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Contrary to popular misconception, eating lots of chocolate does not raise blood cholesterol levels. According to Mayo Clinic studies, chocolate contains stearic acid, which is a neutral fat that does not increase bad cholesterol (LDL).

Also, the cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat. This is the same type of fat found in olive oil that may actually raise good cholesterol (HDL).

According to Italian researchers, women who eat chocolate regularly have a better sex life than those who deny themselves the treat. Those consuming the sugary snack had the highest levels of desire, arousal and satisfaction from sex. The study, which will be presented at the European Society for Sexual Medicine in London next month, found: “Women who have a daily intake of chocolate showed higher levels of desire than women who did not have this habit. Chocolate can have a positive physiological impact on a woman’s sexuality.”

Chocolate is chock-full of flavonoids—naturally-occurring compounds found in the cacao plant, as well as in red wine, tea, fruits, and vegetables. Recent research suggests that these flavonoids may have potentially beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. They may also act as antioxidants, which are believed to prevent or delay certain damage to the body’s cells and tissues and may reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart disease

Florence Nightingale, the mother of nursing, considered chocolate a basic ingredient of healthcare.

While chocolate may help protect the human heart, lower bad cholesterol, and even provide a quick energy boost, it can be dangerous to your pets.

Some traditional healers from Latin America still use chocolate for medicinal purposes. For example, healers in Oaxaca, Mexico, use chocolate to help cure bronchitis, as well as treat bee and scorpion stings.

Chocolate and cocoa butter contain large quantities of natural antioxidants, called flavonoids. Antioxidants are believed to reduce the number of free radicals in the body that contribute to medical problems, such as heart disease and cancer. Forty grams of chocolate contain about 400 milligrams of antioxidants (about the same amount found in a glass of red wine). Dark chocolate contains about twice that amount. And unsweetened cocoa powder has the most -– about two times as much as dark chocolate.

"The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food." -- Montezuma, Aztec Emperor (1480-1520)

	We all know the about the divine taste of chocolate, but this delicious food has many hidden secrets you may not have known! The botanical name of the chocolate plant is Theobramba cacao, which means “Food of the Gods.” The melting point of cocoa butter is just below the human body temperature -- which is why it literally melts in your mouth. It is reported that Napoleon carried chocolate with him on his military campaigns, and always ate it when he needed quick energy.
Contrary to popular misconception, eating lots of chocolate does not raise blood cholesterol levels. According to Mayo Clinic studies, chocolate contains stearic acid, which is a neutral fat that does not increase bad cholesterol (LDL). Also, the cocoa butter in chocolate contains oleic acid, a mono-unsaturated fat. This is the same type of fat found in olive oil that may actually raise good cholesterol (HDL). According to Italian researchers, women who eat chocolate regularly have a better sex life than those who deny themselves the treat. Those consuming the sugary snack had the highest levels of desire, arousal and satisfaction from sex. The study, which will be presented at the European Society for Sexual Medicine in London next month, found: “Women who have a daily intake of chocolate showed higher levels of desire than women who did not have this habit. Chocolate can have a positive physiological impact on a woman’s sexuality.” Chocolate is chock-full of flavonoids—naturally-occurring compounds found in the cacao plant, as well as in red wine, tea, fruits, and vegetables. Recent research suggests that these flavonoids may have potentially beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. They may also act as antioxidants, which are believed to prevent or delay certain damage to the body’s cells and tissues and may reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart disease Florence Nightingale, the mother of nursing, considered chocolate a basic ingredient of healthcare. While chocolate may help protect the human heart, lower bad cholesterol, and even provide a quick energy boost, it can be dangerous to your pets. Some traditional healers from Latin America still use chocolate for medicinal purposes. For example, healers in Oaxaca, Mexico, use chocolate to help cure bronchitis, as well as treat bee and scorpion stings. Chocolate and cocoa butter contain large quantities of natural antioxidants, called flavonoids. Antioxidants are believed to reduce the number of free radicals in the body that contribute to medical problems, such as heart disease and cancer. Forty grams of chocolate contain about 400 milligrams of antioxidants (about the same amount found in a glass of red wine). Dark chocolate contains about twice that amount. And unsweetened cocoa powder has the most -– about two times as much as dark chocolate. "The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink permits a man to walk for a whole day without food." -- Montezuma, Aztec Emperor (1480-1520)