Baby's first taste of chocolate
THE HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE
(godivachocolates.UK)
Mayan
chocolate was very different than the chocolate we know today. It was a liquid
made from crushed cocoa beans, chili peppers, and water. (There was no sugar in
Central America.) They poured the liquid from one cup to another until frothy
foam appeared on top. In fact, the word ‘chocolate’ is said to come from the
Mayan word ‘xocolatl’ which means ‘bitter water.’
It may have been bitter water, but it was held in such high
esteem that Mayans called it the “food of the gods.” Cocoa was so revered that
images of cocoa pods were painted on the walls of stone temples and Mayan
artifacts have been found that show kings and Mayan gods drinking chocolate.
Cocoa was often consumed during religious ceremonies and marriage celebrations.
When the
Aztecs conquered the Mayans, they were forced to pay taxes. These were called
“tributes” and they were paid in cocoa, so the Aztecs, who couldn’t grow their
own cocoa, would always have a supply. Cocoa beans were kept in
locked boxes in businesses, and some enterprising Aztecs actually made
counterfeit cocoa beans. These beans were very valuable. The Aztecs used them as money,
and were very protective of them. They paid for food, clothes, taxes, gifts,
and offerings to their gods using cocoa beans. Having a pocket full of beans
was like having a wallet full of cash. As far as the Aztecs were concerned,
money really did grow on trees.
Cocoa
bean exchange rate
4 beans = 1 pumpkin
10 beans = 1 rabbit
10 beans = lady to stay overnight
6 TOP HEALTH REASONS TO EAT CHOCOLATE
(vegkitchen.com)
Vitamins & minerals: Cacao and dark chocolate supply potassium, calcium, vitamin C,
iron and copper. Chocolate and cacao are also rich in iron and magnesium.
Antioxidants:
Cacao
and dark chocolate contain some of the same antioxidant compounds found in
grains, fruits, veggies and nuts. Their antioxidant levels rival those of
blueberries and acai berries. Cacao and dark chocolate surpass the antioxidant
qualities of red wine and green tea. Antioxidants are generally valued for
their anti-aging benefits.
Heart
health: The magnesium, vitamin E and copper in cacao and dark chocolate
may be helpful in preventing heart disease. Magnesium increases and promotes
heart function and keeps blood flowing better; copper allows blood cells to
receive oxygen.
Fighting
illness: Unsweetened cacao
is especially good for those with diabetes or sensitivities to sugars. It does
not increase blood sugar levels or lead to a sugar crash. It also improves cell
function.
Feeling
good: Compounds
in pure chocolate and cacao have long been credited with increasing and balance
serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of contentment and happiness. And
though it’s hard to prove such things, chocolate has long been considered an
aphrodisiac for both men and women. Could that explain its link to Valentine’s
Day?
Brain
function: A cousin to caffeine, cacao can give the brain a gentle boost
without the shakiness and headaches. About 2 ounces of dark chocolate contains
27 mg of caffeine, while a cup of regular coffee contains 200 mg.
This next section was sent to my by my ducky, Carole. Thank you, Carole!!
LITTLE KNOWN CHOCOLATE TIDBITS
If you get melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly.
Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
Problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in hot car. Solution: Eat it in the parking lot.
Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.
A nice box of chocolates provides your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?
If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.
Equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate is a balanced diet.
The preservatives in chocolate make you look younger.
Why is there no such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous? Because no one wants to quit.
Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done!!
Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want.
Problem: How to get 2 pounds of chocolate home from the store in hot car. Solution: Eat it in the parking lot.
Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It'll take the edge off your appetite and you'll eat less.
A nice box of chocolates provides your total daily intake of calories in one place. Isn't that handy?
If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights and they will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.
Equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate is a balanced diet.
The preservatives in chocolate make you look younger.
Why is there no such organization as Chocoholics Anonymous? Because no one wants to quit.
Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done!!
At last!!
A decent sized chocolate bar.
(4.5 kg/9.9208 lbs)
If I have to die by drowning, let it be in chocolate!!
Did you know that every second Americans collectively eat
100 pounds of chocolate?
Chocolate comes from cacao, which comes from a tree, which makes it a plant. Therefore, chocolate counts as a salad----fishducky
