World Chocolate Day, also known as International Chocolate Day, is celebrated around the world annually on the 7thJuly. It marks the penetration of the food to Europe many centuries ago in 1550. It’s said that Chocolate Day was first celebrated in 2009.
From the array of brands available, many people will be using World Chocolate Day as an excuse to gorge on their favorite chocolate-based snacks and desserts.This is because, the celebration allows people to enjoy the food guilt-free, whether in a form of milk or dark chocolate, ice cream, or chocolate cake.
Consumed by people around the globe, you’ll rarely find someone who doesn’t enjoy chocolate in its many shapes and forms.
More so, on this day, foodies often create different kinds of chocolate dishes, from cakes to pastries, and gift chocolate to loved ones in a gesture of appreciation.
Chocolate is a popular food, so naturally, there isn’t just one day to celebrate it as there’s also National Chocolate Day in the US which occurs on 28th October, while Ghana, the second-largest producer of cocoa, celebrates the culinary delight on 14th February.
It is worth noting that before chocolate became a treat, it used to be a bitter drink that was used as a medicine. However, people began to sweeten its taste with sugar, vanilla, or honey, and the drink quickly became a trend in Spain and then with other European nobles.
Well, thankfully it still hasn’t lost its health benefits, therefore you can check out some health benefits of this delectable treat.
A powerful source of antioxidants
Chocolates are loaded with biologically active organic compounds and function as antioxidants according to research. One study even shows that cocoa and dark chocolate have more antioxidant activity, polyphenols, and flavanols than other fruits tested.
May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure
The bioactive compounds in cocoa may improve blood flow in the arteries and cause a small but statistically decrease in blood pressure.
May reduce heart disease risk
Observational studies show that there is a low risk of heart-related disease for people who consume the most chocolate.
May protect your skin from the sun
This clearly explains why cocoa is mostly used for soaps and other skin products. The flavanols from the cocoa can improve blood flow to the skin and protect it from sun damage.
Could improve brain function
Chocolate contains amounts of stimulants like caffeine and theobromine. These stimulants help to keep the brain active and help you stay up for longer periods.
Chocolates boost moods
Chocolate contains the chemicals phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are thought to be mood boosters and mild sexual stimulants. Eating chocolate makes you feel good, even euphoric. But the aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate are more about the sensual pleasure of how it melts in your mouth than as a sexual stimulus.
That notwithstanding, there is considerable evidence that cocoa can provide powerful health benefits, being especially protective against heart disease.
This doesn’t mean you should go all out and consume lots of chocolate every day. It is still loaded with calories and easy to overeat. Maybe have a square or two after dinner. If you want the benefits of cocoa without the calories in chocolate, consider making a hot cocoa without any cream or sugar.
Also, be aware that a lot of the chocolate on the market is not healthy. Therefore, is advisable to choose the quality ones over just any kind of chocolate because it’s cheaper.
Read also: Top five Ghanaian foods to eat this weekend
