Daily Times

Chocolate in its entirety is a sweet delight that audiences of all age groups crave for and it undoubtedly is a miracle food that not only satisfies untimely hunger pangs but has several health benefits to begin with.

It’s no wonder that the Mayans and the Aztecs considered it to be the food of the gods and thus an aphrodisiac, considering the presence of phenyl ethylamine, also known as a love drug and a mood enhancer.

From its use as a drink to currency during the era of the Mayan civilisation, what has remained constant throughout is its prestige because of its luxurious nature. This is the reason that chocolate is often the ultimate choice for festive occasions and a preferred gift. This sums up to the notion that chocolate is indeed a gift from nature!

Cacao is a rich source of magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, potassium, selenium and phosphorus, prominent among the 700 compounds found in it. It increases the production of nitric oxide, protects blood vessels, and boosts blood circulation. The presence of antioxidants such as flavonoids from among the phenol family prevent low-density lipoprotein from accumulating in the arteries, thus maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Generally speaking, the more concentrated and the darker the chocolate is, the more antioxidants it would have due to higher concentrated amounts of phenol per gramme. According to a recent study conducted by Norfolk, it was inferred that those who consumed an equivalent of two chocolate bars a day had a slightly lower risk of stroke in comparison to those who rarely consumed it; meanwhile researchers in Finland have quoted the figure by concluding that chocolate consumption reduces the chances of stroke in men by 17 percent.

Likewise, among several other benefits, chocolate providing stress relief by reducing stress hormones and combating cancer are quite noteworthy while not just only reducing the aging process, the flavonols also protect the skin against sun damage. Chocolate also contains anandamide, named after the Sanskrit word for ‘bliss,’ which is a neurotransmitter in the brain and is known for temporarily blocking feelings of pain and anxiety. It is said that this comfort food may be beneficial for a number of other health challenges as well, such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and even autism.

The health benefits of chocolates vary in accordance with genders as well, for instance, the alkaloid found in chocolate called the obromine helps reduce preeclampsia in expectant women, thereby lowering the risk by 69 percent, it has thus been established that consuming at least five servings if chocolate per week attains such results. More so, the babies of such mothers smile more often as opposed to the off springs of non-chocolate consuming mothers.

Interestingly enough, according to the neuroscientist, Will Clower, if a small piece of chocolate is melted on the tongue just 20 minutes before the meal, specific hormones are triggered in the brain that vehemently say, “I’m full,” thereby reducing the appetite for food.

Chocolate also goes really well in terms of the cupcake demand which has taken chocoholics by storm. This sweet tooth craving can uplift your mood and trigger mood enhancing chemicals in your brain. The ingredients that you will need are 100g unsalted butter softened, 100g caster sugar, two medium eggs, 100g self-raising flour, 12 cupcake cases, 125g unsalted butter softened, 125g icing sugar and purple sprinkles.

Preheat the oven to 190 C and place 12 paper cases into a 12 hole bun tray.

In a bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and creamy, add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. Fold in the sieved flour and chopped Cadbury Dairy Milk chunks and divide the mixture between the cases. Bake in oven for 15 minutes, until well risen and golden brown. Share the joy!

Prepare the butter cream by beating together the butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the melted chocolate. Place into a piping bag with nozzle and pipe onto the top of the cakes.

Decorate with purple sprinkles and shavings of Cadbury Dairy Milk.