–For most of history chocolate has been drunk, not eaten. Columbus discovered chocolate in 1502, but never tasted it.
–Until the late 1800's, chocolate makers in Europe added powdered peas or flour, ground bricks or crushed sea shells to their chocolate.
–Most chocolates sold in the U.S. contains far less chocolate than it does sugar. Research has shown that cocoa and chocolate have the ability to off set the acid producing potential of the sugar they contact.
–Many people overestimate the calories in chocolate (1 ounce dark chocolate has about 150 calories, milk chocolate contains 157 calories, and white chocolate has 162). Research proves that chocolate eaters live a year longer than those who abstain.
–Per ounce, dark chocolate has more antioxidants than foods such as blueberries or green tea. An occasional chocolate delight may reduce the possibility of binging on weight control.
–Studies show that milk chocolate and chocolate chip cookies are among snack foods that contribute least to tooth decay.
–For every 1000 chocolate bars eaten in Switzerland one is eaten in China. About 22 percent of all chocolate consumption occurs between 8 p.m. and midnight.
–Consumers spend more than $7 billion a year on chocolate. U.S. consumers eat 2.8 billion pounds of chocolate annually, representing nearly half of the world’s supply. Annual per capita consumption of chocolate is 12 pounds per person.
–52% of American’s say chocolate is their favorite flavor and 92 percent of American chocolate eaters prefer milk chocolate; but dark chocolate’s popularity is growing rapidly.
–Baby Ruth candy bar is not named after a baseball star. Chocolate syrup was used for blood in the 45 second shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s "Psycho", which took 7 days to shoot.
–It is reported that Napoleon carried chocolate with him on his military campaigns, and always ate it when he needed a bit of quick energy.
–Chocolate grows on trees. Chocolates melting point is 90 degrees—lower than your body temperature hence, "melts in your mouth"!
–Adults eat more chocolate than children, and chocolate has no adverse effects on behavior of children. Consuming chocolate can increase alertness, attention and mental performance.
Other Things You May Not Know
–To be considered chocolate, the confection must have at least 14 percent cacao solids; white chocolate doesn’t contain cacao solids therefore it is not chocolate.
–You would have to eat more that a dozen chocolate bars to get as much caffeine as in one cup of coffee. Chocolate is not an aphrodisiac and there are over 500 flavor components in chocolate.
–Chocolate can be lethal to dogs. Theobromine, an ingredient that stimulates the cardiac muscle and the central nervous system, causes chocolate’s toxicity. About two ounces of milk chocolate can be poisonous for a 10-lb puppy.
–Chocolate neither causes nor aggravates acne, and chocolate does not cause diabetes.
–Milk chocolate is high in protein, calcium, phosphate and other minerals. 10% of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of iron is found in one ounce of baking chocolate or cocoa. Chocolate contains Vitamins A1, B1, B2, C, D and E as well as potassium, and sodium.
-Almonds and peanuts added to chocolate increase the nutrients. U.S. chocolate manufacturers currently use 40% of almonds produced in the U.S. and 25% of domestic peanuts.
–U.S. chocolate manufacturers use about 1.5 billion pounds of whole milk every day to make chocolate.
–One plain milk chocolate candy bar has more protein than a banana. Chocolate has been taken into space with the astronauts.
–Chocolate maybe good for your heart, and helps prevent "bad" cholesterol, research has shown that cocoa butter, does not raise blood cholesterol levels.
–Chocolate lovers may really be in love. The compound phenylethylamine is responsible for some of the pleasurable feelings you get when eating chocolate, similar to feelings experienced when falling in love.
–A click of a mouse burns 0.0000024 kcals of energy, so if you eat a chocolate bar, you will need to click your mouse 765,551,000 times to burn it off.
–Largest box of chocolates ever made was 3,226 pounds, Frango mint chocolates, containing 90,090 individual chocolates. Largest chocolate bar ever manufactured was 5,026 pounds.
–Largest slab of fudge, 2,002 pounds–chocolate-vanilla-swirl,166 feet long, 9 inches wide, 3 inches high and took 86 hours to prepare.
–Chocolate is not addictive----the desire for sweet tasting food is a strong biological drive–satisfy it by eating a naturally sweet food (chocolate of course). And always remember the endorphins!!!!
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