The truth about chocolate part 2

Hello everyone! I wrote an article called “the truth about chocolate” (see: The truth about chocolate ) a few years ago and you enjoyed it. I decided to write an article called “the truth about chocolate part 2” (but it will be less personal than the first one as it is based on a book which I will mention in the end).

What is chocolate?

The word has several acceptations but we can sum them up the following way: mixture of cocoa and sugar. It contains dry cocoa, sugar and cocoa butter.

Myths around chocolate:

Aztecs believed that chocolate had a spiritual power as to them, chocolate was produced by god(s).

Chocolate is sometimes perceived as an aphrodisiac and many lovers treat their soulmates with chocolate.

History:

Columbus received chocolate as a gift, but he had no idea of what it was.

Moreover, chocolate factories opened in Spain in the 16^th century, and later on chocolate stole the heart of numerous Europeans.

Is chocolate good for you?

Madame de Sévigné had mixed thoughts about chocolate. To her, the latter was a phamarkon (Derrida) meaning a remedy and a poison at the same time.

>Chocolate as a medicine: During the 19^th century, chocolate was used to cure diseases (amber chocolate was used to cure exhaustion for instance)

>Chocolate as a dish: Spaniards eat “mole poblano” which is a specialty combining turkey and chocolate.

>Chocolate is not bad for your liver per say. But like most products if you have too much or have some after a large meal, you are more likely to feel heart sick.

>Chocolate does not contain cholesterol

>Dark chocolate partly contributes to reducing the risk of cardio vascular diseases

>If you put on some weight, do not blame it all on chocolate. It is probably also due to other factors, namely junk food abuses etc

Based on: Le Chocolat, Idées Reçues by Khodorowsky and Robert, Editions le cavalier bleu -this book was a gift from my paternal grandfather and this article is partly dedicated to him.

Did you know any of these facts? Is there something else you would like to share about chocolate? What is your favorite kind of chocolate?

Let me know.

XO

LFB