1. What is chocolate?

Chocolate is a processed delicacy made from the beans of the cacao tree. The cacao tree, native to the tropical Amazonian forests, is an evergreen tree of the cola family. Chocolate is a mixture of roasted cocoa, cocoa butter, and very fine sugar. Unsweetened (or bitter) chocolate is available in squares and is the natural rich chocolate ground from the cocoa beans. It has a full-bodied flavor and is ideal for baking and cooking. Sweetened chocolate and chocolate with various other ingredients are also increasingly available.

2. What are the different types of chocolate in the market?

The main attraction of chocolate is that it offers a form of self-indulgence. The sweet, attractive taste and the consistency and appearance are very pleasing. There are many different products within the term of chocolate and chocolate confectionery, not just chocolate bar. However, when we talk about the types of chocolate, it refers to three types of chocolate namely: milk chocolate, white chocolate and plain chocolate.

3. Why do people eat chocolate?

For pleasure. For health. As an aphrodisiac. To relax. Because they can! There is no doubt that chocolate is one f the most popular desserts, beverages, snacks and flavors on the planet today for both children and adults alike. The fact that chocolate is a highly nutritious option also makes it extremely versatile.

4. When do we buy chocolate?

Chocolate is really a snack that fits any occasion. From bite size nuggets that you can enjoy alone to full fledged deserts for formal dinner parties, this ancient delicacy has become a global favorite. Celebrations are never complete without it in some form or function. Children love it. Even wine comes in chocolate flavors! In fact, chocolate also serves practical purposes as it is such a rich source of energy and in a convenient and compact form. People tend to buy it as a ration on many expeditions such as mountain climbing or hikes for instance.

5. Is chocolate suitable for active adults?

The unique combination of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients found in the cocoa bean has important positive effects for both mind and the body. Magnesium stimulates the memory. Theobromine and facceine have a positive effect on the central nervous system and respiration. At the same time they reduce fatigue and improve concentration. The high dose of calcium and protein in milk chocolate strengthens the bones of children and teenagers. With their high caloric value in a small volume, cocoa and chocolate contain the highest levels of energy all vegetables. So, chocolate, with regular and moderate consumption, goes hand in hand with an active lifestyle.

6. Chocolate is addictive

While you may crave the great taste of chocolate, it is NOT a drug. So it really isn’t habit-forming beyond your own natural desire for sweets.

7. Chocolate causes cavities

Not really. While it’s the easy way to explain cavities and tooth decay it just isn’t true. In fact, there is speculation that the cocoa butter in chocolate coats the teeth and prevents plaque from forming. The sugar in chocolate is however a contributor to dental cavities, but so is the sugar in any other food. Additionally, chocolate melts quickly in your mouth, so it doesn’t leave a long-lasting residue as do some other foods and beverages. Poor oral hygiene however DOES lead to cavities.

8. Dark chocolate gives some people headaches

Difficult to explain, certain individuals do react in this manner to dark chocolate. The same people often get headaches from red wine and aged cheeses. Some researchers have associated this with the chemicals in chocolate, including caffeine and theobromine; others say these headaches occur most commonly in those prone to migraines.

9. Chocolate raises your cholesterol level

Definitely not true. While chocolate does contain saturated fat - often associated with elevated levels of LDL - the saturated fat in chocolate consists primarily of both stearic and oleic acids, neither of which has been linked scientifically to higher LDL numbers.

10. Chocolate is an aphrodisiac

A favorite belief among people, it is however an urban legend. While there is a little evidence to suggest that cocoa is a mild aphrodisiac, chocolate contains over 300 different chemical compounds. Scientists still don’t understand exactly why people react so positively to chocolate or crave it; theories on both subjects are plentiful. What chocolate DOES do is put people in a good mood – and who knows what can happen then right?

11. Chocolate causes weight gain

Yes – as does any food when done in excess. If you eat too much chocolate, you will gain weight. However, the same applies to eating too much of almost anything. Yes, chocolate is a high-fat food, and if you’re concerned about your weight you ought to limit your intake of high-fat foods. But chocolate can be enjoyed by most people---in moderation without any ill effects.

12. Chocolate contains caffeine

True, but only at a fraction of the amount contained in regular coffee and some teas. Estimates for caffeine in foods and beverages vary widely, with widely differing figures being made available. These include 60 to 100 mg of caffeine in 7 to 8 ounces of instant coffee; in brewed coffee, that figure starts at 80 mg and can go up to 135 mg. Caffeine in tea varies according to tea type. Eight ounces of black tea might contain 40 to 50 mg of caffeine, while the same quantity of green tea would have around half that amount, and white tea has roughly 15 mg of caffeine per 8 ounces. By contrast, 1 ounce of dark chocolate has about 20 mg of caffeine, and an ounce of milk chocolate, half or less of that, 6 to 10 mg.

13. Is chocolate junk food?

A common misconception about chocolate is that it’s a ‘junk’ snack or food. The truth is rather different from this view. In fact, chocolate is highly nutritious as a food as it does have nutritional value. It can in fact contribute to the overall diet of a person in a positive fashion. A good example is the nutrient content of chocolate milk as compared to white milk (see below). It also possesses other supplementary health benefits including anti oxidant properties. It’s also a great source of energy! However chocolate is primarily something that you consume for pleasure and not for health!

FOOD VALUES OF WHITE MILK AND CHOCOLATE MILK Nutrient Content of 8oz. Glass (or ½)

NUTRIENT	WHITE MILK	CHOCOLATE MILK
Calories	168	205
Protein gms.	8.5	7.0
Calcium gm.	0.20	0.26
Phosphorus	0.22	0.22
Vitamin A I.U.	375	338
Thiamine mg.	0.08	0.07
Riboflavin mg.	0.41	0.37
Niacin mg.	0.21	0.25

Source: Chocolate Manufacturers Association

The Percentage of Energy from Protein, Fat and Carbohydrate in Milk and Milk-Free Chocolate

Types	% Energy Contribution
	Protein	Fat	Carbohydrate
Plain Chocolate	4%	57%	39%
Milk Chocolate	7%	52%	41%
White Chocolate	5%	51%	43%

Sources

Multiple sources were used in developing this including www.sallys-place.com, www.ilovechocolate.com.au, and other online resources. All credits remain with their respective owners although the information has been modified.