Chocolate has a rich history beginning over 2000 years ago in Mexico and Central American. Tribes such as Incas and Mayans made a spicy warm drink from the seeds of the cacao tree and seasonings called “xocoatl” The Aztecs believed cacao was sent directly from the god Quetzalcoatl, and considered this a drink of the gods that would bring great wisdom and physical nourishment when consumed.

During the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the early 1500s, the Spaniards discovered this beverage, but found it to be too bitter for their tastes and began to add sugar to make it more palatable. The Spaniards brought this drink home, and within the century, the aristocracy throughout Europe enjoyed the sweetened chocolate beverage. Since the beans were so expensive to import and had to be ground by hand, chocolate became a status symbol enjoyed by the only the very wealthy. As a matter of fact, in some South American countries, cocoa beans were even used as a form of currency.

During the industrial revolution, machines enabled the mass production of chocolate allowing the general population to finally share in the enjoyment of this flavorful luxury. The cocoa press eventually came along, and in 1847 chocolate was available in a solid form that could be eaten. None of the earlier methods of preparation included milk, but instead was pure dark chocolate. Milk wasn’t added until the late 1800s, giving us the milk chocolate that we know today.

And what about health? Isn’t chocolate bad for me? It seems that chocolate can actually be good for you, but just remember that moderation is the key! One ounce per day seems to be the general recommendation, so it’s just enough to fight those cravings and provide some emotional and physical benefits as well, while avoiding taking in too many excess calories.

Chocolate contains over 300 known chemicals, including magnesium, which the body lacks during menstruation. This could explain why women have such strong menstrual cravings, plus magnesium is said to help reduce stress. Other chemicals found in chocolate, such as phenylethylamine(PEA), and theobromine, are said to act as stimulants and anti-depressants. So, the good feeling from chocolate may not be just in our heads. Theobromine, by the way, is dangerous to dogs, which is why you can never let them eat even a small amount. Additionally, the flavanoids contained in chocolate are said to help lower cholesterol and may even help reduce the risk of heart disease!

Some research has shown that chocolate, and any food you eat for that matter, does not cause or aggravate acne. So you can rest assured that your skin will be free from any side effects of those chocolate indulgences. Chocolate may not be so as bad for your teeth as you’d expect, either. While the sugar can surely promote cavities, the chocolate itself isn’t quite so guilty. In fact, the cocoa butter is said to coat teeth and possible prevent formation of plaque. Additonally, the milk in milk chocolate contains calcium and protein which are beneficial for protecting your teeth. That’s not to say that eating chocolate will prevent cavities, but at least there are ingredients that may counter the harmful dental effects as opposed to consuming other sorts of sweets. Chocolate is also relatively low in caffeine compared to coffee and tea. There still is a small amount, however, so be aware of this if you’re overly sensitive to caffeine.

Looking to get that chocolate fix after reading all the tasty info? Here’s an interesting online shop recommended by a fellow Morbid Outlooker, where you can order your chocolate in the shape of a human skull:
www.chocolateskulls.com

This web site sells chocolate bars and drinks geared towards better health and skincare and has a great FAQ page full of chocolate facts:
www.healthbychocolate.com

Green and Black’s sells fair trade organic bittersweet chocolate to keep your sweet tooth and your concience happy. Plus they have plenty of vegan options!
www.greenandblacks.com

Chocoholics Divine Desserts has a great variety of chocolate goodies, body paints and chocolate pasta that could be served for dessert or with a mole sauce.
www.gourmetchocolate.com

For those of you that would prefer not to eat chocolate, but still indulge that craving, try this recipe for a fragrant body scrub you can make at home:

Thank you for supporting my column and Morbid Outlook Magazine. The next column will be available in June; in the meantime, feel free to write to me at witchhazel@morbidoutlook.com. I can’t promise a personal reply to your questions due to the volume of mail I receive, but I will try my best to answer your questions in an upcoming column.