Chocolate milk, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate truffles, and chocolate candy bars. With delicious treats like these, it’s no wonder people don’t want to give them up. And we’re here to say, you don’t have to. We’re busting some chocolate myths and bringing you some strange, but interesting chocolate facts. So the next time someone tells you not to eat it, you can respond with a savory rebuttal about this mouthwatering treat.
Myth #1 – Chocolate is the cause and acne is the effect.
For years, chocolate has had the reputation of being a major cause of acne. However, studies have been conducted since the 1960’s on this myth and they have all proven that chocolate plays no role in the trigger of skin breakouts. In fact, acne is thought to not be brought on by food at all, but by bacteria, oil, and hormones.
Myth #2 – Chocolate is a high source of caffeine.
Want to skip the coffee and eat a chocolate bar in the morning instead? This is probably not a good idea when you’re looking for a boost of energy. Although chocolate does contain caffeine, the amounts are very small, especially in comparison to coffee, tea, and espresso. Here’s a quick comparison of a few caffeine holders:
1oz. piece of Milk Chocolate = 6mg of Caffeine
7oz. cup of Indian Green Tea = 59mg of Caffeine
8 oz. cup of Percolated Coffee = 145mg of Caffeine
Single Shot of Espresso = around 75mg of Caffeine
Myth #3 – Nutritional value doesn’t exist in chocolate.
Chocolate is derived from the cacao bean, which is grown on the Theobroma tree. Since chocolate is actually a plant based food, it contains flavanoids. These flavanoids are antioxidant compounds that help to prevent heart disease, reduce the risk of stroke, and lower bad cholesterol. For a more in depth look on this myth, visit our chocolate health benefits page.
Myth #4 – Chocolate is a leading source of weight gain.
Although we would love to tell you it’s possible to eat as much chocolate as you want without gaining an ounce, we can’t. But what we can tell you is that when eaten in moderation, not only is chocolate not a factor in weight gain, it can actually be a healthy part of your diet. Incorporating about 1 oz. of chocolate a day into your diet will add many health benefits and only 100-150 calories.
Myth #5 – Diabetics must give up chocolate.
If you’re diabetic, great news! You don’t have to give up this world renowned treat- you just have to eat it in controlled, balanced portions. Studies have shown that chocolate is a food with a low glycemic index, and the chocolate in it is absorbed slower than normal, making small portions okay to eat. Just make sure to talk to your doctor about your personal health before altering your diet. Luckily there are sugar free chocolates available too.
Here are 10 strange chocolate facts for you to chew on:
1 – On average, a Swiss person eats anywhere from 19-21 pounds of chocolate a year. Americans eat around 11 pounds.
2 – A chocolate bars shelf life is about one year.
3 – According to The Guinness World Records, the largest chocolate bar made goes to the Grand Candy Factory in Armenia. It measured in at 224”L x 110”W x 10”H, weighing 9,702 lbs.
4 – Microwave ovens were discovered because of chocolate. Scientist Percy Spencer had a chocolate bar in his pocket when he was standing next to a magnetron. The chocolate bar melted and Spencer soon realized the magnetron is what did it. Not long afterwards, microwaves were being sold to households.
5 – Every space voyage that has been conducted by Russia or America has included chocolate bars.
6 – The history of chocolate began when the Mayas discovered the cacao beans. They revered these beans so highly that they used them as a currency before they ever cooked with them.
7 – Alfred Hitchcock used chocolate sauce as blood in the shower scene of his movie Psycho.
8 – It is believed that Napoleon Bonaparte always carried chocolate with him on military excursions, eating it to stay energized.
9 – When chocolate is consumed the brain releases endorphins, causing the consumer to feel good and crave more of it. Many compare this feeling to that of falling in love.
10 – White chocolate is not actually chocolate at all because it contains no form of chocolate solids. The reason it is categorized this way is because it contains cocoa butter.
Now that you have all the chocolate facts, it’s time to test them out yourself. Send yourself a treat and order some chocolates online!