6 Interesting and Weird Facts about Chocolate

Facts about Chocolate

Chocolate is one of those things that are universally loved and adored. After all, what is there not to like about chocolate?

Facts about Chocolate

Here are 6 interesting and weird facts about chocolate that make this delightful treat even more awesome.

1. Chocolate was used as currency

Chocolate has been around for a very long time. In fact, it was the Aztecs who first realized the true potential of cacao beans. Aztec kings would drink numerous cups of hot chocolate every day and cacao beans were considered to be the food of the gods. With so much importance placed upon them, it is not surprising that cacao beans had a lot of value and that the Aztecs started using them as a form of currency.

2. It provides love and happiness

Consuming chocolate may be great for your taste buds, but the taste alone does not define the warm feeling one gets from biting into a bar of chocolate. Once the chocolate hits your tummy, science takes over. Research has shown that consuming chocolate releases certain hormones and enzymes that are usually associated with the feeling of happiness and love. When someone says that they “love” chocolate, you better believe it because it’s biologically true.

3. How much chocolate is in your chocolate?

Did you know that your favourite brand of chocolate may not actually have any chocolate in it? This is especially true of milk chocolates; sometimes chocolate liqueur is added instead of genuine chocolate. Usually, the darker the chocolate, the more actual chocolate there is in it. Also, confectioners tend to use the genuine item a lot more frequently than massive corporations with brand name chocolates.

4. Turned a weapon into a kitchen appliance

World War II and the Cold War were very trying times for mankind. On one hand, there was so much death and destruction. Yet, on the other hand, science made remarkable strides and a lot of military technology was eventually used to make our lives better. When conducting experiments with microwave radiation and its potential strategic use in warfare, scientist Perry Spence observed the effect of microwave radiation on the chocolate bars in his pocket. If this kind of radiation was melting chocolates, surely it could be used to heat other food as well? And that is how the kitchen appliance called the microwave was born.

5. Sugar-free chocolate makes a great laxative

The next time you feel a little ‘backed-up’, don’t reach for a bottle of synthetic laxatives at the chemists. Instead, head to the chocolate aisle and pick out a big bar of sugar-free chocolate. It is one of the best natural laxatives out there and is a great substitute for medical laxatives that are full of chemicals.

6. There existed a David Beckham chocolate statue

Japan has always been a country mad about David Beckham. The soccer god has a devout fan following in the country and the nation’s obsession with the English footballer peaked during the 2002 World Cup, which Japan was co-hosting with South Korea. Meiji Seika, a Japanese confectionary, built a three-metre high chocolate statue of David Beckham and the former England captain was on hand to unveil it.

Right: David Beckham Statue Made of Chocolate – Photo Courtesy: ESPN.com

Everyone loves a good chocolate fact and now you know 6 of them to share with and amaze your friends, family and co-workers.

Cynthia Ferreira is a freelance writer and a popular blogger. She writes articles on topics that interest her. She is also a complete foodie and says no matter how much she tries, she can never resist the awesome gourmet chocolate candy that her sister brings for her.