International Chocolate Day 2022: Here are chocolaty greetings, wishes to celebrate this day

Delicious. Sinful. Heavenly. These are just some words used to describe that one thing that can drive away blues and make you a happier person in a flash! That’s right. Chocolate - the one thing that can seriously boost the happiness quotient in humans without much effort. On International Chocolate Day, here’s a fact sheet on the history and evolution of the substance that is now being consumed over 7 million metric tonnes annually across the world.

Did you know that the dark (and sometimes white), gooey substance that melts in your mouth is almost 4,000 years old? It originated in ancient Mesoamerica - which is now known as Mexico - where the first cacao plants were found. The Olmec, one of the earliest civilisations of Latin America, can be credited with turning the cacao plant into chocolate.

In Mayan times (mid-7th century), cacao beans were used as currency for transactions. In that primitive world order, chocolate was considered to be worth more than gold dust. A premium was attached to its production as farmers were told to keep the cultivation of cacao trees in check, thereby preventing it from being grown by all.

Considered a privilege of sorts, chocolate was consumed in generous portions by the members of the royal family. In earlier days, chocolate was produced by hand, which was a slow and laborious process. It is said that Queen Elizabeth II's favorite dessert was the chocolate biscuit cake. It was during the Industrial Revolution that chocolate was made available to the general public.

Our condolences to all those who swear by white chocolate. Sorry! White chocolate isn’t considered to be chocolate because it does not contain any cacao solids and cacao liquor. It is made from a blend of cocoa butter, vanilla and sugar. White chocolate is also known as milk chocolate.

Essential materials found in dark chocolate such as copper, iron, zinc promote cell growth, skin and increase blood flow. Dark chocolate helps in reducing redness, inflammation and premature ageing. It’s also good for treating sunburns, discolouration and dark spots

As chocolate is very rich in cocoa content, it contains proanthocyanidins compound that is known to promote hair growth. Copper, iron, zinc found in dark chocolate increase blood flow to the scalp, which further leads to healthier and stronger hair. Dark chocolate not only helps fight hair loss but it is also a perfect remedy for treating split ends and dandruff.

Recent studies emerging from Japan, U.S.A. and England reveal that dark chocolate is effective in fighting cavities, plaque and tooth decay. A bar of dark chocolate can work wonders for the teeth with the polyphenols and other natural chemicals present fighting oral bacteria

Antioxidants and flavonoids present in dark chocolate are helpful in relieving anxiety. These antioxidants reduce stress by lowering the levels of cortisol. Chocolate is also known for reducing fight or flight hormones. Eating dark chocolate can change the brain wave frequency, providing benefits in memory improvement as well.