Himani Sharma
Today, chocolate is renowned as a delightful, aromatic and exquisite food product. We savour it with great pleasure and also present it as a gift, especially during festivals and on special occasions in life.
But do you know that the history of chocolate spans thousands of years? Its origin traces back to Central America with the plant Theobroma cacao, which the Aztec and Maya civilisations used as a sacred beverage for religious and medicinal purposes. In its earliest days, cacao was even used as a form of currency. Today, chocolate has become a versatile global product.
History and development of chocolate
- The history of chocolate dates back more than 4,000 years, with its roots in the Amazon basin. The Maya and Aztec civilizations revered cacao as a sacred drink, attributing to it religious, medicinal and cultural significance.
- In the 16th century, Spanish conquerors introduced cacao to Europe. Initially consumed as a bitter drink, it was later sweetened and spiced, quickly becoming the favoured indulgence of Spain’s aristocracy.
- In 1828, Dutch chemists developed a method to process cacao beans into powdered form. By 1847, for the first time, cocoa powder, cocoa butter and sugar were combined to create the first solid chocolate bar.
- In 1875, Daniel Peter of Switzerland invented milk chocolate by incorporating milk powder. It gained immense popularity, marking the beginning of chocolate’s global fame.
Nutritional, health properties of chocolate
- Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, contains powerful antioxidants called flavanols that protect the body from free radicals.
- Cocoa flavanols help dilate blood vessels, regulate blood pressure and enhance blood circulation, thereby improving cardiovascular health.
- They also increase cerebral blood flow, enhancing cognitive performance while reducing oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
- Compounds present in chocolate elevate serotonin levels, improving mood, mental alertness and overall emotional well-being.
Significance of chocolate
- Since ancient times, chocolate has held medicinal importance, used in the treatment of various ailments. Modern research further validates its therapeutic benefits.
- In contemporary society, chocolate is an integral part of celebrations, gifts and social gatherings, cherished by both children and adults alike.
- From a commercial perspective, chocolate has evolved into a significant global industry, providing economic opportunities for farmers, producers and consumers worldwide.
Himani Sharma
