Chocolate facts

Chocolate Facts

Here are some cool facts about chocolate:

1. Many believe that chocolate is an aphrodisiac, possibly because of the simple sensual pleasure of its consumption. Scientists suggest that theobromine and other chemicals do act as mild sexual stimulants. But we all know chocolate will win their heart.
2. 71% of American chocolate eaters prefer milk chocolate.
3. It's true! Chocolate is The Food Of The Gods. Cacao beans come from a tree that is a species of the genus Theobroma, which translated is food of the gods.
4. Chocolate is a great natural antidepressant. It contains tryptophan which helps you create serotonin, your body's own antidepressant.
5. Contrary to popular belief, chocolate does NOT contribute to acne. However the milk in milk chocolate might, so enjoy the benefits of dark chocolate.
6. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs (and other domestic animals). The Theobromine found in chocolate is a stimulatant, and can be too much for small animals.
7. Chocolate contains high-quality anti oxidants that can protect you from developing cancer and heart disease.
8. Chocolate is rich in magnesium and iron, which your body needs.
9. Chocolate makers use 40% of the world's almonds and 20% of the world's peanuts.
10. Chocolate's melting point is just below your body temperature, so it melts in your mouth. Melting chocolate in your mouth raises brain activity and heart rate more intensly than passionate kissing, and lasts four times longer!

Switzerland is one of the top countries when it comes to chocolate consumption. The Swiss eat roughly 22 lbs of chocolate per person per year. The U.S. consumes about 11 lbs per person each year.
The melting point of cocoa butter is just below 98.6 degree F. This is how chocolate so wonderfully melts in your mouth.
The best way to store chocolate is by wrapping it in foil and then placing it in plastic. Keep it at a constant temperature of 65 degrees F and 50% humidity.
Dark chocolate stored under perfect conditions will last for 10 years.
The largest box of chocolates contained 90,090 Frango mint chocolates and weighed 3,3226 lbs! It was made by Marshall Field's of Chicago on November 14, 2002.
Quality dark chocolate contains flavonoids which help reduced the risk of heart disease.
Eating a 1.6 oz (small) bar of dark chocolate can be good for you!
Chocolate is associated with the release of serotonin, the hormone that makes you feel relaxed, calm, and happy.
Research has shown that allowing chocolate to melt in your mouth produced brain and heart rate activity that was simliar to - and even stronger than - that produced with passionate kissi
Cocoa Beans were used as currency among the Mayan and Aztec cultures (and who says money doesn't grown on trees)!
Hershey's is the oldest and largest chocolate company in the U.S.
Cadbury is the most popular chocolate in the UK.
Most cocoa comes from West Africa.
"Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands and then eat just one of the pieces."
~Linda Grayson
The most expensive chocolate in the world is a $250 creation, called the Madeleine, by Fritz Knipschildt of Knipschildt Chocolatier in South Norwalk, Connecticut. The Madeleine is a specially, handmade dark chocolate truffle complete with a rich ganache, cocoa dusting, and a French truffle inside.