NS0850247 Life by Chocolate

Life by Chocolate A Guilt-Free Indulgence http://www.chocolategourmet.co.uk

Introduction

My presentation will be about my biggest addiction…chocolate! Luckily for me, and other self-proclaimed “chocoholics,” chocolate has been proven to have health benefits which I will explore in my presentation.

http://www.treatshopfactory.com/

The History of Chocolate

Chocolate originates from the cacao tree.

First used by early Aztec civilizations as a form of currency and was considered to be the food of the gods.

Christopher Columbus discovered the beans in the early 1500s.

Herman Cortez introduced chocolate to the Western World forty years later.

Chocolate drinks quickly became the most popular drink in Spain.

“ Chocolate houses” acted as modern day cafés where people could drink chocolate and socialize with other chocoholics.

In the 1800s, milk was added to basic chocolate to create the solid chocolate that we all know and love today.

http://www.nndb.com Columbus Cortez http://www.chocolate.org/conquistador.jpg

http://www.world-atlas.us/world-map.gif The Cacao Beans’ Journey

Amount of Chocolate Consumed in One Year Statistics: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/valentines/facts.html

Health Benefits

Chocolate is the most flavonoid (antioxidant property) rich food.

Men who consume high amounts of chocolate are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease than men who consume lower amounts.

Cocoa products have been proven to lower blood pressure and give consumers a general sense of well-being.

Dark chocolate has the most flavonoids and is therefore, the healthiest.

http://www.terracelibrary.ca/kid_files/webpages/chocolate/heart.jpg A Chocolate Heart

Which is the Healthiest? Unsweetened : nearly 100% cocoa mass, but may be too bitter to eat Dark : 50-85% cocoa mass, contains the most flavonoids, it is the healthiest choice Milk : 30-40% cocoa mass White : 0% cocoa mass, but is made from cocoa butter (therefore, it does not appear on the graph above) Statistics: http://www.chocolate.com/chocolatier/chocolate-by-the-numbers.html

Sources: http://www.homemadesimple.com/en_US/homemavens/images/hm_nav_r_txt_hm_img_feb06.jpg http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/ptotheenguin/11-2007/HersheyWholeBean.jpg Indulge in Moderation! Indulge in Moderation!

Conclusion Life by Chocolate teaches that chocolate doesn’t have to be an occasional indulgence. It can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle as long as it is in moderation. So, if someone desires the benefits that chocolate offers, a small amount of dark chocolate is the best choice. It is as the fictitious candy maker Willy Wonka says, “Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous.”

References