Chocolate Cacao - The Ancient Drink

Chocolate has long been an important part of human civilization. It has become a staple in modern food and is always present in many gatherings such as weddings, birthdays, and get-togethers. It is even considered a symbolic present for children and for loved ones.

Chocolate is made from chocolate cacao and is processed into the chocolate products we enjoy such as chocolate bars, chocolate syrups, chocolate cakes, hot chocolate, and chocolate flavorings to name a few. It is a very popular type of food and is enjoyed by many people the world over.

It is believed that the first European to find out about chocolate cacao is Christopher Columbus. Upon his return to Spain from his voyages, he brought along cacao beans which are the basic source of chocolate.

Hernando Cortez, another Spanish explorer, discovered the Aztec Indian beverage of “cholatl” or “warm liquid” which was produced from cacao beans. Emperor Montezuma of the Aztec Indians used to drink at least 50 portions of this drink every day and served this royal drink to guests using golden goblets. It was very valuable to royalty that it was called nectar for the gods. Chocolate cacao was held in high regard in the Aztec kingdoms and was even used as currency,

The Spanish then experimented with processing cacao with cane sugar as well as adding cinnamon and vanilla to improve flavor. They kept the recipe a secret before it was leaked to other European nations a hundred years later.

Chocolate cacao processing began in American territories in 1765 when a New England factory first began producing chocolate. It was well loved by the public that Thomas Jefferson himself held high praises for the drink.

The processing of chocolate cacao was then improved with the use of engines as well as the adoption of the process where cacao butter is squeezed out of the concoction to improve quality.

Solid chocolate was only introduced in 1847 in England. About 30 years later, the Swiss began adding milk to the cacao chocolate processing to produce milk chocolate.

Chocolate Cacao isn’t only an important ingredient in the most popular confectionery in the world, it also boasts a number of health benefits that make it an important part of a healthy diet.

Raw chocolate has cocoa flavonoids which are necessary to balance cholesterol levels. Not only does raw chocolate consumption assist in lowering blood pressure and the health of blood vessels, it also has been shown to help decrease bad cholesterol or LDL in people aged 50 and above. Consumption of raw chocolate also has been linked to increased levels of good cholesterol or HDL.

According to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, it was revealed that 65-year elderly men who consumed sweets that contained chocolate lived longer. The ones who consumed chocolate not more than 3 times a month lived the longest, those who consumed chocolate at least 3 times a week had a slightly higher mortality rate, while those who don’t include chocolate in their diets had the highest mortality rate.

It showed that the health benefits of chocolate cacao can be enjoyed the most when eaten in moderation.

According to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, it was revealed that 65-year old men who consumed sweets that contained chocolate lived longer.

The ones who consumed chocolate not more than 3 times a month lived the longest, those who consumed chocolate at least 3 times a week had a slightly higher mortality rate, while those who don’t include chocolate in their diets had the highest mortality rate.

It proved that the health benefits of chocolate cacao can be enjoyed the most when eaten in moderation.

Cacao nibs are a fantastic way to get the benefits of raw chocolate without dairy products or sugar added to traditional chocolate. It may not be as sweet, but if you like dark chocolate and the benefits from it, this is just about the purest form you'll find anywhere.