Surprising Chocolate Facts

By MiNDFOOD

Surprising Chocolate Facts
Chocolates are a failsafe Valentines gift - and there's more to these sweet treats than meets the eye.

It takes approximately 400 cacao beans to make 450 grams of chocolate.

Cocoa was used in early Aztec cultures. The Aztecs would drink from a symbolic cup of chocolate during their marriage ceremony, as well as exchanging cocoa beans.

Dark chocolate has been connected to reducing the risk of heart disease. Eating a small portion of dark chocolate every day can reduce the risk of heart disease by one third.

Science says chocolate makes you happy – just one of the reason it’s been linked with love (and perfect for Valentine’s Day). According to Science in Focus, chocolate contains compounds associated with feel-good chemicals in the brain that lift the mood.

Chocolate also relaxes you. The smell of chocolate alone increases theta brain waves, which triggers calmness and relaxation.

The world’s largest chocolate bar weighed 5,792 kg.

Try making one of our favourite chocolatey recipes for your Valentine:

Espresso Ganache Tart

Spiced Boozy Hot Chocolate

Raw Salted Caramel Chocolate Cups

Coconut, Chocolate & Raspberry Tarts

Chocolate Caramel Brownies

Ultimate Whittaker’s 62% Dark Cacao & Raspberry Brownie

Decadent Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

 

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