa extract, called bado, may reduce or prevent damage to the neural pathways found in Alzheimer's patients - this extract may help slow down symptoms such as cognitive decline. Moreover, another study found that eating chocolate at least once a week can improve cognitive function. 
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems - It has been found that consuming chocolate may help reduce the risk of developing heart disease by a third. The researchers concluded that higher levels of chocolate consumption could be linked to a lower risk of heart-metabolic disorders.

• Moreover, in a study that included 44,489 people, it was revealed that people who ate one serving of chocolate were 22% less likely to experience a stroke compared to those who did not have a stroke. Also, those who ate about two ounces of chocolate a week had a 46% lower risk of dying from a stroke.
• Another interesting study related to fetal growth and development found that eating 30 grams of chocolate daily duringpregnancy may be beneficial for the growth and development of the fetus.
• Another advantage is also found in the field of fitness - it has been discovered that a little dark chocolate may increase the availability of oxygen during fitness training. Scientists believe that the success of dark chocolate in this case is that it containsflavonols called epictakins, which enhance the release of nitric oxide in the body.

So, in light of all the health benefits, the next time you eat chocolate (and we assume that this will happen very soon), or receive a chocolate gift - allow yourself not to feel so guilty about it, and remember that it is healthy - and not just for the soul.