By ChicaMod Editor
It’s the most recognizable face of romance, a Valentine’s Day staple food. Most of the world’s chocolate is produced in Africa, in an industry where child labour is rife. Perhaps the greatest irony of this symbol of love is that, like the blood diamonds, it is stained with blood and tears. Lots of children are sold into slavery in the cacao farms where the seeds that produce chocolate are grown.
Below are more facts about chocolate:
- It is toxic to some animals such as dogs, cats and rodents which lack sufficient metabolism to break it down.
- It is a stimulant. This effect, though mild in humans, is more drastic in horses. Its use is specifically prohibited in horse-racing.
- It has been used as a cure for diarrhea.
- Although evidence remains unclear, it is believed to have aphrodisiac qualities. This, however, may be due to the fact that it is commonly associated with love, and the feel of melting chocolate on one’s tongue with ecstasy.
- Chocolate has, among other stimulants, caffeine, which has been thought to cause addictions. However, white chocolate which is made from cocoa butter has only trace amounts of this. Now you have an excuse for ingesting copious amounts of chocolate: there are no signs around town reading Chocolate Anonymous. Even the witchdoctors from Tanzania overlook it in their list of vexatious afflictions they can expeditiously cure.
- Although there lacks evidence to support this claim, chocolate has been accused of causing acne.
- Due to its high energy content, massive consumption of chocolate without concurrent physical activity may lead to obesity. However, anything that tastes good will probably give you obesity. You know what they say; if it feels good, stop!
- Studies suggest that chocolate has anti-ageing and anti-cancer properties.
- Chocolate is not only a preserve of St. Valentine’s Day. Easter eggs are made of chocolate. It is also a very safe bet to give someone chocolate at Christmas or on their birthday, especially if you aren’t too sure of what they’d like or if you’re too lazy to do your research. You don’t even have to wait for their birthday. If you want something, give someone chocolate. They’ll call you sweet, and then proceed to grant your wishes!
-
Photo Credits: health.howstuffworks.com;myrecipes.com
