It is time for another chocolate fest. Its Easter. A lot of chocolate will be eaten over
the next few days. The chocolate comes from one of natures gifts, the Cocoa tree.
The tree is native to South America. The Aztecs valued the pod that came from the
tree and poor people were forbidden to eat it. If they were found to have drunk it,
they could be executed. Soldiers were able to drink it as it was believed that it would
provide energy to the soldiers when they went to war. The chocolate was used by
the Aztecs to pay salaries and pay merchants and for religious ceremonies. Noble
people were also able to drink the chocolate.
Chocolate was also used as a high energy food in 1993 four British people survived
in the snow in Russia for six days on three mars bars. Nowadays the Ivory Coast,
Ghana and Indonesia are the predominant producers of the produce of the cocoa
tree. Why do we eat chocolate one reason might be because Chocolate can be
comforting when eating it as it may be a reminder of childhood experiences of eating
and drinking chocolate.
There are benefits to eating chocolate. Plain chocolate has nutritional value such as potassium iron and magnesium. Chocolate also has caffeine and 125g of dark chocolate has more caffeine than a cup of instant coffee. The effects of eating dark chocolate for some people is an increase in alertness. Chocolate can also have a positive effect in that it can increase the serotonin, dopamine, and endorphin hormones in the brain. These hormones help to regulate mood and when the levels of these hormones increase, they can induce a feeling of well being and comfort in some individuals. If these hormones are low in quantity in the body, then they can be associated as a contributory factor of mood disorders such as depression. Although this may not be the same for everyone.
One of the downsides of chocolate is when it is eaten in excess, it can be detrimental
to a person’s health. For example, 100g of chocolate may hold up to five hundred
calories and a high level of fat. For some people eating chocolate can induce a
migraine.
Another product of the cocoa bean is cocoa butter this is derived from the fat of the
cocoa bean and is used as part of the production of chocolate. Cocoa butter is
particularly good for the skin as it moisturises the skin. Think lip balm or body balm.
Cocoa butter has natural antioxidants and helps to hydrate the skin.
One bean has so much potential when it is made into chocolate it can lift our mood
and when it is transformed into a skincare item it can protect skin. The cocoa bean is
truly one of nature’s gifts.
Don’t forget: We are still taking bookings for our summer workshops. If you are
community group/ school and are looking for an activity that is fun and Educational
for your group of young people, contact us via our contact on the website and let us
make it happen for you.
Sources:
Foods that heal and foods that harm. Readers Digest