Chocolates are good for you, believe it or not. Of course, chocolate was rationed since it was associated with obesity, tooth decay, hyperactivity and pimples, among others. Thankfully, recent studies are now disproving some of these common myths about the dangers of chocolate. For example, it is not true that it can cause acne or make it worse.
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Chocolate is known to contain vitamins B1, B2, D and E as well as potassium and magnesium, all of which contribute to general good health. Then there’s the study by the National Institute of Public Health and Environment in Holland that found chocolate to have four times the antioxidants of green tea.
Chocolate is known to contain vitamins B1, B2, D and E as well as potassium and magnesium, all of which contribute to general good health. Then there’s the study by the National Institute of Public Health and Environment in Holland that found chocolate to have four times the antioxidants of green tea.
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As for calories, the average chocolate bar contains approximately 250 calories. But there’s no harm in enjoying an occasional treat, is there?
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As for calories, the average chocolate bar contains approximately 250 calories. But there’s no harm in enjoying an occasional treat, is there?
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According to a report on the Malaysian Cocoa Board’s website (www.koko.gov.my), the consumption of chocolate in Malaysia is still low even though there is an increment from year to year. In 1985, it says, the consumption of chocolate was around 0.245kg per person and this increased to 0.657kg per person in 1992.
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We don’t know what the figure is now but judging from the preponderance of shops selling chocolates, we can assume that consumption must have grown at an explosive rate since 1992! From the normal grocery store to specialist outlets, they seem to have mushroomed in the past few years much to the delight of diehard chocoholics.
We don’t know what the figure is now but judging from the preponderance of shops selling chocolates, we can assume that consumption must have grown at an explosive rate since 1992! From the normal grocery store to specialist outlets, they seem to have mushroomed in the past few years much to the delight of diehard chocoholics.
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From them, we can get so many types and brands, from the chocolate bars of our childhood days to handmade gourmet versions. Of late, even Malaysian chocolate makers have joined the fray and are coming up with unique flavours. Tongkat Ali plain chocolate, anyone?
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From them, we can get so many types and brands, from the chocolate bars of our childhood days to handmade gourmet versions. Of late, even Malaysian chocolate makers have joined the fray and are coming up with unique flavours. Tongkat Ali plain chocolate, anyone?
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Chocolate comes in dark, milk, and white varieties, with the cocoa solids contributing the brown colour. Of all these types, dark chocolate is being promoted for its health benefits, as it has been found to possess a substantial amount of antioxidants that reduce the formation of free radicals, destructive molecules that are often implicated in heart diseases and other ailments.
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It was then brought to our attention that Cadbury’s, a brand that was familiar to us from childhood days, had come up with a new chocolate product. Called Bournville, it is Cadbury’s first fine dark chocolate to be produced locally and is now available on retail. It has a rich cocoa flavour tinged with a hint of bitterness. With a 45% cocoa content and made from a blend of good quality cocoa beans that are sourced worldwide, it has a smooth texture and is available in four variations – Simply Dark; Almond; Hazelnut; and Fruit and Nuts.
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It was then brought to our attention that Cadbury’s, a brand that was familiar to us from childhood days, had come up with a new chocolate product. Called Bournville, it is Cadbury’s first fine dark chocolate to be produced locally and is now available on retail. It has a rich cocoa flavour tinged with a hint of bitterness. With a 45% cocoa content and made from a blend of good quality cocoa beans that are sourced worldwide, it has a smooth texture and is available in four variations – Simply Dark; Almond; Hazelnut; and Fruit and Nuts.
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Far from being a sinful craving, dark chocolates, when consumed in small amounts in between meals, is said to aid in curbing the appetite too!
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So, what’s stopping you from grabbing a bar right now and indulging in some decadent health food?
So, what’s stopping you from grabbing a bar right now and indulging in some decadent health food?
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As the saying goes: “Chocolate doesn’t make the world go ‘round, but it sure does make the trip worthwhile!”
As the saying goes: “Chocolate doesn’t make the world go ‘round, but it sure does make the trip worthwhile!”
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Following are some of the quotable chocolate related quotes which almost always bring a smile to anyone who reads them:
> Chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don’t need an appointment.
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> Eating chocolate can have significant influences on mood, generally leading to an increase in pleasant feelings and a reduction in tension. – Peter Rogers, Ph.D., Institute of Food Research
> Eating chocolate can have significant influences on mood, generally leading to an increase in pleasant feelings and a reduction in tension. – Peter Rogers, Ph.D., Institute of Food Research
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> When no one understands you, chocolate is there.
> When no one understands you, chocolate is there.
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> The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain. – Thomas Jefferson.
> The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain. – Thomas Jefferson.
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> Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. – Forrest Gump
> Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. – Forrest Gump
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> Chocolate makes everyone smile – even bankers. – Ben Strohecker, chocolatier
> Chocolate makes everyone smile – even bankers. – Ben Strohecker, chocolatier
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> If they don’t have chocolate in heaven, I ain’t going.
> If they don’t have chocolate in heaven, I ain’t going.
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> Save the Earth! (It’s the only planet with chocolate.)
> Save the Earth! (It’s the only planet with chocolate.)
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