Life by ChocolateLife by ChocolateA Guilt-Free IndulgenceA Guilt-Free Indulgence

http://www.chocolategourmet.co.uk

IntroductionIntroductionMy presentation will My presentation will be about my biggest be about my biggest addiction…chocolate! addiction…chocolate! Luckily for me, and Luckily for me, and other self-proclaimed other self-proclaimed “chocoholics,” “chocoholics,” chocolate has been chocolate has been proven to have health proven to have health benefits which I will benefits which I will explore in my explore in my presentation.presentation.

http://www.treatshopfactory.com/

The History of ChocolateThe History of Chocolate Chocolate originates from the cacao tree. Chocolate originates from the cacao tree.

First used by early Aztec civilizations as a form First used by early Aztec civilizations as a form of currency and was considered to be the food of currency and was considered to be the food of the gods. of the gods.

Christopher Columbus discovered the beans in Christopher Columbus discovered the beans in the early 1500s. the early 1500s.

Herman Cortez introduced chocolate to the Herman Cortez introduced chocolate to the Western World forty years later. Western World forty years later.

Chocolate drinks quickly became the most Chocolate drinks quickly became the most popular drink in Spain. popular drink in Spain.

““Chocolate houses” acted as modern day cafés Chocolate houses” acted as modern day cafés where people could drink chocolate and where people could drink chocolate and socialize with other chocoholics. socialize with other chocoholics.

In the 1800s, milk was added to basic chocolate In the 1800s, milk was added to basic chocolate to create the solid chocolate that we all know to create the solid chocolate that we all know and love today.and love today.

http://www.nndb.com

ColumbusColumbus

CortezCortez

http://www.chocolate.org/conquistador.jpg

http://www.world-atlas.us/world-map.gif

The Cacao Beans’ JourneyThe Cacao Beans’ Journey

Amount of Chocolate Amount of Chocolate Consumed in One YearConsumed in One Year

United Kingdom

Canada0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

Switzerland France UnitedStates

Statistics: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/valentines/facts.html

Health BenefitsHealth BenefitsChocolate is the most Chocolate is the most flavonoidflavonoid (antioxidant (antioxidant property) rich food. property) rich food.

Men who consume high Men who consume high amounts of chocolate are less amounts of chocolate are less likely to develop likely to develop cardiovascular disease than cardiovascular disease than men who consume lower men who consume lower amounts. amounts.

Cocoa products have been Cocoa products have been proven to lower blood proven to lower blood pressure and give consumers pressure and give consumers a general sense of well-being. a general sense of well-being.

Dark chocolate has the most Dark chocolate has the most flavonoids and is therefore, flavonoids and is therefore, the healthiest. the healthiest.

http://www.terracelibrary.ca/kid_files/webpages/chocolate/heart.jpg

A Chocolate A Chocolate HeartHeart

Which is the Healthiest?Which is the Healthiest?

Unsweetened

Dark

Milk

White

UnsweetenedUnsweetened: nearly 100% cocoa mass, but may be too bitter to eat

DarkDark: 50-85% cocoa mass, contains the most flavonoids, it is the healthiest choice

MilkMilk: 30-40% cocoa mass

WhiteWhite: 0% cocoa mass, but is made from cocoa butter (therefore, it does not appear on the graph above)

Statistics: http://www.chocolate.com/chocolatier/chocolate-by-the-numbers.html

Sources: http://www.homemadesimple.com/en_US/homemavens/images/hm_nav_r_txt_hm_img_feb06.jpghttp://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/ptotheenguin/11-2007/HersheyWholeBean.jpg

Indulge in Indulge in

Moderation!Moderation!Indulge in Indulge in

Moderation!Moderation!

ConclusionConclusionLife by Chocolate teaches that

chocolate doesn’t have to be an occasional indulgence. It can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle as long as it is in moderation. So, if someone desires the benefits that chocolate offers, a small amount of dark chocolate is the best choice. It is as the fictitious candy maker Willy Wonka says, “Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous.”

ReferencesReferences

In addition to the citations provided for the graphics in my presentation, I also found these

websites to be informative:

"Nuts about Chocolate: Facts and Statistics." CBC.ca. 12 February 2004. 6 October 2008. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/valentines/facts.html>.

“The Origins of Chocolate." ThinkQuest. 1999. 6 October 2008. <http://library.thinkquest.org/26751/cioco/chocorigin.htm>.

“Chocolate: The Bittersweet Treat." CBC.ca. 4 July 2007. 6 October 2008. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/health/chocolate.html>.